Tips for Choosing the Right FlexIt® Brush

With so many options to choose from, it can get overwhelming trying to decipher which FlexIt slicker brush you need. That's why we've created this guide, to take the guesswork out of your grooming routine and help you understand the differences behind each colour and combination in the FlexIt range.

These brushes have been a true game-changer for professional groomers internationally, and we're so proud to be able to supply these to New Zealand groomers and dedicated pet parents. By understanding the simple magic behind their design, you'll be able to choose the perfect tool to save time, reduce strain, and achieve a flawless finish every time. Let's find your perfect match!

Why Choose FlexIt? The Magic is in the Flex

FlexIt brushes aren't just any slicker brushes. Their unique design features a flexible head that absorbs the energy of each brush stroke, reducing tangling and coat breakage. This flexibility, combined with specialised pin configurations, allows you to get through coats faster and more effectively, all while saving your wrist and forearm from the strain of repetitive motion. Made with high-quality, blunt-ended stainless steel pins, these brushes are durable, waterproof, and even repairable—a true investment for any serious New Zealand dog groomer.

So, with a range of brushes in different colours and styles, how do you choose? It all comes down to two key factors: Flexibility and Pin Configuration.

Understanding the Key Features

1. Flexibility: Soft vs. Firm

FlexIt brushes come with either a soft or firm flexible head.

• Soft Flex (Green & Gold Brushes): These brushes offer a more forgiving feel, making them ideal for soft-coated dogs, smaller breeds, puppies, and sensitive areas like behind the ears or under the legs. They are a fantastic choice for home groomers in New Zealand who want a professional tool that’s gentle on their pet.

• Firm Flex (Red, Purple & Silver Brushes): Preferred by most professional stylists, the firm brushes allow for a more powerful "tap and pull" technique to work through denser coats with ease. They are highly effective and are designed to cut your brushing time in half on even the most challenging coats.

2. Pin Configuration: The Right Tool for the Job

Each pin pattern is designed for a specific purpose, indicated by the brush's colour.

• Mat Breaking (Red Mat Zapper): A must-have for every groomer. The Red Mat Zapper features a random, multi-directional pin pattern specifically designed to "explode" through tough, heavily matted coats. This firm-headed brush can save coats you might otherwise have had to shave, making it an invaluable tool for de-matting.

• Finishing (Purple or Green Brushes): These brushes have a linear pin layout with a short shank and a pronounced hook. This design keeps the brush on the outer layer of the coat, perfect for creating a smooth, even, and polished finish.

  • Firm Purple Finishing: Excellent for heavy-coated dogs like Poodles, Doodles, Golden Retrievers, and Samoyeds.

  • Soft Green Finishing: The perfect choice for soft-coated breeds such as Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Pomeranians.

• Undercoating (Silver or Gold Brushes): Designed for double-coated dogs, these brushes have long, thin pins with tiny hooks. The pins plunge through the topcoat to effectively grab and remove dead undercoat without damaging the outer layer.

  • Firm Silver Undercoating: The go-to for thick, double-coated breeds like Huskies, German Shepherds, and Akitas. Also great for those with dense combination coats, like Oodles, Bichon Frise, or Schnauzers. 

  • Soft Gold Undercoating: Ideal for breeds with long, silky coats and moderate undercoats, such as Yorkies, Silky Terriers, and Flat-Coated Retrievers.

The Power of FlexIt® Combo Brushes: Two in One!

FlexIt Combo brushes are a game-changer, giving you two different pin configurations on a single brush head. This saves you time and money by allowing you to switch between tasks without changing tools.

• Purple/Silver Firm Flex Combo: This is your go-to for double-coated dogs with thick, dense coats. Use the Firm Silver Undercoating side to efficiently strip dead undercoat, then flip to the Firm Purple Finishing side for a flawless topcoat finish.

• Red/Silver Firm Flex Combo: Perfect for long-haired, double or combination-coated dogs that have a tendency to matt. Use the Red Mat Zapper to break down mats, then flip to the Silver Undercoater to get rid of dead undercoat.

• Green/Gold Soft Flex Combo: The ideal choice for softer-coated dogs or for home groomers. The Soft Gold side gently removes undercoat, while the Soft Green Finishing side polishes the coat to perfection. A great, forgiving, and professional-grade tool for pet parents in New Zealand.

Single vs. Double Width: Size Matters

All FlexIt brushes, whether Twins or Combos, are available in both single and double widths.

• Single Width: The standard size for targeted grooming and smaller breeds.

• Double Width: Twice as wide, this brush is designed for larger breeds and will cut your brushing time down even further by covering more surface area with each stroke.

Final Tips for Choosing the Right FlexIt® Brush

• Identify the primary job: Are you dealing with heavy matting, undercoat removal, or simply finishing a coat? Start there.

• Consider the coat type: Is the coat soft and delicate, or thick and double-coated? This will help you choose between a soft or firm flex.

• Think about your workflow: Do you need a dedicated tool for a specific task, or would a Combo brush that can do two jobs in one be more efficient for your salon?

The FlexIt slicker brush range truly offers a brush for every job and every dog. By understanding the simple combination of flexibility and pin configuration, you can confidently select the perfect tools to elevate your dog grooming routine to the next level. Your hands, and your furry clients, will thank you for it!