Why Dog Groomers Need Support More Than Ever — And Why BIGA Exists
- Polly Shears
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
The dog grooming industry is evolving rapidly. More groomers are entering the profession, client expectations are increasing and salon costs are rising and that is why dog groomers need support more than ever, and thats why one reason BIGA exists.
Dog groomers are now expected to wear multiple hats every single day. Modern dog groomers are not just stylists, they are:
coat care specialists
animal welfare advocates
business owners
customer service professionals
behaviour handlers
equipment maintenance experts
educators for pet owners
Yet despite the huge responsibility groomers carry, many still feel isolated when running their salons.
That is exactly why the British Isles Grooming Association (BIGA) exists.
BIGA Was Created By Industry Leaders Who Understand The Industry
BIGA was built to support professional dog groomers through every stage of their career.
Whether you are:
newly qualified
working from home
mobile grooming
running a busy salon
teaching students
or managing a growing team
…the challenges within the grooming industry are real.
Raising standards within the dog grooming industry is essential not only for the future of professional groomers, but for the welfare and safety of the dogs in our care. Grooming is far more than simply clipping hair — it requires knowledge of canine behaviour, coat and skin health, safe handling techniques, hygiene, equipment maintenance, first aid awareness, and the ability to recognise potential health concerns. This is why proper education and continued professional development matter so much.
Pet owners deserve confidence that the person handling their dog has received genuine training, practical experience, and ongoing education — not simply completed a £35 online course with little real understanding of animal welfare or professional salon practices. By supporting recognised training schools, encouraging continued learning, and raising industry standards through organisations like British Isles Grooming Association, we help protect dogs, support professional groomers, and build greater trust with pet owners who are placing their beloved pets into our hands.
BIGA provides a professional support network designed specifically for groomers.
Members can access:
industry advice
educational opportunities
business guidance
practical grooming support
workshops and networking
and a professional community that understands salon life
Because sometimes groomers simply need somewhere to turn for advice.
The Reality Of Running A Grooming Salon
Many of the everyday challenges groomers face are never discussed publicly.
From equipment failures to difficult customers, running a salon can become physically and emotionally exhausting.
One of the most common issues professional groomers face is equipment breakdown — particularly clippers and blades.
A clipper stopping mid-groom can instantly create stress, delays, and lost income.
This is why education around equipment maintenance is so important.
At Clipit Grooming, education has always been a huge part of supporting the grooming industry, particularly around blade care, clipper maintenance, and improving salon efficiency.
What To Check When Your Clipper Stops Working
Before replacing expensive equipment, there are several things groomers should always check first.
Check The Blade Drive
A worn blade drive is one of the most common causes of poor clipper performance.
Clean The Blade Properly
Hair trapped inside the blade creates friction, overheating, and reduced cutting performance.
Regular deep cleaning helps extend blade life significantly.
Oil Your Blades Frequently
Many groomers do not oil their blades often enough.
Professional blades should typically be lubricated every 5–10 minutes during use.
Products such as the Clipit Blade Care Range were designed specifically to help groomers maintain blades correctly and reduce overheating problems in busy salons.
Avoid Overusing Coolant Sprays Alone
Coolant sprays can temporarily reduce heat, but many contain alcohol which can dry blades out if not paired with proper oiling.
Check Blade Tension
Over-tightened blades can increase friction and create excess heat very quickly.
Inspect Batteries & Charging Cables
Loose charging points or worn cables are often overlooked.
Small maintenance checks can prevent costly repairs and reduce downtime within the salon.
Groomers Need More Than Products — They Need Support
The grooming industry can feel lonely at times.
Many groomers work long hours alone while trying to manage:
clients
difficult dogs
physical strain
online competition
and increasing customer expectations
BIGA helps provide a sense of professional community.
It gives groomers access to people who genuinely understand the pressures of salon life.
That support matters.
Education Helps Groomers Build Better Businesses
The most successful groomers are often those who continue learning throughout their careers.
At the Clipit Hub, workshops and educational events regularly focus on:
coat and skin health
senior dog grooming
hand stripping
salon efficiency
clipper maintenance
drying techniques
and welfare-focused grooming
BIGA shares a similar vision:Supporting groomers through education, professionalism, and industry standards.
Because grooming is no longer “just clipping dogs.”
It is a skilled profession that deserves recognition and support.
Why Joining BIGA Matters
Joining BIGA shows clients that you care about professionalism, standards, and continued education.
But beyond that, it gives groomers something many are currently missing:support from within the industry itself.
By joining British Isles Grooming Association, groomers become part of a growing professional movement focused on:
Because no groomer should feel like they have to figure everything out alone.
Join BIGA Today
If you are passionate about dog grooming and want to be part of a professional community that supports groomers both personally and professionally, consider joining British Isles Grooming Association today.
And for groomers looking to improve salon efficiency, blade maintenance, and grooming workflow, explore the professional grooming education and product range available at Clipit Grooming.
Continue Learning With BIGA
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