A Guide to Caring for Long-Haired Breeds with Salon Elements

A Guide to Caring for Long-Haired Breeds with Salon Elements

Long‑haired dogs are stunning—flowing coat movement, natural shine, soft texture—but they also demand more intentional care than other coat types. From tangles and environmental buildup to sensitive skin hidden beneath all that length, these beautiful coats rely on products formulated with precision, performance, and well‑being in mind.

Salon Elements by Isle of Dogs was created for this exact purpose. Two key formulas—Sit Still and 2 Heal—work in harmony to keep long coats manageable, protected, and healthy from end to end. Here’s how they elevate your grooming routine.


Why Long Coats Need Specialized Care

Breeds like Shih Tzus, Lhasas, Maltese, Afghan Hounds, and long‑coated mixed breeds all share similar coat challenges:

  • Tangles and mats form easily around friction points
  • Dryness leads to breakage, frizz, and loss of natural sheen
  • Debris becomes trapped in the coat, causing irritation
  • Hidden skin issues can go unnoticed until they worsen
  • Length retention depends on moisture balance and cuticle protection

A healthy long coat isn’t just about beauty—it’s about maintaining comfort, preventing pain from matting, and supporting long‑term coat vitality.


Step 1: Cleansing & Hydrating the Hair with Salon Elements Sit (Still) Shampoo

Sit (Still) is your go‑to shampoo for long‑haired or drop-coated breeds that need extra slip, control, and calmness during brushing and scissoring. Because these types of coats often need to be bathed more frequently, Sit (Still)'s gentle ingredients assure that frequent bathing only helps, not hinders the care. 

What Sit Still Does

  • Gently cleanses and hydrates for easier brushing and scissoring
  • Added moisture helps strengthen the hair
  • Helps prevent breakage 
  • Increases resiliency and manageability to protect the coat 
  • Creates a polished, frizz‑free finish

Step 2: Protecting Skin & Strengthening the Hair with Salon Elements 2 Heal

Long hair is only as healthy as the skin beneath it—and long coats often hide redness, irritation, dryness, and minor abrasions.

2 Heal not only brings skin wellness into the daily grooming process it in turn nourishes the hair.

What 2 Heal Does

  • Hydrates and protects skin beneath dense coats
  • Nourishes the coat from root to tip
  • Makes coat noticeably softer, smoother, and more manageable
  • Continued use results in a more luxurious coat

How to Use 2 Heal on Long-Coated Dogs

Apply to a clean, damp coat and let sit for 2 to 3 minutes before rinsing. On long-haired dogs prone to dryness, breakage, or matting pay particular attention to these key areas:

  • Behind ears
  • Belly fringe
  • Skirts
  • Feathers

This keeps the hair hydrated and more elastic, reducing breakage and tangles.

Why Groomers Love This Duo

Together, Sit Still and 2 Heal create a balanced approach to long‑coat care:

  • Improved manageability
  • Reduced breakage and matting
  • Healthier skin foundation
  • Enhanced shine and smoothness
  • A calmer, more enjoyable grooming experience

From everyday mats to show‑ring coats, this pairing supports both beauty and well‑being—exactly what long-haired dogs need.