A groomer is ensuring pampered pets are a cut above the rest - by giving them "angel wings".
Helen Kirby spent a week in Malaysia learning how to create the intricate "Asian Fusion" doggy hairstyles.
She was inspired to create the beautifully coiffured coats after seeing Instagram posts of "teddy bear dogs" rocking out-of-this-world looks, Team Dogs reports.
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Helen, 29, was keen to learn the art for herself and before the pandemic jetted over 6,500 miles to Kuala Lumpur to study an intensive course in Asian fusion dog grooming.
The groomer said: "I was honestly blown away with how mathematical, methodical and how each style is linked to the dog's anatomy.
"At the start of my grooming career I made it my goal to learn this style, and through the years I have worked out how to groom in the style.
"But in order to perfect the skill, I had to spend that time in Asia learning from the professionals, at the Pets Icon Grooming Academy (PIGA). The teachers at PIGA are extremely knowledgeable and talented. I was in awe of their skill."
Helen had to learn to draw a perfect concentric circle before she could even pick up a pair of scissors .
She said: "Before we were allowed to scissor anything, we had to draw the style of groom to absolute perfection.
"Their theory is if you can’t draw the shape with a pencil, how are you going to scissor it? We spent a lot of time rubbing out and redrawing the perfect circular shapes - Mr Miyagi, Karate Kid style!
"I learnt the correct shapes and techniques for Asian fusion on a dog model with synthetic hair before we got to groom a real dog."
Since returning home to the UK and with grooming salons open again after lockdown Helen has been putting her new skills to use.
She said: "I really enjoy scissoring new shapes and I’ve noticed how much I have improved since being able to freestyle.
"My favourite thing I've done is angel wings on Krystle the Labradoodle. Krystle really suits her new wings because of her sweet and gentle nature and I can’t wait to enhance other dogs' characters with custom styles tailored to them.
"This has opened up my eyes to how huge this industry is, and I realise I need to challenge myself to widen my capabilities and grow in my grooming career."
Helen is based at Bone Idol grooming salon in Brighton. To find out more about the services visit https://boneidol.co.uk/pages/brighton-dog-grooming.
