Bichon Frise Grooming Guide (2026)

Bichon Frise Coat Overview

The Bichon Frise has one of the most distinctive coats in the dog world: a dense, curly, double-layered coat that is almost entirely white. The outer coat is coarse and curly, while the undercoat is soft and silky. Together, they create the breed's signature puffy, cotton-ball appearance.

At just 12-18 pounds, Bichons are a small breed, which helps keep grooming costs moderate. Their coat grows continuously like human hair rather than going through typical shedding cycles. This means loose hairs get trapped in the curly coat instead of falling on your furniture — making them a popular choice for allergy sufferers.

However, that trapped hair creates a significant matting risk. Without daily brushing, mats form quickly and can become painful for the dog. Bichons require more frequent professional grooming than many breeds, similar to Poodles and Maltese, due to their continuously growing curly coat.

Step-by-Step Home Grooming Routine

Step 1: Daily Brushing

Use a slicker brush to work through the entire coat in sections, brushing down to the skin. Follow with a steel comb to check for any remaining tangles. Pay special attention to behind the ears, under the legs, and around the collar area where mats form fastest. Use a detangling spray to work through any knots gently — never pull or rip through them.

Step 2: Bathing

Bathe every 3-4 weeks using a whitening or brightening shampoo designed for white coats. Always brush out any mats before bathing, as water tightens tangles. Work shampoo thoroughly into the dense curly coat, then rinse completely. Apply a moisturizing conditioner to help prevent breakage and make brushing easier.

Regular bathing with whitening shampoo keeps the Bichon Frise coat bright and clean

Step 3: Drying

Blow-dry the coat completely using a low-heat dryer while brushing simultaneously. This technique, called fluff drying, straightens the curls slightly and creates the breed's signature puffy look. Never air-dry a Bichon — their dense coat holds moisture that can cause skin irritation and a musty smell.

Step 4: Face and Eye Care

Bichons are prone to tear staining — reddish-brown marks below the eyes. Wipe the eye area daily with a damp cloth or tear stain remover. Keep the hair around the eyes trimmed to prevent irritation. Clean facial folds and around the mouth after meals.

Step 5: Nail Trimming and Ear Care

Trim nails every 2-3 weeks. Bichons have small, fast-growing nails that can curl under if neglected. Clean ears weekly and pluck excess ear hair to improve airflow — Bichons grow dense hair inside the ear canal that can trap moisture and lead to infections. Brush teeth 2-3 times per week.

Professional grooming tools are essential for maintaining the Bichon Frise's signature rounded cut

Bichon Frise Grooming Cost

Expect to spend $390-$975 per year on professional Bichon Frise grooming. Their small size keeps per-visit costs reasonable, but the 4-6 week cycle adds up. For more details, see our dog grooming cost guide.

When to See a Professional Groomer

• Every 4-6 weeks for haircuts: Bichons need regular trimming to maintain coat shape and prevent overgrowth
• Severe matting: Professionals can safely de-mat or shave down a severely matted coat without injuring the skin
• Ear hair plucking: If you are uncomfortable plucking ear hair at home, have a groomer handle it
• Show grooming: The breed-standard powder puff cut requires skilled scissor work
• Persistent tear staining: A groomer can advise on products and trim the area properly

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

Bichon Frises need professional grooming every 4-6 weeks, costing $45-$75 per session. Their curly, continuously growing coat is low-shedding but high-maintenance. Daily brushing, regular professional haircuts, tear stain management, and ear care are the keys to keeping your Bichon looking and feeling their best.

Ready to find a professional groomer? Search for groomers near you who specialize in curly-coated breeds.