How to Care for Your Maltese’s Silky Coat: Expert Grooming Guide — Part 1

Elegant, refined, and with a gaze that effortlessly disarms you—the Maltese is a breed of finesse and class. Behind that gentle expression and flowing silk coat lies a daily challenge for both pet owners and professional groomers. The Maltese is no ordinary lapdog—he’s a living work of art that demands expertise, dedication, and a consistent grooming routine.

That iconic long, glossy coat, so characteristic of the breed, is not just for admiration—it requires constant upkeep. Because while the aesthetics of a perfectly groomed Maltese are envy-inducing, achieving that look can be a daunting task for many owners.

In this two-part “Head over Tails” blog, we dive deep into the world of Maltese coat care. Part 1 focuses on the fundamentals—washing, drying, brushing, and the essential grooming products. It’s aimed at conscious pet parents as well as grooming students. Part 2 takes the professional behind the scenes of the grooming salon, highlighting advanced techniques, customer experience, and business insights.

Where craftsmanship and passion meet in every strand.

A dazzling white Maltese? Yes, it’s stunning. But no—it doesn’t happen on its own. Behind that glossy, Instagram-worthy coat lies a wash routine built on love, knowledge, and a high-quality blow dryer. Every Maltese owner or groomer knows: that silky coat isn’t born white—and certainly doesn’t stay white without effort.

Let’s be real: the idea that white coats stay white with the occasional ‘wipe down’... is as realistic as a dog vacuuming the house. Washing is essential—every 2 to 3 weeks. Not just to pamper your Maltese (okay, maybe a little), but to keep the coat healthy, flexible, and—most importantly—free of tangles and mats.

And the drying? Don’t be tempted by the “let them air dry in their bed” approach. Nope—the blow dryer isn’t a luxury, it’s your best friend. Only with a proper drying session (yes, wind force 10 if needed) will the coat stay smooth, fluffy, and tangle-free.

Prefer to keep your hands clean? A biweekly visit to the grooming salon isn’t a splurge anymore—it’s just smart care. No work at home and still a fantastic-looking companion.

Want to try it yourself? Fantastic! But make sure you’ve got the right products, some basic know-how, and a bit of patience. Spoiler: in the next part, you’ll get a step-by-step guide for an at-home salon experience so good, your Maltese might just float a few inches off the ground.

Washing a Maltese isn’t a rush job—it’s a ritual in three carefully planned steps. Anyone dreaming of a radiant white, soft, and healthy coat must start with the right method and the right products.

Step 1: Deep Clean Start – Bye Bye Grimy Face
The first wash is all about cleansing. Use a deep-cleansing shampoo to remove dust, oil, dirt, and all unwanted external elements. For an extra boost, use a color-enhancing shampoo—usually purple—and here’s the catch.

Purple means pigment, and pigment must be used correctly. These shampoos are made to neutralize yellow tones and enhance white, but applying them undiluted can turn your dog lavender. Always follow the dilution instructions and let it sit for about 5 minutes. Result? A clean, fresh “white canvas” ready for the next step.

Step 2: Nourishment for Shine – Shampoo with Benefits
After cleansing, it’s time to nourish. Use an oil-rich, nourishing shampoo full of vitamins and moisturizing ingredients. Why? Because a long, silky coat like the Maltese’s needs extra care to stay in top condition. The longer the coat, the more care it needs—this isn’t luxury, it’s necessity.

Apply the shampoo evenly from nose to tail. Just like the first wash, let this product sit for a few minutes to allow the active ingredients to deeply penetrate and nourish the coat from within.

This two-step approach—cleanse then nourish—lays the foundation for a coat that looks beautiful and feels healthy. Trust us: your Maltese will shine like he just walked out of a cloud.

Step 3: Conditioning – The Finishing Touch for Silky Success
After washing, your Maltese is clean and fresh—but not quite ready for the spotlight. The right conditioner is crucial—it’s the difference between a “just washed” coat and a silky, radiant Maltese look that turns heads.

A conditioner is essential, especially for such a delicate, long, and white coat. Conditioning seals the hair cuticles, keeping the coat cleaner for longer, less prone to matting, and nicely hydrated between washes. And yes, we’re still assuming you wash every 2 to 3 weeks—consistency is key.

So what do you choose: conditioner or mask?

There’s a difference—it’s all about moisture content and intensity.

Conditioner contains more moisture and is perfect for already healthy coats. It helps maintain balance, keeps the coat smooth, easy to detangle, and gives that signature silky shine.
Mask is for intensive care. With more concentrated ingredients and less water, it’s ideal for dry, dull, or damaged coats caused by sun, matting, or over-styling.

Our Favorites?
While exact recommendations depend on the dog and coat type, nourishing conditioners with natural oils, keratin, panthenol, or silk proteins are always a win. Need a real boost? A rich mask with argan oil, shea butter, or vitamin complexes restores even the tiredest coats to level ten shine.

In short: conditioner or mask—finish your wash routine in luxury. Because a Maltese deserves more than just “clean.” 

A fresh start requires a thorough cleanse. These shampoos remove dirt, oil, and styling residue:

K9 Strip Off Deep Cleaning Shampoo – Powerful yet gentle. Perfect for a deep first cleanse.
SHOWTECH+ Supreme Shampoo – Professional-grade, gentle scent, strong results—ideal for white coats.

Time to repair and nourish:

K9 Aloe Vera Nurturing Shampoo – Calms the skin and nourishes with natural aloe vera and vitamins.
SHOWTECH+ Romance 2-in-1 Shampoo – Cleans and conditions in one step with a soft scent.

Locks in moisture and protects against tangles:

K9 Aloe Vera Conditioner – Light and nourishing, great for maintaining a healthy coat.
K9 Intensive Aloe Vera Coat Cure Conditioner – Ideal for coats needing extra care and deep restoration.

For dry or damaged coats:

SHOWTECH+ Moisture Mask – Rich, creamy, and effective. Deep hydration with bounce and shine.

After a refreshing wash, your Maltese may look like a drenched puffball—but that changes fast in the drying phase. Drying is more than just “a bit of blow-drying”—it’s a crucial step that determines whether the coat ends up tangle-free, airy, and salon-ready.

Air-drying? Risky.
A wet coat that air dries almost always leads to matting, tangles, and even skin problems. The solution? Professional blow-drying with a hand dryer. Use warm (not hot) air, aim in the direction of hair growth, and brush while drying to detangle and style.

Pro tip before you start drying: the Dry Dude.
The Dry Dude is an ultra-absorbent coral fleece bathrobe designed to wick away moisture quickly. It’s super soft and absorbs up to seven times its weight in water—cutting blow-dry time and making the whole process more comfortable for both dog and owner. For sensitive dogs, it’s a game changer.

Want to see it in action?
Watch our video:

A well-brushed Maltese coat isn’t just beautiful—it’s an investment in health and appearance. Literally: a tangle-free, glossy coat is worth money—especially for show dogs, but also for salon clients who value quality and comfort.

The right brush is key. Your choice depends on coat condition, presence of tangles, and your grooming goal (daily maintenance, deep detangling, or show styling). Each task calls for the right tool and technique.

The right brush at the right moment:

Yento Show Coat Slicker – Soft and perfect for daily use. Removes loose hairs, dirt, and small knots without damaging the coat.
Show Tech Tuffer Than Tangles – Great for tackling mats and serious tangles. Grips and releases tangles without breaking hair.
Yento 60/60 Pin Brush – A favorite for show grooming. Keeps volume, eliminates static, and is lightweight and gentle.

Whether your dog prefers lying or standing, finish the session calmly and completely. For dogs that like lying down, the Show Tech Comfy Groom Cushion – Small adds comfort and spa vibes.

Spray it right:
A good detangling or conditioning spray makes brushing easier, reduces breakage, cuts static, and lets the brush glide. Spray in layers while brushing, focusing on sensitive areas: armpits, ears, hind legs, and groin.

With the right tools, products, and a calm approach, brushing becomes a bonding ritual—not a battle. And let’s be honest—there’s nothing like seeing a Maltese with a coat that flows, shines, and is completely mat-free.

Don’t miss our video “Kitty Talks Dogs” for more insight into brushing a Maltese!

No clippers, no dematting—just pure creativity with scissors, style, and shape. This is where your fluffy cloud becomes a perfectly sculpted Maltese, ready for the cover of "Coat Vogue."

We’ll show you how—with sharp eyes, fine techniques, and clear communication—you can transform any Maltese into a masterpiece on paws. Whether classic, playful, or high-fashion Asian Fusion-inspired, it’s all about cutting, shaping, and daring to create.

In short: Part 2 elevates Maltese styling to the next level. Sharpen your scissors and open your creativity—this is haute couture for our Breed of the Month: The Maltese.