Getting started with OPAWZ colors

You may have mixed emotions when considering whether or not to use dog hair dye. On one hand you're super excited to see how it will look, while at the same time you may be feeling slightly apprehensive, especially given some of the scary stories out there on the internet.

OPAWZ is here to put your mind at ease as you take your first steps into the wonderful world of creative grooming with color.

Choosing the products right for your needs

The OPAWZ line of color products have varying lasting times for different coloring needs.

Permanent Colors

Lasting time: 20+ washes
For dogs & horses

Featuring bright, fashionable and unique colors, our permanent dye is the best if you're looking for a long-lasting effect. Let your pets stand out from the rest!

Recommended for creative grooming competitions and those with a bit more experience.

Shop Collection

Semi-Permanent Colors

Lasting time: 8+ washes
For dogs, horses, cats

Ideal if you're looking to spruce up your pet's style without the long-term commitment of a permanent dye.

The Semi-Permanent Dyes and Color Shampoos gradually wash away (around 8 washes) and is suitable for groomers of all skill levels.

Shop Collection

Temporary Colors

Lasting time: 1-3 washes
For all pets that can be bathed

OPAWZ also offers a line of temporary color products ranging from hair chalks to blow pens to paint pens to glitter gels.

These products generally last from 1-3 washes and are great for quick colorful changes to pets without the long-term commitment.

Shop Collection

How to use OPAWZ Products

Lasting time: 20+ washes
For: 🐶🐴

DIRECTIONS

  • Shampoo and blow-dry first if the dog's coat is dirty and oily.
  • Shake well before opening.
  • Apply onto desired coat area and leave it on for 20 minutes (For the Loyal Brown and Vital Copper, please let the color sit on the hair for at least 40 minutes).
  • Rinse and dry after.

NOTE

  • Be sure to stir well with a brush before use.
  • Gloves are highly recommended to avoid dye from staining hands
  • For coloring limited areas, such as ears or tails, you may apply directly to dry fur. Results may vary depending on application strength and individual pet’s coat.
  • Coloring results may vary with coat type and breed.
  • Conditioner may inhibit colors from adhering properly. Please do not use any conditioner or other brands' dyes (as they may contain conditioner ingredients) prior to using OPAWZ dye.

CAUTION

  • Not recommended for use on pets under 6 months.
  • Not recommended for use on cats.
  • Do not use on pets with sensitive, irritated, or damaged skin.
  • Do not allow pets to lick.
  • Avoid contact with eyes and mouth. If it happens, rinse with a large amount of water for 15 minutes.
  • If any allergic reactions happen during dyeing, discontinue process immediately and consult a veterinarian. Allergy test on the skin is recommended 48 hours prior to application if the pet is being colored for the first time.

Lasting time: 8+ washes
For: 🐶🐴😺

DIRECTIONS

  • Shampoo and blow-dry first if pets' coat is dirty and oily without using conditioner.
  • Apply evenly on the desired coat area and leave it on for 20 minutes.
  • Rinse until water runs clear and dry after.

NOTE

  • Gloves are highly recommended to avoid dye from staining hands
  • Best suited for white and light haired coats.
  • Colors will last longer for fine and soft-haired coat type pets such as Bichon and Poodle.
  • Color will typically last around 12 washes.
  • For wire-haired coat type, colors will wash away more quickly.
  • Final color result will vary depending upon the hair color for light brown & light gray coats.
  • Not suggested for use on dark-haired coats.

CAUTION

  • Do not use on pets that have sensitive, irritated or damaged skin.
  • Do not allow the pet to lick.
  • Avoid contact with eyes and mouth. If it happens, rinse immediately with plenty of water for 15 minutes.
  • If an allergic reaction happens, discontinue use immediately and consult a veterinarian.

Lasting time: 3-8 washes
For: 🐶🐴😺 + pets that can be bathed

DIRECTIONS

  • Rinse hair, then apply a generous amount of Funky Color Shampoo evenly from roots to ends.
  • Lather well to make sure the product is saturated throughout the fur to ensure a more even application.
  • Leave in for 10-30 minutes.
  • Rinse with lukewarm water and finish up with conditioner.
  • Color will last for 3-8 washes.
  • Time of hold may vary based on coat texture.

The longer the color shampoo stays on, the brighter the color result!

NOTE

  • Gloves are recommended to avoid color staining on hands.
  • If the hair is too greasy, please use OPAWZ Deep Cleanse Shampoo to wash at first.
  • To get a better result, do not use any conditioners or treatment products before using Funky Color Shampoo. If used it can prevent color from transferring.
  • In case of contact with eyes, rinse them immediately.

Lasting time: 1-3 washes
For: 🐶🐴😺 + pets that can be bathed

DIRECTIONS

  • Apply directly on the pet’s coat.
  • Washes off in 1-3 shampoos

NOTE

Some hairs are more absorbent and therefore the color can last longer.

Lasting time: 1-3 washes
For: 🐶🐴😺 + pets that can be bathed

DIRECTIONS

  • Aim and blow to spray.
  • Can be used with OPAWZ tattoo stencil. Blow the color through the stencil to create easy, professional looking designs.

NOTE

  • Color can last about 2-5 weeks.
  • Pink and Purple Color may last around 1-2 months. 
  • Coloring results and lasting time may vary with coat type and breed. 

CAUTION

  • Close and seal blow pen when it not in use to extend the cartridge life.
  • Do not use near the pet’s eyes and mouth.

Lasting time: 1-3 washes
For: 🐶🐴😺 + pets that can be bathed

DIRECTIONS

  • Apply directly to the pet’s coat.
  • Repeated applications creates a fuller and catchier result.

NOTE

  • Some hairs are more absorbent and therefore the color can last longer. 
  • Use OPAWZ Grooming Spray to help the color last longer

CAUTION

  • Avoid using around eyes and mouth.
  • If an allergic reaction occurs, discontinue use immediately and consult a veterinarian.

Lasting time: 1-3 washes
For: 🐶🐴😺 + pets that can be bathed

AIRBRUSH DIRECTIONS

  • Plug in the mini air compressor and the red POWER light will be on.
  • Press the MODE Button. When the green light of MAX speed is on, the airbrush is ready for use.
  • Adjust the airbrush speed by pressing the MODE button.
  • Fill the fluid cup and slide the trigger to spray.
  • Clean the fluid cup and the airbrush thoroughly every time you switch colors and after use.
  • Turn it off by pressing the Power Button again, and then unplug the device.

CAUTION

  • The airbrush compressor should be stored and used in cool, dry and well-ventilated places.
  • Keep out of the reach of children.
  • Requires 0-40°C (32-104° F) ambient temperature to store and use. Avoid exposure to sunlight.
  • Keep the airbrush in the original holder when not use.

TEMP-INK DIRECTIONS

  • Open and drop into the airbrush machine directly.
  • Do not touch water after using to avoid color fade.
  • Cover lid after use to ensure the best effect for the next use.

CAUTION

  • Do not contact with pet's eyes or mouth. If it happens, rinse thoroughly with water.
  • Keep out of reach of children.

Lasting time: 1-3 washes
For: 🐶🐴😺 + pets that can be bathed

DIRECTIONS

  • • Place on fingers or brush and apply evenly to dry coat.
  • Comb through and blow dry with warm air.

CAUTION

  • Avoid using around eyes and mouth.
  • If an allergic reaction occurs, discontinue use immediately and consult a veterinarian.

Lasting time: 1 wash

DIRECTIONS

  • Apply directly to coat and use OPAWZ Setting Spray to hold in place.

CAUTION

  • Avoid eyes and mouth. Do not let pet ingest.

Professional Use Only.
For: 🐶🐴

Please check the usage directions and caution warnings carefully on the Lighting Cream & Developer page.

Offering Creative Grooming services at your salon

For first-time creative grooming clients, getting their pet colored can be exciting and daunting. As a creative groomer, you should be knowledgeable in the different products and be able to clearly explain to the client what to expect, in terms of color lasting time, differences between products, and so on.

Tips on introducing creative grooming in your salon

  • Temporary color such as chalk and paint pens are great for testing how the client likes their pet with color, and they wash off easily so there is no long-term commitment.
  • Offer to do small designs for holidays and special occasions! A heart 💓 for Valentines Day, Christmas trees 🎄 for Christmas, or even fun shapes like stars or rainbows for every day of the year. Consider the OPAWZ stencils to create these designs quickly and easily.
  • Offering a first-time discount can also help hook clients and get them used to seeing color on their pet!

Consulation

Have swatches on hand, as they are a great tool to show the clients what the final color result can look like on their pet.

OPAWZ offers dyeable wool swatches, or you can create your own swatch book with snips of hair.

You can also use our free printable info posters as reference and resources for your client to learn more about creative grooming.

Consider a deposit

For more complex designs, such as lightening, multi-color, full body, coat carving, and detailed painted designs, consider having the client pay a deposit.

You will want to factor in your regular groom price, plus your labor and product cost for creative grooming.

The deposit cost can be a percentage of the total grooming cost, or even the cost of the products.

Sign a waiver form

Once you and your client have discussed the details of the groom, list out the details discussed in a waiver form.

Example Template

Download and save to modify it accordingly.

Always do a patch test to test for any allergies, reactions, or sensitivities the pet may have.

Connect with fellow creative groomers

If you're looking for more guidance, inspiration or just want to share your work, consider joining our community of fellow groomers and pet owners – everyone's welcome!

Join Group