The 3 Best Dog Brushes for Your Bichon Frise
If you live with a Bichon Frise, you already know what a little puff of joy they are. That soft, white coat is one of their most charming features—it’s like hugging a cotton cloud. But that fluffy coat comes with a catch: it tangles. And once tangles turn into mats, brushing can become stressful for both you and your pup.
The good news? With the right tools, keeping your Bichon’s coat healthy and mat-free can actually be simple—and even enjoyable. I want to share the three Freshly Bailey brushes that I truly believe every Bichon owner should have on hand. These are the exact tools I recommend to friends who bring home their first Bichon, because they make daily grooming so much easier and gentler.
Why Grooming a Bichon Is So Important
The Bichon Frise coat is unique. Unlike many breeds, they don’t shed much, which is a blessing for people who don’t want fur on their couch. But because their curls just keep growing, the loose hair doesn’t fall away—it tangles back into the coat. That’s why brushing isn’t optional; it’s essential.
When you skip brushing for a few days, little knots start forming, especially around the ears, legs, and under the arms. Leave those knots alone and they harden into mats that can pull at the skin and cause real discomfort. The best approach is to stay ahead of it. Even ten minutes a day can keep your Bichon’s coat fluffy, soft, and free of tangles.
3 Best Dog Brushes for a Bichon Frise
1. High Quality Slicker Brush
When brushing your Bichon, the slicker brush is your everyday workhorse. For that, I recommend the Freshly Bailey Slicker Brush. It’s designed for dense, curly coats, and it hits the balance of being effective without being too rough.
This brush has longer, bent-wire pins that can reach into the fur and pull out loose hair and tangles. Because of its design, it lets you work deeper without pressing so hard against the skin—so you’re less likely to irritate. I use it by holding it at a gentle angle and letting it glide through the coat, section by section.
If your Bichon has especially sensitive skin, or you notice they’re a bit jumpy during brushing, I suggest keeping the Freshly Bailey Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush on hand as a softer alternative. The retractable bristles are gentler, and the self-cleaning mechanism means less fiddling with stuck fur—which often reduces the temptation to brush more aggressively than needed.
2. Dematting Comb
Even if you’re diligent with brushing, Bichons have a way of finding trouble spots. Behind the ears, under the collar, in the little creases of their legs—these are places mats love to hide. That’s when you’ll be glad you have the Dematting Comb in your drawer.
This isn’t a brush you’ll use every day, but it’s the one that rescues you when you discover a stubborn knot. The teeth are designed to cut through mats safely, without pulling or hurting your dog. I like to gently separate the mat with my fingers first, then slide the comb under the tangle and work outward in small strokes.
The key here is patience. Go slowly. Support the fur with your other hand so you’re not pulling at the skin. And if a mat is really severe, don’t be ashamed to let a professional groomer handle it. What I love about this tool is that it saves you from the frustration of trying to work a tough knot out with a regular brush. Instead of a battle, it becomes a careful little procedure that ends with relief—for you and your pup.
3. A Metal Comb
Once the brushing and detangling are done, I always run a comb through my dog’s coat to make sure we didn’t miss anything. The Freshly Bailey Dual-Length Metal Comb is perfect for this.
After I’ve used the slicker and the dematting comb, I’ll go over the coat with the metal comb. It catches little snags that the brushes might have missed. It’s also wonderful for sensitive areas—the face, the ears, the paws.
Think of it as your “check-up” tool. If the comb slides through easily, you know the coat is in good shape. If it gets stuck, you know you need to go back and work out a small tangle before it grows.
Other Must-Have Bichon Frise Grooming Tool
One grooming tool we highly recommend to make each brushing routine much easier and smooth is a detangling spray. The detangling spray will help loosen all the tangles and give your dog a fresh smell between baths.
How It All Fits Together
With these three brushes, you can create a simple routine that keeps your Bichon’s coat healthy without overwhelming you. On most days, you’ll just need the slicker brush for a few minutes. When you find a tangle, bring out the dematting comb. And at the end of every session, finish with the metal comb for a polished look.
This isn’t about spending hours every day. It’s about being consistent. A few minutes each evening while you’re watching TV or winding down can save you from those dreaded, painful mats. Plus, brushing time can become bonding time. Bichons love attention, and when brushing is done gently, they’ll start to enjoy it. My dog often curls up beside me after, looking extra proud of their fluffy coat.
Little Tips That Make Brushing Easier
Over time, I’ve picked up a few habits that make grooming smoother. I always start with a little detangling spray, especially in dry weather, because it helps the brush glide without static. I also keep treats nearby. Associating brushing with rewards turns it into something your dog looks forward to instead of avoiding.
And here’s one more: don’t wait until your Bichon looks messy. By then, it’s already more work. Instead, think of brushing as part of daily care—just like feeding or walking. Short, gentle sessions are always better than letting things pile up.
How to Brush Your Bichon Frise - Step-by-Step
Brushing your Bichon doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right tools, a little detangling spray, and a simple routine, it can actually be a sweet bonding time with your pup. Here’s a step-by-step way to do it:
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Start with a calm pup
Choose a time when your Bichon is relaxed—after a walk or a play session works well. Have your brushes, detangling spray, and a few treats nearby.
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Lightly mist with detangling spray
Before brushing, spritz a small amount of detangling spray over your Bichon’s coat. This helps reduce friction, prevents breakage, and makes the brush glide through curls more easily.
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Work in sections
Begin with one area, like a leg, instead of tackling the whole body at once. Slowly move through the legs, belly, back, ears, and tail so you don’t miss any spots.
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Use the slicker brush first
Gently run the Freshly Bailey Slicker Brush through the coat, following the direction of the hair. Use light strokes and let the bristles glide rather than pushing hard.
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Check for tangles
If the slicker brush catches on a knot, pause. Don’t tug—switch to the Freshly Bailey Dematting Comb. Hold the fur close to the skin with one hand to reduce pulling, then carefully work through the tangle with short, outward strokes.
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Finish with the comb
Once the coat feels smooth, use the Freshly Bailey Dual-Length Metal Comb. Run it through the fur from root to tip. The comb will catch any tiny snags the brushes missed and fluff the curls for that signature Bichon look.
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Reward and praise
End the session with a cuddle or a treat. This helps your Bichon connect brushing time with something positive, making every future session easier.
Living with a Bichon Frise means living with joy—and curls. Their coat may take a little extra care, but with the right tools, it doesn’t have to feel like a chore. In fact, it can be one of the sweetest parts of your day, a few quiet minutes of connection with your pup.
If you want to keep your Bichon’s coat fluffy, soft, and free of tangles, I can’t recommend these three Freshly Bailey brushes enough. They’ll make your life easier and your dog’s coat healthier—and that’s what we all want at the end of the day.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brushing a Bichon Frise
How often should I brush my Bichon Frise?
Ideally, every day—or at least every other day. Their coat tangles quickly, so short, regular sessions are always easier than trying to battle mats once a week.
Do I really need more than one brush?
Yes. Each brush has a different job. A slicker is for everyday use, the dematting comb is your problem-solver for knots, and the metal comb is the finishing touch that keeps the coat fluffy and polished. Together, they make the routine faster and more effective.
What if my Bichon hates brushing?
Start small. Even just brushing one leg and then giving a treat can begin to build trust. Over time, your pup will associate brushing with something positive. Using a detangling spray also helps make the process more comfortable.
Can I skip professional grooming if I brush daily?
Daily brushing keeps mats away, but your Bichon will still need regular trims every 6–8 weeks. Professional groomers shape the coat, clean sensitive areas, and keep your dog looking neat. Brushing at home makes their job (and your bill) much lighter.
Which slicker should I use—the Doodle Slicker or the Freshly Bailey Self-Cleaning Slicker?
If your Bichon has a dense coat and can tolerate a deeper brush, the Doodle Slicker is your go-to. If their skin is extra sensitive, or you prefer something softer and easier to clean, the Freshly Bailey Self-Cleaning Slicker is a wonderful alternative.
Do I need to use detangling spray every time?
Not always, but it definitely helps. A light mist before brushing reduces static, adds slip, and makes brushing more comfortable for your pup—especially on dry days or when you’re working out a tangle.