Pin Brush vs Slicker Brush: A Groomer’s Guide to Choosing the Right Brush

Two of the most commonly confused grooming tools are the pin brush and the slicker brush. They look somewhat similar at first glance, but they serve different purposes and work best on different coat types. Choosing the wrong one means less effective grooming sessions and potential discomfort for your dog.

Let’s break down exactly what each brush does and which one (or both) you should have in your grooming kit.

Quick Comparison

Feature	Pin Brush	Slicker Brush
Pin type	Wide-spaced, straight pins (often with tips)	Fine, tightly-packed angled wire pins
Best for	Long, silky coats	Curly, wavy, medium coats
Detangling power	Light tangles only	Light to moderate mats
Fluffing ability	Excellent	Good
Gentle on coat	Very gentle	Gentle with proper technique

What Is a Pin Brush?

A pin brush has widely-spaced pins set in a rubber or cushioned base. The pins are typically straight (not angled like a slicker) and often have rounded tips to protect the skin. It looks similar to a human hair brush.

What It Does Best

• Fluffs and finishes — Creates that flowing, shiny look on long coats.
• Removes loose hair — Without pulling or tugging.
• Distributes oils — Spreads natural oils for a healthy shine.
• Gentle daily maintenance — Perfect for sensitive dogs.

What It Doesn’t Do Well

• Remove mats or tangles (pins are too far apart)
• Penetrate thick, curly coats
• Work through undercoat

Best Breeds for Pin Brush

• Afghan Hounds, Collies, Setters
• Yorkshire Terriers (for finishing)
• Shih Tzus kept in long coat
• Spaniels with silky coats
• Any long, flowing coat you want to preserve length

What Is a Slicker Brush?

A slicker brush has a flat or curved head packed with fine wire pins set at an angle. The pins are designed to penetrate the coat and catch tangles without scratching the skin (when used correctly).

What It Does Best

• Removes tangles and small mats — The primary job of a slicker.
• Removes debris — Leaves, grass, dried mud.
• Preps coat for clipping — Essential pre-grooming tool.
• Works through curly coats — Fine pins penetrate curls effectively.

What It Doesn’t Do Well

• Finish long, silky coats (can cause static and frizz)
• Remove dense undercoat (need a deshedding tool for that)

Best Breeds for Slicker Brush

• Poodles and all Poodle mixes
• Bichon Frise, Maltese (especially in puppy cuts)
• Spaniels with wavy coats
• Terriers with wire coats
• Most dogs kept in shorter, maintained trims

The Real Difference: Coat Type Matters

Long, Silky Coats — Use Pin Brush

If you’re growing out your dog’s coat and want that long, flowing look, the pin brush is your friend. It glides through without catching or breaking the hair. Think show dogs with their gorgeous floor-length coats.

Examples: Afghan Hound, Maltese in full coat, Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu in long coat

Curly or Wavy Coats — Use Slicker Brush

Curly coats need the fine pins of a slicker to penetrate the curls and catch tangles before they become mats. A pin brush would just glide over the surface without doing any real work.

Examples: Poodles, Cavoodles, Labradoodles, Bichon Frise

Double Coats — Use Both (Plus More)

Double-coated breeds like Golden Retrievers can benefit from both: a slicker for the topcoat and tangles, and a pin brush for finishing. But they also need an undercoat rake or deshedding tool for the dense undercoat.

Examples: Golden Retriever, Australian Shepherd, Border Collie

Can You Use Both?

Absolutely. Many groomers use both brushes in a single session:

1. Start with the slicker — Remove any tangles and debris.
2. Finish with the pin brush — Fluff and add shine.

This combination works particularly well for:

• Dogs transitioning between coat lengths
• Long-coated breeds prone to occasional tangles
• Show dogs needing a polished look

Common Mistakes

Mistake 1: Using a Pin Brush on a Matted Coat

Pin brushes can’t detangle. If your dog has mats, the pin brush will just glide over them while you think you’re brushing. Use a slicker (or dematting tool for severe mats) first.

Mistake 2: Using a Slicker on Long Show Coat

Slicker brushes can break and damage long, delicate coats. If you’re growing out your dog’s coat, use the slicker only on problem areas and a pin brush for general maintenance.

Mistake 3: Pressing Too Hard with Either

Both brushes work best with light pressure. Let the pins do the work. Pressing hard causes discomfort and can scratch the skin.

Mistake 4: Buying Low-Quality Pin Brushes

Cheap pin brushes often have plastic tips that fall off, leaving sharp pins that scratch. Invest in quality — a good pin brush lasts years.

How to Choose: Decision Tree

Is your dog’s coat curly or wavy?

• Yes → Get a slicker brush (primary tool)
• No → Continue…

Is the coat long and flowing (show-style)?

• Yes → Get a pin brush (primary tool)
• No → Continue…

Is it a double coat that sheds?

• Yes → Get a slicker + deshedding tool (pin brush optional for finishing)
• No → Continue…

Is it a short, smooth coat?

• Yes → Neither — get a rubber grooming mitt or bristle brush

Our Recommendations

Best Pin Brushes

• Chris Christensen Oval Pin Brush — Professional quality, gentle on coat
• #1 All Systems Pin Brush — Popular with show handlers
• Safari Pin Brush — Good budget option

Best Slicker Brushes

• Chris Christensen Big G — Industry standard for curly coats
• Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker — Great value, easy to clean
• ActiVet Coat Controller — Premium German engineering

The Bottom Line

The choice between pin brush and slicker brush comes down to your dog’s coat type:

• Curly/wavy coats: Slicker brush is essential
• Long, silky coats: Pin brush is essential
• Many dogs: Both have their place

When in doubt, ask your groomer what they use during your dog’s professional grooms. We’re happy to demonstrate proper technique and help you choose the right tools for your specific pup.

Questions about brushes? Drop by the salon or reply to our newsletter — we love talking grooming gear.

Related Reading

Continue exploring our grooming guides:

• Pin Brush vs Slicker Brush: Doodle Grooming
• FURminator vs Slicker Brush: Which One Is Right for Your Dog?
• Steel Comb vs Slicker Brush: Doodle Grooming

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