To opawz.com 
Just when you thought your dog couldn’t get any cuter, along came the latest, and by far most adorable, trend in dog grooming: Asian Fusion grooming.
Also known as, “Asian Freestyle” or “Japanese Grooming,” Asian Fusion transforms dogs into doe-eyed puppies. Some would even say dogs sporting one of these whimsical and playful styles resemble toy lambs, teddy bears, or cartoon characters more than dogs!
This Asian grooming trend throws the rulebook out the window, and the results are breath-taking. Asian Fusion says “goodbye” to typical dog trims and says “Konnichiwa” to koala ears, asymmetry, top knots, bows, bows, and more bows. And while you’re at add a bit of dye to the mix because the fabulous Asian Freestyle craze isn’t going anywhere any time soon.
What is Asian Fusion Dog Grooming?
Asian Fusion is a grooming style that amplifies the cute, the stylish, and the creative. Asian Fusion styled pups look like more like K-Pop stars or anime characters than Poodles or Yorkies. This is because, as its name implies, Asian Fusion grooming began in Korea, Japan, Thailand, China, Taiwan, and Malaysia before sweeping the Western world.
Most dog grooming techniques were designed to make dogs look more like their breed standards. Some dogs developed certain coat styles for practicality or their breed’s purpose. For example, Curly Coated Retrievers were the first dogs to get a trim to help them swim better! Despite the buoyant appearance, Asian Fusion wasn’t invented to help pooches doggie paddle easier. The foundation of Asian Fusion Grooming is to make dogs looks as cute as possible, regardless of breed. This philosophy embraces personality and fun.
Asian Fusion Dog Grooming promotes the fluffy, the curly, and the side-swipe. You will often see dogs with their faces shaped into perfect circles or cubes, legs trimmed to resemble bell-bottoms, and ear hair and facial fur that looks like it belongs in a TRESemme commercial. Many Asian Freestyle groomers often find inspiration in other species. So, a Shih Tzu may be trimmed and dyed to look like a cuddly Panda Bear or a Toy Poodle groomed to be a sheep’s doppelganger.
Asian Freestyle Dog Grooming Doesn’t Shy Away From:
- Bows and Hair Clips
- Dye (Henna)
- Bandanas
- Topknots
- Bangs
- Pigtails
- Braids
- Ponies
- Hats
- Accessories
- Asymmetry
- Avant-Garde styles like “cone head.”
Why has Asian Fusion Grooming Become So Popular?
Why has this trend has stolen our hearts and captured our imaginations? As the word “free” implies, Asian Freestyle breaks the mold and gives groomers the freedom to invent and be more artistically expressive.
Dog grooming standards have remained the same for so long that when Asian Fusion appeared in the United States, Europe, and Australia in 2014, it reinvigorated grooming possibilities. It gave groomers a reason to stray from their textbooks and explore a more artistic side of their passion.
Social media has also added fuel to the Asian grooming fire. The cuteness of Asian Fusion styled dogs forces the viewer to question what they’re seeing. There is something surreal about the way the pups look. This fascinates social media users and the likes pour in.
Over the past decade, more and more pet parents dress their dogs in the latest canine couture. And a unique Asian hairstyle accentuates their dog model’s beauty and helps sell some high fashion styles.
I like to think that the graphic nature of this style creates drama with an editorial flair that pet parents and groomers can’t get enough of!
What are the Benefits of Asian Fusion?
In addition to making you say, “aw,” Asian Fusion dog grooming lets your groomer exercise creativity, makes pups picture-perfect, and it’s just plain fun!
There are also practical benefits for choosing an Asian Freestyle cut. The short trim around the armpits helps prevent harnesses from tangling in fur, it keeps a dog’s paw fur cleaner, and it can help a dog whose coat has gotten out-of-hand get her mojo back.
How Can You Capture this Style?
While this is best left up to the professionals, and there are various techniques you can ask for, some of the basics include belling the legs by tapering the fur from armpit to paw, tapering the ears, or koala ears.
Tip: Use curved grooming shears
If you're considering trying out an Asian fusion style, definitely pick up a pair of curved grooming shears – these will allow you to create the rounded head, mouth and ear effects often associated with Asian grooming.
If you want to learn how you too can apply an Asian style to your own dog or your clients', definitely check out The Art of Asian Freestyle by the one and only Riza Wisnom! The book is a comprehensive manual with many different styles and photographs to draw inspiration from.
What Breeds Does Asian Freestyle Work Well For?
Asian Fusion grooming is a great way to tame that fluff or amplify your dog’s natural fur volume. You don’t need a purebred dog to partake in the excitement of Asian Fusion grooming.
When it comes to achieving the best looks, breeds with dense, curly coats are usually the best candidates for Asian grooming, other silky-haired pooches can go for more side-swiped and sleek looks.
Some of the most common breeds you’ll see with an Asian Freestyle ‘do are:
- Poodles
- Bichon
- Yorkies
- Shih Tzus
- Lhasa Apsos
- Maltese
- Cocker Spaniels
- Schnauzers
Final Thoughts: Think Pink, Think Puffy, Think Asian Fusion Grooming
Asian Fusion grooming can magnify how gosh darn cute your fuzzy best friend is! This exciting grooming style is sure to make heads turn and hearts melt wherever you and your dog may go.
If you want your dog to look like cotton candy or a squeak toy, Asian Fusion grooming will get the job done and bring a smile to your face.