How to Dry a Dog After a Bath - Professional Blow-Dry Guide
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Why Proper Drying Matters
- The FurHQ 5-Step Grooming Method: Technical Reality
- Before You Start: Is Your Dog Comfortable with the Dryer?
- Step One: Towel Drying (The Foundation)
- Understanding the Four Types of Dog Dryers
- The FurHQ Hybrid Method
- The 90% Dry Rule: When to Bring Out the Brush
- The Dryer and Brush Combination
- The Comb Test: How You Know You Are Done
- How to Dry a Dog After a Bath by Coat Type
- Common Mistakes
- Safety Tips
- Not Sure About Your Dog's Coat Type?
- Related Reading
- The Bottom Line
- Variation Clarity Statement
- FAQs
Introduction
Learning how to dry a dog after a bath is one of the most critical grooming skills you will ever master, and the skill most dog owners get completely wrong.
You finish the bath, grab a towel, rub your dog down, and call it done. But moisture is trapped against the skin under all that fur, creating the perfect environment for hot spots, fungal infections, and that musty wet-dog smell that defeats the entire purpose of bathing.
Professional groomers know how to dry a dog after a bath using proper technique with specialised dryers to get coats completely bone-dry, fluffy, and gorgeous. This guide teaches you the FurHQ hybrid method with clear explanations for every coat type.
Why Proper Drying Matters
What Happens When You Do Not Dry Completely
Hot spots develop from moisture trapped against the skin. Fungal infections flourish in damp areas between toes, in armpits, and under ears. Mats form instantly as wet fur tangles and tightens while drying. Bacteria multiply, creating that signature wet-dog odour.
Not drying to the skin is the most common error when learning how to dry a dog after a bath. Part the coat and feel the skin. If it is damp, keep drying.
What Happens When You Dry Properly
Understanding how to dry a dog after a bath properly means understanding what complete drying achieves. Coat is fluffy, straight, and clean-looking. Skin stays healthy and irritation-free. Mats are prevented before they start. Grooming and scissoring become exponentially easier.
The FurHQ 5-Step Grooming Method: Technical Reality
Proper drying is the fourth phase of the FurHQ 5-Step Grooming Method (Audit, Prep, Bath, Dry, Finish).
"Learn the Method. Follow the Protocol. Complete the Mission."
Audit
Start every grooming session with a full health check. Run your hands over the entire dog. Check for lumps, bumps, and any changes in skin condition. Check the ears for signs of infection, smell, or buildup. Look at the nails for overgrowth or splitting. Check teeth and gums for tartar or inflammation.
Assess coat condition and plan your drying approach. A heavily matted coat needs different preparation than a well-maintained one. Note any skin issues that may require gentler drying.
The FurHQ Touch Test formalises this assessment.
Prep
Remove tangles and loose coat before bathing. This makes drying significantly faster and more effective. Follow the Prep protocol for your coat type. Mist Pawfect Finish Coat Spray before brushing on coats that require it.
Bath
Thorough rinsing ensures no product residue remains to weigh down the coat during drying. Use the correct shampoo for your coat type with Coat-Quench Conditioner.
Dry
During the Dry phase, you apply the techniques in this guide for how to dry a dog after a bath. Towel dry, then use the appropriate dryer method for your dog's coat type. The 90% dry rule, the dryer and brush combination, and the comb test all happen here.
Finish
The Finish phase only works well on a properly dried coat. Scissoring, shaping, and final styling depend on complete drying. Run the FurHQ Detail Comb through the entire coat as your final check.
You got this.
Before You Start: Is Your Dog Comfortable with the Dryer?
Before learning how to dry a dog after a bath, make sure your dog is comfortable with the dryer. Many dogs are terrified of dryers.
If your dog trembles, cowers, tries to escape, pants excessively, or snaps when you bring out the dryer, you need to build positive associations first.
Start with desensitisation: let the dog see and hear the tool at a distance, pair with treats, gradually move closer over days, and only begin actual use when the dog is calm.
Step One: Towel Drying (The Foundation)
Before you touch a dryer, remove as much water as possible with towels. This step is critical when learning how to dry a dog after a bath, regardless of which dryer you use next.
The Squeegee Method (Not Rubbing)
Never rub your dog vigorously with a towel. The back-and-forth motion creates tangles and mats, especially in longer coats.
While the dog is still in the tub, use your hands to gently squeeze water from the coat, working head to tail. Drape a highly absorbent microfibre towel over your dog and press and squeeze (do not rub).
Work systematically: head and neck first, then back and sides, chest and belly, each leg individually, and finish with paws and between toes.
Mastering how to dry a dog after a bath starts here. Your dog should be damp, not soaking. You are removing 60 to 70 percent of the water so the dryer can finish efficiently.
Understanding the Four Types of Dog Dryers
Before choosing how to dry a dog after a bath, understand what each dryer does and which coat types benefit from each one.
High Velocity (HV) Dryer / Force Dryer
A powerful motor that blasts high-speed air (no heat or minimal heat) to literally blow water off the coat. Best for peeling bulk water off any coat type quickly, double-coated breeds, deshedding and undercoat removal, and getting dogs 70 to 80 percent dry before finishing with another dryer.
An HV dryer can remove the majority of water in 5 to 10 minutes. Not ideal alone for achieving a perfectly straight, fluffy finish on curly or long coats.
Stand Dryer / Fluff Dryer
Mounted on a stand with adjustable height and direction, offering variable heat and airflow. Hands-free, allowing you to brush while drying. Best for curly coats, long silky coats, Drop Coats that need proper air direction, and achieving a fluffy voluminous finish.
Neck Dryer (The FurHQ Favourite for Curly Coats)
A hands-free dryer that hangs around your neck or clips to your body. Best for Curly Wavy Coats, Drop Coats, and any coat that needs line brushing while drying. Gives complete freedom to use both hands for brushing.
Handheld Dryer
A standard blow dryer held in one hand. Best for small dogs (under 7 kg / 15 lb), touch-ups and finishing work, and dogs terrified of HV dryers. Quiet, accessible, affordable. Not ideal for large dogs or double coats.
The FurHQ Hybrid Method
At FurHQ, we have perfected how to dry a dog after a bath using a hybrid approach. You can dry any coat type 100 percent with an HV dryer alone. However, many groomers prefer the hybrid method: HV dryer to get 80 to 90 percent dry, then finishing with a stand or neck dryer for the final 10 to 20 percent.
The warm air during the finishing phase makes brushing and straightening easier for curly and drop coats.
Phase 1: Towel Dry (5 Minutes)
Use the squeegee method to remove 60 to 70 percent of water. Get your dog from soaking wet to damp.
Phase 2: High Velocity Drying (5 to 15 Minutes)
Use an HV dryer to remove bulk water. Gets your dog from damp to 80 to 90 percent dry (or 100 percent if you prefer HV only). Work systematically: rear to front, top to bottom. Check for dryness by feeling the skin.
Phase 3: Finishing with Stand or Neck Dryer (Optional, 10 to 20 Minutes)
Many groomers prefer this for curly coats, drop coats, and long silky coats. Use the dryer with Long-Pinned Slicker Brushor Medium-Pinned Slicker Brush to straighten and fluff. Line brush while drying to prevent mats and create that professional finish.
This step is a preference, not a requirement.
The 90% Dry Rule: When to Bring Out the Brush
One of the most important things to understand about how to dry a dog after a bath: you do not start brushing immediately during the finishing phase. Wait until the coat is approximately 90 percent dry.
Why the 90% Rule Matters
Wet hair is fragile and elastic. Brushing wet hair stretches and breaks it. Tangles tighten when brushed soaking wet.
At 90 percent dry, hair is strong enough to withstand brush tension, remaining moisture provides slip to work through tangles, warm air and brush tension straighten effectively, and dead coat releases easily.
How to Check for 90% Dryness
The skin test (most reliable): Part the coat in multiple areas. Press your fingers against the skin. Dry skin feels warm. Damp skin feels cool.
The visual test: Damp fur looks darker and clumpy. Dry fur looks lighter and fluffy.
The hand test: Run your hands through the coat. Feel for cool spots (damp) and heavy, water-logged sections.
High-Risk Damp Zones
These areas hold moisture longer and must be checked twice: armpits (where legs meet body), behind the ears (especially floppy-eared breeds), under the tail and sanitary area, between toes and paw pads, belly and chest (on deep-chested dogs), and base of the neck (under thick ruffs).
The Dryer and Brush Combination
Once the coat reaches 90 percent dry, the finishing dryer and slicker brush working together become a powerful tool.
The warm air softens the hair cuticle, makes hair more pliable, loosens tangles and minor mats, and helps dead coat release from the follicle.
The slicker brush provides tension to stretch and straighten, physically separates tangled strands, lifts dead undercoat away from skin, and smooths the cuticle in direction of airflow.
Together they straighten curly coats, work through minor mats without pain, remove significant dead coat, and create a smooth, fluffed, professional finish.
The Comb Test: How You Know You Are Done
After finishing with the dryer and brush combination, run the FurHQ Detail Comb (or Undercoat Depth Comb for double coats) through the entire coat.
If the comb jams anywhere, you have more work to do. Go back with the dryer and brush until that section passes. The comb must glide through from root to tip with zero resistance.
Knowing how to dry a dog after a bath means knowing when you are actually done. Only when the entire coat passes the comb test are you finished. See Comb Check for Dogs for the complete verification guide.
How to Dry a Dog After a Bath by Coat Type
How to dry a dog after a bath varies significantly by coat type. Match the method and timing to your dog's coat structure.
Smooth Single Coat
Breeds: Boxers, Dalmatians, Greyhounds, Weimaraners. See Smooth Single Coat Dogs.
Method: Towel dry thoroughly, optional quick HV pass or handheld dryer. Time: 10 to 15 minutes. Smooth coats dry quickly and do not need complex techniques. Towel drying is often sufficient. No comb needed.
Short Double Coat
Breeds: Labrador Retrievers, Beagles, Pugs, Rottweilers. See Short Double Coat Dogs.
Method: Towel dry + HV dryer. Time: 15 to 25 minutes. The dense undercoat holds more water than the topcoat suggests. HV drying is ideal for blasting through to the skin. Verify with Undercoat Depth Comb.
Medium Plush Double Coat
Breeds: Golden Retrievers, Huskies, German Shepherds, Samoyeds. See Medium Plush Double Coat Dogs.
Method: Towel dry + HV dryer. Time: 25 to 35 minutes. These coats hold massive amounts of water. HV dryers blast through to the skin efficiently. The undercoat can feel dry on the surface while remaining damp underneath. Always part the coat and feel the skin. Verify with Undercoat Depth Comb. Mist Pawfect Finish Coat Spray pre-dry.
Feathered Long Double Coat
Breeds: Bernese Mountain Dogs, Rough Collies, English Springer Spaniels. See Feathered Long Double Coat Dogs.
Method: Towel dry + HV dryer. Time: 25 to 40 minutes. Pay special attention drying feathered areas (behind ears, armpits, belly) where air circulation is limited. Verify with Undercoat Depth Comb. Mist Pawfect Finish Coat Spray on feathered areas pre-dry.
Curly Wavy Coat
Breeds: Poodles, Doodles, Bichons. See Curly Wavy Coat Dogs.
Method: Towel dry + HV dryer (can dry 100%) OR hybrid method with finishing dryer. Time: 25 to 50 minutes depending on method and density. Curly coats must be brushed while drying or they mat overnight. Wait until 90 percent dry before bringing out the Long-Pinned Slicker Brush. The curls return naturally in 1 to 2 days. Verify with FurHQ Detail Comb. Never air-dry curly coats. Mist Pawfect Finish Coat Spray before every brush session.
Drop Coat
Breeds: Maltese, Yorkies, Shih Tzus, Afghan Hounds. See Drop Coat Dogs.
Method: Towel dry + HV dryer (can dry 100%) OR hybrid method with finishing dryer. Time: 25 to 50 minutes depending on method and length. Air direction matters: always blow down the hair from root to tip. Blowing against the grain creates frizz and tangles. Use Long-Pinned Slicker Brush or Pin Brush while drying. Verify with FurHQ Detail Comb. Never air-dry drop coats. Mist Pawfect Finish Coat Spray before and after drying.
Wire Coat
Breeds: Fox Terriers, Schnauzers, Wire-Haired Dachshunds. See Wire Coat Dogs.
Method: Towel dry + HV dryer. Time: 20 to 30 minutes. Wire coats benefit from powerful airflow but do not need straightening or fluff-drying. Do not over-brush wire coats or you will flatten the natural texture. Verify furnishings with FurHQ Detail Comb. Mist Pawfect Finish Coat Spray on furnishings only pre-dry.
Common Mistakes
These are the most frequent errors when learning how to dry a dog after a bath.
| Mistake | Why It Is a Problem | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Rubbing with towel | Creates tangles and mats | Use squeegee method: press and squeeze |
| Skipping towel-drying | Makes dryer phase much longer | Always towel-dry first (removes 60-70% water) |
| Not drying to the skin | Creates hot spots and infections | Part coat, feel skin, keep drying if damp |
| Air-drying curly or drop coats | Mats overnight | Always use dryer and brush method |
| Brushing before 90% dry | Causes breakage and creates mats | Wait until 90% dry for brush work |
| Using high heat | Burns thin dog skin | Use warm air, test on your hand first |
| Forgetting high-moisture areas | Infections develop in damp zones | Check armpits, ears, tail, toes twice |
| Blowing air up drop coats | Creates frizz and tangles | Always blow down, root to tip |
| Skipping comb test | You do not know you are done | Run comb through entire coat; jams mean more work |
Safety Tips
Knowing how to dry a dog after a bath safely protects your dog from heat, noise, and airflow injuries.
Temperature Safety
Always test air temperature on your hand before using on your dog. Switch to cool air periodically. Watch for signs of discomfort (panting, trying to move away, whining).
Airflow Safety
Never point HV air directly at eyes, ears, or genitals. For faces, remove the nozzle or use lowest setting. Keep the nozzle moving.
Physical Safety
Use the Stay Put System to keep your dog safe on the table. Take breaks if your dog gets stressed. Check for lumps, hot spots, or skin issues while drying.
Not Sure About Your Dog's Coat Type?
Use the FurHQ AI Coat Identifier to upload a photo and get accurate coat type identification. FurHQ organises all dogs into seven coat types: Curly Wavy, Drop, Wire, Short Double, Medium Plush Double, Feathered Long Double, and Smooth Single.
Your coat type determines which drying method, tools, and timing you need.
The bath gets the credit, but the dry does the work. Every great groom starts with a coat that is bone-dry to the skin. If you skip the dry or rush it, nothing you do afterwards will look right. Towel, HV, then brush at 90 percent. Run the comb. If it jams, you are not done. That is the whole system.
Related Reading
Drying and Techniques
- Comb Check for Dogs
- Line Brushing Technique
- The Coat Release Method
- Dog Grooming Brushes: A Complete Guide by Coat Type
Coat Type Guides
Health and Comfort
- The FurHQ Touch Test
- How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog
The Bottom Line
Learning how to dry a dog after a bath properly transforms grooming from a mediocre DIY job into professional-quality results.
Within the FurHQ 5-Step Grooming Method (Audit, Prep, Bath, Dry, Finish), the Dry phase is where the coat gets straightened, fluffed, and prepared for the Finish phase. Professional groomers consider the bath and dry the foundation of every great groom.
Towel-dry first using the squeegee method. Use an HV dryer to remove bulk water. If you prefer the hybrid method for curly or drop coats, finish with a stand or neck dryer while brushing at 90 percent dry. Pay attention to air direction on Drop Coats. Check high-moisture areas twice. Always finish with the comb test using the FurHQ Detail Comb.
Never air-dry Curly Wavy or Drop coats. Never air-dry any double coat. Smooth Single Coat dogs can towel dry. Everything else needs proper drying to the skin.
You got this. And we've got you. 🐾
Variation Clarity Statement
Every dog is different. While this guide provides professional dog blow dry technique using the FurHQ hybrid method, your dog's individual tolerance, coat condition, and temperament may require adjustments. Some dogs cannot tolerate high velocity dryers. Others have sensitive skin requiring lower heat. Always prioritise your dog's comfort and safety while working toward complete dryness. If you are unsure about your dog's coat type, use the FurHQ AI Coat Identifier to get accurate identification and the right kit recommendation.
FAQs
How long does it take to dry a dog after a bath?
Drying time depends on coat type and size. Using the FurHQ hybrid method: smooth coats take 10 to 15 minutes, double coats take 25 to 35 minutes, and curly or drop coats take 35 to 50 minutes. Small dogs dry faster than large dogs.
Always prioritize complete dryness over speed. Damp fur leads to skin problems and mats.
Can I let my dog air-dry after a bath?
Air-drying is risky for most dogs. Double-coated and long-haired breeds can take 24 hours or more to air-dry completely, during which time moisture trapped against the skin creates hot spots, fungal infections, and mats.
Curly coats mat overnight if not dried and brushed properly. Short smooth-coated dogs in warm weather can air-dry safely after thorough towel-drying. Professional groomers always use dryers for a reason.
What's the difference between a high velocity dryer and a stand dryer for dogs?
A high velocity dryer for dogs uses powerful airflow with minimal heat to blast water off the coat quickly. It's perfect for removing bulk water in 5 to 15 minutes.
A stand dryer for dogs uses adjustable heat and moderate airflow while mounted on a stand, allowing you to brush while drying. It's essential for achieving fluffy, straight finishes on curly and long coats.
The FurHQ hybrid method uses both: HV dryer to peel water, then stand or neck dryer to finish and straighten.
Do I really need multiple dryers to dry my dog properly?
It depends on your dog's coat. Smooth coats and double coats can be dried with just an HV dryer or even a good towel-dry plus handheld dryer.
But curly coats (Poodles, Doodles) and drop coats (Maltese, Yorkies) absolutely need both an HV dryer for bulk water removal AND a stand or neck dryer for the finishing phase with brushing.
You can use only a stand or neck dryer for these coats, but it takes 60 to 90 minutes instead of 35 to 50 minutes.
What is the FurHQ in-bath technique and why does it matter?
The FurHQ in-bath technique involves using a high velocity dryer while your dog is still wet and covered in shampoo, before rinsing. The shampoo acts as a slip agent, helping mats and dead coat release easily.
All the debris stays in the tub for easy cleanup instead of flying around your grooming space and into your lungs.
This technique is cleaner, safer for your respiratory system, and more comfortable for your dog. Learn the complete technique in our high velocity dryer guide. (Link to Blog 3)
Why can't I just use a human hair dryer on my dog?
You can use a human hair dryer for small dogs and touch-ups, but they have limitations. Human hair dryers get hotter than pet-specific dryers and can burn thin dog skin if you're not careful.
They also lack the power needed for large dogs, thick coats, or professional results.
For curly coats that need straightening or double coats with heavy water load, human hair dryers take 2 to 3 times longer than proper dog dryers.
When should I bring out the slicker brush during drying?
Wait until the coat is approximately 90% dry before bringing out the slicker brush. At 90% dry, the skin is completely dry and warm, and only the outer coat may be slightly damp.
Brushing wet hair causes breakage and creates mats.
The dryer and slicker brush combination works best at 90% dryness when hair is strong enough to withstand brush tension.
My dog is terrified of the dryer. What should I do?
Never force a terrified dog. Fear makes proper drying impossible and damages your relationship with your dog.
Start with gradual desensitization training to build positive associations with the dryer over several days or weeks.
Some dogs will never tolerate high velocity dryers and that's okay. Use quieter stand, neck, or handheld dryers instead.
How does the Hush Pup Wrap calm my dog?
The Hush Pup Wrap blocks out the sound and sensation of the dryer. Not only that it's like a warm hug for the dog and makes them feel safe and protected- much like a Thunder Shirt.
Why do I need to straighten curly coats if I love the curls?
Even if you want the curls back, you must straighten curly coats during drying for two critical reasons: mat detection and even trimming. Straightening lets you see and feel every tangle.
It also levels the hair for the smoothest trim possible. The curls return naturally within 1 to 2 days. If you want them back immediately, give the coat a quick light spritz of water after grooming.
Learn the complete straightening technique in our stand and neck dryer guide. (Link to Blog 4)
What does air direction mean and which coats need it?
Air direction refers to the direction you blow air through the coat. For drop coats (Maltese, Yorkies, Shih Tzus) and long silky coats, you must ALWAYS blow DOWN the hair from root to tip, following the natural fall of the coat.
Never blow UP or against the grain. Blowing against the direction of hair growth lifts the hair cuticle, creates frizz, causes tangles, and damages the coat.
How do I know when my dog is completely dry?
Use the three-part dryness test:
(1) Skin test: part the coat and press fingers against the skin. Dry skin feels warm, damp skin feels cool.
(2) Visual test: dry fur looks lighter and fluffy, damp fur looks darker and clumpy.
(3) Hand test: run hands through the coat feeling for cool, heavy spots. Check high-risk damp zones twice: armpits, behind ears, under tail, between toes, belly, and base of neck. The coat should feel fluffy and light, not heavy or clumpy.
Can I damage my dog's coat by drying it wrong?
Yes. Rubbing with a towel creates tangles and mats. Brushing wet hair causes breakage. Using high heat can burn skin and damage hair. Blowing air against the grain on drop coats lifts the cuticle and creates frizz.
Letting curly coats air-dry creates mats overnight. Not drying to the skin causes hot spots and infections. Following proper dog blow dry technique prevents all of these problems and keeps your dog's coat healthy, shiny, and mat-free.
What is the best way to dry a dog after a bath?
The best way to learn how to dry a dog after a bath starts with towel drying using the squeegee method (press and squeeze, never rub) to remove 60% to 70% of water. Then use a high velocity dryer for bulk water removal.
You can dry any coat type 100% with an HV dryer using proper technique. However, many groomers prefer the hybrid method for curly and drop coats: use the HV to get 80% to 90% dry, then finish with a stand dryer or neck dryer while brushing for the final 10% to 20%. The warm air from finishing dryers makes the dryer and brush combination more effective for straightening curly coats and creating that flowing finish on drop coats.
What dryer should I use for my dog's coat type?
You can dry any coat type 100% with a high velocity dryer using proper technique. For double coats, wire coats, and smooth coats, most groomers use HV only.
For curly coats (Poodles, Doodles, Bichons) and drop coats (Maltese, Yorkies, Shih Tzus), you have two options: dry 100% with HV while brushing at 90% dryness, or use the hybrid method where you dry 80% to 90% with HV then finish with a stand dryer or neck dryer while brushing.
Many groomers prefer the hybrid method for curly and drop coats because the warm air makes straightening easier. Pay careful attention to air direction on drop coats, always blowing DOWN.
What is the FurHQ hybrid method?
The FurHQ hybrid method is a three-phase approach to how to dry a dog after a bath that many groomers prefer.
Phase 1: towel dry using the squeegee method (5 minutes).
Phase 2: high velocity drying to get from damp to 80% to 90% dry (5 to 15 minutes).
Phase 3 (optional): finishing with stand dryer or neck dryer while brushing for the final 10% to 20% (10 to 20 minutes).
Important: you CAN dry any coat type 100% with an HV dryer using proper technique. Phase 3 is a preference, not a requirement. Many groomers prefer the hybrid method for curly and drop coats because the warm air from a finishing dryer makes the dryer and brush combination more effective for straightening.
Where does drying fit in the FurHQ 5-Step?
Drying is the fourth phase: Audit, Prep, Bath, Dry, Finish. The Dry phase is where the coat gets straightened, fluffed, and prepared for the Finish phase. Professional groomers consider the bath and dry the foundation of every great groom because scissoring and styling depend on complete drying.
What is the 90 percent dry rule?
Never start brushing until the coat is approximately 90 percent dry. Wet hair is fragile and elastic. Brushing wet hair stretches, breaks, and tangles it, creating more mats than you remove. At 90 percent dry, hair is strong enough for brush tension, remaining moisture provides slip, and warm air plus brush tension straighten effectively.
How do I check if my dog is 90 percent dry?
Use three tests. The skin test (most reliable): part the coat and press fingers against the skin. Dry skin feels warm, damp skin feels cool. The visual test: damp fur looks darker and clumpy, dry fur looks lighter and fluffy. The hand test: run hands through the coat feeling for cool spots or heavy sections.
What is the comb test?
After finishing with the dryer and brush, run the FurHQ Detail Comb through the entire coat. If it jams anywhere, you have more work to do. Go back with the dryer and brush until that section passes. The comb must glide through from root to tip with zero resistance. Only when the entire coat passes are you finished.
What is the FurHQ 5-Step Grooming Method?
The FurHQ 5-Step Grooming Method is Audit, Prep, Bath, Dry, Finish. It provides structure for every grooming session so nothing gets missed. The Audit assesses the coat before you start. The Prep phase removes loose coat and addresses tangles. The Bath phase handles cleansing. The Dry phase removes moisture. The Finish phase completes the groom with a final assessment and comb check.