This method, in most cases, will allow for a Poodle to stay pink for a longer amount of time. When done properly, you will have a pink Poodle for anywhere from 2 to 6 months, the color slowing fading out as you stick with your normal bathing and grooming routine. It is very important to obtain vegetable food coloring – This is non toxic but an unexpected reaction can occur with any dog. If in doubt, check with your Poodle's veterinarian.
You may, alternatively, wish to obtain food coloring that comes in the form of a paste – this is generally found at stores which sell baking supplies, since professional cake bakers use this. It is also a good idea to obtain the paste, as you will be able to specifically buy pink. In food stores, many times, the liquid drops of coloring are only basic blue, red, yellow, etc. Obtaining pink will allow you to not have experiment with red in order to obtain the pink that you wish for.
What You Will Need- Pink food coloring
- Water
- Bowl
- Vinegar
- Sponge (small and soft)
- Brush or comb
- Hair dryer
- Gloves – such as thin latex gloves that allow you to very freely move your fingers
- Q-tips or a small, soft toothbrush
The Steps
1. You may wish to have your Poodle clipped a day or so before you do this, so that the coat is at the proper length and is neatly shaped.
2. Fill a large bowl with 1 gallon of lukewarm water.
3. Drop 3 drops of the food coloring into the bowl of water.
4. Mix this with a spoon and see if it resembles the color that you wish for. Remember that you will not be able to see the actual, final color results until all is said and done. However, depending on the size of the bowl you use, you may notice that the colored water is only a very slight pink and you may wish to add another drop or do so if you are not looking for a pastel result. If the water looks to be a very heavy red color, do add more water. Remember - You can always do this process a 2nd time in order to obtain a darker pink, but you cannot lighten a dark pink without risking damage to your Poodle’s coat.
5. When adding drops begin with 3 and then when adjusting only add 1 drop at a time….1 drop can change the depth of the color quite a bit.
6. You can always choose to do a “Test Patch” by choosing one small area to color and then fully blow dry it to see what exact shade it will be.
7. Add 1/3 cup of vinegar to the water. The vinegar helps the color set.
8. When you are satisfied with the colored water, set the bowl aside to brush your Poodle’s coat. Be sure to carefully work out any mats (tangles).
9. Dab the sponge into the water and pat into on the coat where you wish to have your Poodle pink. If you wish to have a solid pink Poodle, begin at one end of your dog and work your way to the other end. Because your Poodle will need to remain very still when you are going around the eye area, you may wish to begin at your dog’s head.
10. Take care and have the patience to dab the colored water from the roots to the ends. When doing the entire coat, take care to double check your work so that there are zero areas that are missed. As you dab, brush or comb through the area to make sure the color is evenly spread before you go on to the next area.
11. When you are going to do around the eye area, it is important to not allow any of this colored water into the eyes. It will not cause permanent damage, but will most often cause discomfort and you will want to avoid this. This can be achieved by carefully using a Q-tip or a very small, soft toothbrush to carefully color this sensitive area. Be sure to hold your Poodle’s head still (it is best to have a helper, especially during this part) so that he or she cannot make a quick movement and end up with an eye injury.
12. Allow 30 to 45 minutes for the pink to set in. If you immediately rinse the color out, you will end up with a very light, pastel pink.
13. Once the color has saturated into the coat for 30 to 45 minutes, it is time to blow dry it. Be sure to blow dry
until your Poodle is 100% dry. Be sure to do this over laid out newspaper, as colored, dyed water will be dripping off of the coat as you are in the process of drying it.
14. You will not be able to see the extent of the pink until the coat is fully dry. If you feel that the pink should be a darker shade, you can repeat the process. You cannot, however, go from dark pink to light pink. Some people think that washing their Poodle with shampoo over and over will lighten the color, however this will strip away the essential oils on the skin, will dry out the coat and cause split ends.
15. While not mandatory, you may wish to use a bit of hairspray to help the color “set”.
16. As stated above, this method will allow the color to remain anywhere 2 to 6 months. This will depend on how often you bathe your Poodle, brush, groom and the rate at which your dog’s coat grows. Please never allow grooming to stop or be done less often just to keep your Poodle pink for a longer period of time - Your Poodle’s health and hygiene is the top priority, not having a pink Poodle!