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Got a Labrador Retriever? Then you already know — those shiny coats don’t stay tangle-free on their own. Labs are one of America’s favorite family dogs for a reason: they’re loyal, playful, and endlessly lovable. But with all that charm comes a LOT of shedding.
Table of Contents
The right brush makes grooming easier, keeps your Lab’s coat healthy, and even turns brushing time into bonding time. We’ve rounded up the best brushes for Labrador Retrievers to keep your pup looking sleek and your home a little less furry.
| Most Popular | Best Combo Brush | Best Quality |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
| Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker | Pet Magasin Professional Grooming 3 Pack | Bass Brushes Large Slicker |
| View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
| Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
Labrador Retriever Coat
Labrador Retrievers are known for their thick, double coats. This includes:
- A soft, water-resistant undercoat that keeps them warm in winter and cool in summer.
- A protective topcoat with slightly longer, less smooth hair.
Because of this coat, Labs shed all year long. On top of that, they “blow their coat” twice a year—dropping piles of undercoat fur in spring and fall. If you’re a Lab owner, expect extra-heavy shedding during those molting seasons. Regular brushing makes these periods much easier to manage.
Labrador Retriever Grooming Needs
To keep their coats soft and healthy and to prevent the buildup of dog hair throughout your home, it is best to groom Labrador Retrievers at least twice a week.
Owners may want to groom their dogs more than that. We recommend three times a week or even every couple of days.
Benefits of frequent grooming include:
- Less loose hair around your home
- Healthier, softer coat
- Stronger bonding time with your dog
Pro Tip: During molting season, daily brushing with a deshedding tool will save your vacuum (and your sanity). See our reviews of the best deshedding tools.
Grooming Tools Make A Difference
Along with regular brushing, having the right tools for the job will help make this process more enjoyable for your dog and more effective in managing hair.
Not all dog brushes are created equal. Some are designed for specific breeds, some for high-shedding breeds, and others to clear out dead skin and extra hair.
Look for brushes designed to:
- Handle high-shedding breeds
- Remove loose undercoat fur
- Clear away dead skin while distributing natural oils
Investing in the right brush means less frustration, less shedding, and a happier Lab — and a cleaner house!
Pro Tip: Keep two brushes on hand—one for everyday grooming and one heavy-duty tool for shedding season.
Types Of Brushes For Labs
Labs aren’t light shedders, and they have thick double coats and very sensitive skin, which means not just any brush will do. The right grooming tool should:
- Power through both coats
- Be gentle on the skin
- Keep brushing stress-free
Pick the wrong brush, and you’ll end up with a nervous pup (and hair all over your house). Pick the right one, and grooming becomes easy bonding time.
Here are the main brush types and how they work for Labs:
| Brush Type | What It’s Best For |
|---|---|
| Slicker Brush | Everyday grooming, tangles, debris removal |
| Pin Brush | Gentle brushing, fluffing the coat |
| Bristle Brush | Quick once-over, smoothing the coat |
| Rake Brush | Heavy shedding, undercoat removal |
| Grooming Combs | Mats, tangles, finishing touch |
| Grooming Gloves | Nervous dogs, light maintenance |
Slicker Brush
If there’s one brush every Lab owner should own, it’s a slicker.
- Flat brush with short, thin, wire bristles packed close together
- Excellent for reaching both layers of fur
- Removes mats, tangles, and debris effectively
Best for: Everyday brushing and tackling tangles
Pinhead (Pin) Brush
Think of this as a gentler cousin of the slicker brush.
- Often mistaken for slickers, but are different
- Features thicker, longer bristles spaced farther apart, usually tipped with rubber ends
- Wide spacing makes it easier to get through a Lab’s dense double coat without snagging
Best for: Gentle brushing and fluffing the coat
Bristle Brush
This is the “classic” dog brush most people imagine.
- Similar to a human hairbrush with thick bristles, moderately spaced
- Not ideal for heavy shedders like Labs
- Good to do a quick once-over to smooth the coat
Best for: Quick finishing touch before guests or photos
Rake Brush
This tool is a lifesaver during peak shedding season.
- T-shaped design with pins or bristles across the top
- Great for pulling out packed-in dead hair during heavy shedding seasons
- Not recommended for daily use
Best for: Heavy shedding and undercoat removal
Grooming Combs
The tool that many Lab coats can benefit from.
- Available in plastic, metal, or wood
- Best for carefully working out mats and tangles
- Always comb in the direction of fur growth—never yank or pull
- Works best when paired with a high-quality brush
Best for: Working out stubborn mats and tangles
Grooming Gloves
Good for nervous dogs who hate the sight of a brush.
- Gloves with soft bristles that remove loose hair while you pet your dog
- Helpful for anxious dogs who dislike brushing
- Good for quick maintenance, but not a full substitute for regular brushing
- Labs still need to be brushed at least twice a week
Best for: Nervous dogs and quick cleanup sessions
6 Best Brushes For Labrador Retrievers
We looked at some of the most popular products on the market to find the best Lab brush. Brushes should always be comfortable for the dog, as well as functional.
Every dog has unique needs, so always do plenty of research and try out a few products to find the one that is best for your Labrador.
Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush Review
The Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush is one of the most popular brushes in the world — and for good reason. It’s comfortable to hold, works beautifully on thick coats like a Lab’s, and has retractable bristles that make cleanup ridiculously easy.
The bristles are slanted to get into the undercoat without scratching, and with the push of a button, trapped fur pops right off. It’s versatile, too; it works on cats, rabbits, and dogs of all sizes.
Key Features
- Slanted bristles glide through double coats
- Retractable pins for quick hair removal
- Comfortable, easy-to-hold handle
- Hugely popular with pet parents worldwide
Pro Tip: Use short, gentle strokes — pressing too hard can irritate sensitive Lab skin.
Price
Pet Magasin Professional Grooming 3 Pack Review
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Pet Magasin Professional Grooming Brushes are a great combination pack. This three-pack comes with a double-sided bristle, a long-toothed undercoat rake, and a de-matting comb.
This set is very helpful for dogs with lots of hair and who get tangles or debris in their coats. Designed for dogs who are high shedders, this set is good for excess fur removal, weekly grooming, and upkeep.
Key Features
- 3 tools in one affordable set
- Designed for medium and large breeds and high shedders
- Handles de-shedding, detangling, and everyday brushing
- Good for dogs with double coats
Pro Tip: Keep the undercoat rake handy during shedding season — it’ll pull out loose fur before it ends up on your furniture.
Price
Bass Brushes Large Slicker With Bamboo Wood Handle Review
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For those who like a more classic, eco-friendly tool, the Bass Large Slicker is a solid choice. Made with high-quality bamboo and rubber grips, it feels sturdy and comfortable in your hand.
The brush is large, perfect for bigger breeds like the Labrador. Its metal pins are perfect for smoothing your Lab’s coat, working out tangles, and keeping dirt and debris away. This one’s built to last.
Key Features
- Comfortable, classic design
- Premium bamboo wood + rubber grips
- Large size = ideal for Labs
- Durable design for long-term use
- Metal pins for tangles and debris
Pro Tip: Use this brush for regular upkeep, then swap to a deshedding tool when your Lab’s coat starts “blowing.”
Price
Chris Christensen Big G Dog Slicker Review
Known among professional groomers, the Chris Christensen Big G is built to handle tough coats. Its extra-large pins and cushioned pad glide through tangles and thick double coats with ease.
The ergonomic handle makes this brush easy to grip and hold. No hand cramps here! It can be used to fluff and detangle, with no need for additional tools. It comes in three sizes to suit every size of canine. They are designed to work with the thickest coats, curly hair, double coats, and large breeds.
Key Features
- Professional-grade slicker
- Extra-large pins for tangles and thick coats
- Ergonomic handle for comfort
- Available in multiple sizes
Pro Tip: Use this slicker to “fluff” your Lab’s coat after brushing — it leaves their fur soft, shiny, and looking freshly groomed.
Price
ZOOPOLR Pet Silicone Shampoo Brush Review
Bath time just got an upgrade. The ZOOPOLR Silicone Shampoo Brush doubles as a scrubber and a massager. Its soft rubber bristles lather shampoo, scrub away dirt, and pull out loose hair, all while giving your Lab a spa-worthy massage.
It’s easy to grip, even when wet, and works on both short and long coats. It has thick, soft rubber bristles that wash and remove packed-in hair. Pets like the brush’s massage, and some find it very calming. This bath brush will make grooming and bathing far more enjoyable than rigid plastic combs.
Key Features
- Dual-purpose washing and brushing
- Thick, soft silicone bristles
- Massages while removing hair
- Non-slip ergonomic grip
Pro Tip: Use this brush to turn bath time into bonding time — most Labs love the massage and relax while you scrub.
Price
Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Brush Review
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The Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Brush is budget-friendly and versatile. One side has fine steel tips with a protective coating to remove loose fur, tangles, and dander. The other side has dense nylon bristles that smooth and soften your Lab’s coat.
The comfortable handle makes it easy to maneuver around your dog’s body, even in tricky spots like behind the legs.
Key Features
- Affordable and effective
- Two brushes in one: steel-tipped + nylon bristle
- Comfortable, easy-grip handle
- Softens coats while managing shedding
- Manages tangles, mats, and keeps coats soft
- Maneuvers well around your dog’s bodies
Pro Tip: Alternate sides during brushing sessions. Start with the slicker side for tangles, then finish with the bristle side for a shiny, polished coat.
Price
Managing Labrador Shedding
Labradors shed. This is a commonly known fact about this lovable breed. Owners need to accept that their dog will shed and take steps to manage it.
Thankfully, there are a few ways owners can work to keep shedding manageable and control the amount of hair a Labrador leaves lying around.
Managing Shedding Triggers
Labs are going to shed, but some environmental triggers can cause them to shed more. Managing these triggers can prevent excess shedding.
Labs shed even more when they’re anxious or they have something bothering them, like fleas or a skin infection. Allergies can also trigger dogs to drop excess hair.
Nutrition
A high-quality diet full of proteins, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats keeps a dog healthy and is a key factor in coat health. Labradors need a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These are a pivotal part of skin and coat health.
Labs should eat a diet of fresh, high-quality ingredients, not foods with many fillers and artificial additives. Adding in some fresh meat and fresh veggies like kale, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes can give a nice boost to skin and coat health. Add extra water to keep them hydrated.
Check out our reviews of the best dog food for Labrador Retrievers for high-quality, breed-appropriate options. We also recommend some of the best dog food to reduce shedding.
Brushing & Bathing Products
Labrador Retrievers have extremely sensitive skin. They can have a bad reaction to shampoos, detanglers, and sprays. Always stick to sensitive skin and hypoallergenic dog products.
Never use human products on a dog. These can trigger allergies and shedding. Anti-shed formulated shampoos and calming formulas can help stop extra shedding and irritation.
Bathe Your Dog
Bathing a Lab can be a big job, but it is worth the effort. Regular baths can help keep coats clean and healthy. Just like humans, Labs will shed more hair in the bath. This can be an effective way to minimize shedding.
Grooming Tips For Labs
Keeping up with a Lab’s double coat is easier when you know the basics. Here are the essentials:
Lab Grooming Do’s: Keep That Coat Shiny
- Brush at least every 3 days to control shedding
- Bathe every few weeks with a gentle dog shampoo
- Use a de-shedding tool to pull out loose undercoat
- Brush in the direction of hair growth
- Visit a professional groomer every 2–3 months
Lab Grooming Don’ts: Avoid These Mistakes
- Don’t brush against the coat’s natural flow
- Don’t yank mats or tangles—work them out gently
- Don’t over-bathe (it can dry out the skin)
With a balance of at-home care and professional grooming, your Lab will stay sleek, healthy, and a little less hairy around the house.
Beyond The Coat: More Grooming Tips For Labs
Brushing is just one part of keeping your Lab looking (and feeling) their best. Labs also benefit from:
- Nail trims every few weeks to prevent discomfort and joint issues
- Ear cleaning (Labs are prone to ear infections due to their floppy ears)
- Regular tooth brushing and dental chews to support oral health
With the best Lab brush, plus a few extra grooming essentials, your Lab will stay healthy, comfortable, and ready for plenty of snuggles.
Have you found anything effective to reduce shedding in your Lab? Let us know in our comments!
