Owner Asks Groomer to Dye Dog-Sees Result and Realizes It Went Very ‘Wrong'
One pet parent had a special haircut request for the groomer, but how her dog looked upon pickup left her doing a double take.
In a May 8 TikTok video posted by @alexasbunch, owner Alexa explained that she had a specific vision for her dog Cash’s grooming appointment. Knowing her groomer also dyes dogs’ fur, she requested a faux hawk with the top dyed a different color to stand out against his brown fur.
However, when Cash debuted his new look, the result wasn’t quite what Alexa expected. The groomer followed the owner’s lead, styling Cash’s fur into a faux hawk. She left the hair on top of his head taller and fuller before gradually tapering it down toward his ears. The raised section was then dyed black to complete the look.
In the clip, Alexa silently held up the dog and frowned, letting viewers take in the hairstyle for themselves as she suggested her request had gone “wrong.” Cash’s wide-eyed expression only added to the comedic effect, making it seem as if he, too, was questioning the makeover.
Alexa quickly clarified that the grooming appointment was successful despite the first glance upon picking up Cash. She wrote in the caption: “I actually really, really love my groomer! She is seriously the best. It's just the angle because it does actually look good.”
Newsweek reached out to @alexasbunch via email for additional information and comment.
Creative Grooming
While the angle made Cash’s hairstyle appear more dramatic than intended, the look reflects elements of creative grooming, a practice that combines styling techniques with artistic elements such as sculpting and coat coloring. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), creative grooming can include the use of pet-safe dyes, decorative trims and stylized cuts designed to transform a dog’s appearance while still prioritizing the animal’s comfort and well-being.
The AKC notes that these techniques are often used in grooming competitions and specialty styling, where groomers experiment with color and shape to achieve visually distinctive looks.
Is Dyeing Dogs’ Fur Safe?
While the dog’s colorful makeover sparked laughter among TikTok users, experts say pet owners should take precautions when dyeing their dogs’ fur. Veterinarians say pet owners should never use human hair dye on dogs because the chemicals can irritate a dog’s skin and may be harmful if licked or ingested.
An article from VCA Animal Hospitals says that dyes made specifically for dogs are generally considered safer, but owners should still monitor their pets for signs of redness, itching or discomfort after application.
The article also notes that dye can also cause problems if it gets into a dog’s eyes, ears or mouth, which is why experts recommend using only pet-safe products and having coloring performed by experienced groomers when possible.
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This story was originally published June 16, 2026 at 11:20 PM.