How to Get the Perfect Topline
Any decent showman would know how important the topline is in a dairy show. That’s why it’s crucial that the showman is properly equipped when it comes to forming the crystal fine trims on the back hair of the cow. When it all comes down to it, there are five basic necessities; clear magic, a hair brush, a blow dryer (with nozzle), baby powder, and a freedom clipper. This article will tell a showman all there is to know about these products and which brands are the best routes to go in order to wow the judge with a stunning topline.
Clear Magic
Clear magic is glorified hairspray, but instead of the usual 1-5 level, (flexible, strong, super strong), consider this stuff a 10. Clear magic is the Holy Grail when it comes to keeping a topline looking at its best. Sullivan Supply carries both types of Doc Brannen’s “magic”, clear and black. For the low price of $7.50 a can, who wouldn’t want what’s best for their cow? “Simply spray on and work into hair for 3 to 4 minutes with comb or brush to obtain desired hair position” (Dairy Show Products). Easy peasy! Just like hairspray. Be warned, too much of Clear Magic concentrated into one spot may lead hair loss on the cow.
Hair Brush
A specific hair brush may seem overdramatic and unnecessary, but little do some showmen know the texture that needs to be accomplished when it comes to achieving a topline’s full potential. Little Brook Dairy uses the classic Denman Topline brush. This brush is absolutely perfect for the back brushing motion of creating a topline, and its versatile grip is great for when hands are covered in miscellaneous substances such as baby powder and clear magic. This product is also available at the Sullivan Supply for the price of $8.50, and it even comes in a choice of two varieties, 7 or 9 rows.
Blow Dryer with Nozzle
This item has much more leeway than the hair brush and clear magic, virtually any hair brush that has a nozzle attachment will do the trick. Mills Fleet Farm carries an extraordinary hair dryer from Conair for a relatively low price of $21.00. “Say goodbye to the tangled cord! This hair dryer's cord retracts at the push of a button” (Mills Fleet Farm). What better type of hair dryer than one that can retract its cord with a push of a button?! This is perfect for the crazy and hectic morning of a show when people are running around looking for show numbers and combs. A retractable cord would be one less thing for a showman to worry about on their big day.
Baby Powder
Like the blow dryer, this product has lots of leeway as well. The goal of baby powder is to act as a base for the clear magic and to aid the clear magic into keeping the hair exactly how the showman placed it before they walked into the ring. Sullivan Supply carries a specific brand of baby powder that’s actually called and made for toplines. The Ramer brand comes in four ounces and Sullivan Supply sells it for about $9.75. Not too shabby if the showman wants the cow’s topline to be looking its best. We suggest investing in this brand of powder because in order to have a stunning topline overall, a showman must have a good base to start off with.
Freedom Clipper
Its possible for the showman to miss parts of hair when grooming around the topline and towards the spine, and it happens all too often. But using a regualr clipper is too big and frankly a risk, because the showman might over clip and make the topline appear unnatural and sloppy. That’s why Oster supplies a PowerPro Ultra Cordless Clipper. Unfortunatly, this is a very expensive piece and is quite the investment; however it is cordless and rechargable. The Cheshire Horse.com offers this particular clippers at $239.00.
Conclusion
Overall, for the price of $285.75, any showman can get the beautifully sculpted topline that they deserve. Creating a topline is a piece of aft, and it’s important to have the necessary tools. But remember showman, neglected toplines after the show can and will lead to hair loss, which won’t be beneficial at the next show! Always remember to wash out the product in the topline to restore the hair’s natural texture and softness.
Works Cited
"Conair Cord Keeper Styler - Mills Fleet Farm." Mills Fleet Farm. n.d. Web. 04 Nov. 2014.
"Dairy Show Products." Dairy Show Products. Sullivan Supply, n.d. Web. 04 Nov. 2014.
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