The coat should be clean and totally free of mats for the best results. Each comb is numbered. The lower the comb number, the longer the coat length. The higher the comb number, the shorter the coat length. Working with the grain of the coat will achieve the smoothest appearance.
Combs save on scissoring time, but never eliminate it.
Some touchup work is always required. The legs are then scissored to blend neatly into the body. The head should be rounded, and the tail can either be clipped two thirds of the way to create a pompom, or just made neater. When grooming any breed outside of its standard, be sure to spend the time necessary with the client to educate her on the beauty of the breed in its natural coat, and be sure she fully understands that trimming the coat may alter it for life. The pin-straight Maltese coat may develop a wave.