Tip #8 — Boosting Hair Growth and Skin Health in Show Pigs, with Scott Kinzer, Director of Product Management
“When it comes to preparing your show pig for the ring, daily skin and hair care isn’t just a good habit—it’s a necessity. Consistent grooming not only improves your pig’s appearance but plays a critical role in the animal’s overall presentation and placing.
Using high-quality shampoos, conditioners, and sheens like Sullivan’s Rejuvenate, Champions Choice, Sudden Impact, and Glaze ensures that your pig’s skin stays hydrated and its hair coat healthy and manageable. These products are staples in show barns across the country and contribute to that eye-catching ring-ready look.
One of the most exciting advancements in swine hair care is Sullivan’s OVER DRIVE Hair Growth Booster, a daily-use sheen that specifically targets hair growth. Formulated with easily absorbed natural extracts and vitamins, OVER DRIVE stimulates the hide by opening and cleaning the pores and activating the hair shaft. This accelerates hair growth, making it a game-changer in building that thick, fresh coat every showman strives for. Application is simple: spray OVER DRIVE over the entire body of the hog once or twice a day. Lightly brush it in using your favorite grooming brush—but be careful not to over-brush, as this can remove product from the skin. Importantly, do not blow dry. Allow the product to air dry for optimal skin penetration.
Whether or not your show allows adhesives in the ring, having a strong foundation of healthy, dense hair makes a noticeable difference. It adds volume, gives the illusion of more bone and muscle mass, and creates a smoother overall look. In a highly competitive show setting, these details can mean the difference between a first-place banner or second place. With the right products and consistent care, you can set your show pig apart—starting with skin and hair.”
