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For other uses of 'groom' and 'grooming', see groom

Grooming refers to removing obvious imperfections in one's appearance, or improving one's hygiene. In social animals and humans it is also a major social activity, and a means by which animals who live in proximity can bond and reinforce social structures, family links, and build relationships.

Use in regard to humans

When regarding a human it means to primp: washing and cleansing the hair, combing it to extract tangles and snarls, and styling.

Use in regard to animals

When used in reference to animals, it tends to involve their cleaning themselves and one another by combing through the hair and extracting foreign objects such as insects, and leaves, dirt and twigs.

In social animals, grooming pays an important role in establishing and reinforcing social relationships and dominance hierarchies.

See also

• Preen (birds)

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