The Hairless:

The Hairless variety can vary in amount of body hair. Fur on the muzzle, also known as a beard, is not uncommon. A true Hairless often does not have as much furnishings (hair on the head, tail, and legs). What is known as a Hairy Hairless (hh) has more, thicker furnishings on the head, tail, and legs. The difference between a very hairy Hairless and a Powderpuff is that the Hairless has a single coat with hairless parts on the body, while the Powderpuff has a thick double coat. The skin of the Hairless comes in a variety of colors, ranging from a pale flesh to black. Hairless Cresteds often lack a full set of premolar teeth, but this is not considered a fault for them.
The amount of body hair on the hairless variety varies quite extensively, from the true hairless which has very little or no body hair and furnishings, to what is called a 'hairy hairless', which if left ungroomed often grows a near-full coat of hair. These hairy hairless are not a mix between powderpuffs and hairless Chinese Cresteds, but are merely a result of a weaker expression of the variable Hairless gene. The mutation responsible for the hairless trait was identified in 2008.
Maintenance of the Hairless variety's skin is similar to maintaining human skin—and as such it can be susceptible to acne, dryness, and sunburn. Hypoallergenic or oil-free moisturizing cream can keep the skin from becoming too dry when applied every other day or after bathing. Burning can occur in regions that lend themselves to strong UV-rays, especially in lighter-skinned dogs. Many owners apply baby sunscreen to their pets before spending time in strong sun. Some Cresteds have skin allergies to Lanolin, so be cautious when using any products that contain it.
Unless the dog is a "True" Hairless (one with virtually no hair growth on non-extremities), trimming and/or shaving is often performed to remove stubble growth. 
Bath regularly with a good quality shampoo. Any shampoo will work (nothing with Lanolin in it because Cresteds are allergic), dog shampoo or human shampoo. However, a good quality shampoo is best, just as it is for you. Baby shampoo or a tearless shampoo works well too. Blow dry after bathing, brushing while you blow dry. A small brush and stainless steel comb is used for the furnishings
. A small clipper, cordless is best, that is quiet, is used for trimming the face and body of the hairless. Clip the face after your crested is dry with small clippers (10 mm blade). 
Check the pads and between toes for felting or matting and remove any to avoid discomfort. 
Clean the ears and teeth regularly. The teeth will need to be cleaned more often if the crested is not a chewer. Chewing helps keep the teeth cleaner and healthier. 
The Chinese Crested is further distinguished by its hare foot, (having more elongated toes) as opposed to the cat foot common to most other dogs. Because of this the quicks of Cresteds run deeper into their nails, so care must be taken not to trim the nails too short to avoid pain and bleeding. Clip the nails either with nail cutters or a nail grinder. Cresteds’ nails are moderately longer than other breeds. When clipping the nails be careful not to cut too short as to cut into the quicke. If you do cut into the quicke have some “styptic powder” on hand dab directly onto the nail to stop the bleeding and apply pressure for about 10 seconds. 
If you are uncomfortable with any of the grooming tasks seek professional help from a groomer or veterinarian. 
Acne can and does exist in Cresteds since their skin is much like ours. They can get pimples and black heads. Young Cresteds can go through a period, just like teenagers, where they get acne outbreaks. Some foods, just like in people, can cause acne outbreaks as well. The best thing to do is to keep their skin clean. Bathing frequently, daily whip downs, and other acne products will help.





The Powder Puff
Both varieties require certain amount of grooming, however, the Powder Puff is a little easier to care for in some respects. The look varies according to how it is groomed. When its fur is completely grown out on its face, it resembles a terrier; however, the Powderpuff is usually shaved around the snout as a standard cut.
The Puffs have a very soft and fine double coat that requires frequent brushing to avoid matting. Although a Puff's coat does not continuously grow like that of some other breeds, it can grow to be quite long at full length. This breed has little to no shedding. But frequent brushing is required to avoid matting. Make sure to check the inside of the legs for matting for this is the most prone place to mat. 
Bath regularly with a good quality shampoo. Any shampoo will work (nothing with Lanolin in it because Cresteds are allergic), dog shampoo or human shampoo. However, a good quality shampoo is best, just as it is for you. Baby shampoo or a tearless shampoo works well too. Blow dry after bathing, brushing while you blow dry. 
Clip the face after your crested is dry with small clippers (10 mm blade). 
Check the pads and between toes for felting or matting and remove any to avoid discomfort. 
Clean the ears and teeth regularly. The teeth will need to be cleaned more often if the crested is not a chewer. Chewing helps keep the teeth cleaner and healthier. 
Clip the nails either with nail cutters or a nail grinder. Cresteds’ nails are moderately longer than other breeds. When clipping the nails be careful not to cut too short as to cut into the quicke. If you do cut into the quicke have some “styptic powder” on hand dab directly onto the nail to stop the bleeding and apply pressure for about 10 seconds. 
If you are uncomfortable with any of the grooming tasks seek professional help from a groomer or veterinarian. 
Shaving your puff to look like a hairy hairless! Some owners like the look of a hairy hairless or sometime for climate or grooming reasons, owners will shave their powder puff down to look like a hairy hairless. Warning however, when the hair grows back it sometimes is not as healthy looking as before. The hair sometimes will grow back fringy looking.​