Save The Dolls
HAIR

Before

After

There is no question that hair is the major problem. It is not always easy to tell if it can be fixed. After a while you will get better at guessing ahead of time. 

This is my method: After the hair is washed and the soap rinsed out, I rinse it in diluted fabric softener. Sometimes I will let it soak for 1/2 hour, but I am not sure if that makes any difference.  However, recently one lady wrote in to say that she prefers a spray-on product made for cleaning and detangling artificial (wig) hair, which is called “Wig-Lustre”.  Most stores that sell wigs, and some beauty-supply stores carry it. She feels that regular hair conditioner leaves a residue that attracts dust, and I tend to agree with her.

Then the fun begins. Comb and brush, comb and brush, and comb and brush. I use a wide toothed comb or a brush with plastic teeth. I usually do this sitting in front of the TV at night, with a towel on my lap, when the hair is still damp. You have to have patience. I will do one small section at a time, starting at the ends working up toward the scalp.  I separate the sections with clips or small rubber bands (size 10) and go onto the next section.  Sometimes you have to perform a hair cut or at least a trim. Eventually the hair may need to be put into a pony tail, braids, or one large pigtail. 

I do not usually "set" or "style" the hair beyond that. I did, however, put small curlers in the doll pictured above, while her hair was still damp. Although there is a great improvement from her picture on the left, this hairdo will not last very long. Eventually it will become pigtails. (See photo at right.)

 

 

Suggestions from others:  In the past there have been discussions about fixing dolls' hair on the Internet. They primarily related to restoring collectible dolls, but I intend to try some of them on the dolls I bring home. Be warned, however, that doll hair is not all alike, just like the composition of dolls, so use with care. Some of the suggestions follow.  Also check out these websites for more information on care and cleaning of doll hair:
http://www.adollysworld.com/doll_hair/care.html
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art48817.asp

Rinse:

  • Do not rinse out the fabric softener.  Leave it in the hair.

  • Just dip your comb into the rinse and comb through the hair.

  • Use Avon conditioner, Quick Touch. (Comb hair as best you can, rinse in warm water, rub in Quick Touch, rinse off, press hair between a towel, add a little more rinse and comb through.)

  • Spray on Soft Sheen Optimum Care Conditioning Spray several times and brush for a long time.

Comb & brush:

  • Use a fine toothed comb, as used in dog grooming.

Setting:

  • Use very small rollers or those used when giving permanents.

  • Use end papers to wrap the hair, like those used when giving permanents, or use pieces of paper towels, or plastic wrap.

  • For setting gel, use Sofsheen.

  • Pour very hot or boiling water over the hair (not face) after curlers are in. Be careful! Blot dry (remember it is hot) and let cool to room temperature -- probably overnight. Unroll and style. (This can be used on rooted hair, but not on wigs that will come unglued.)

  • One woman wrote in that she uses a blow dryer and curling iron to set or smooth out hair. Just be careful of how different types of hair tolerate different degrees of heat.

  • Use soda straws to set synthetic wigs; then dip the set head into steaming water for about 3 minutes. Allow to dry at least 3 days, longer for tighter curl.

Crimped hair:

  • Braid tightly, secure ends (with dental bands or string), pour boiling water over, and let dry.  (Use only on rooted hair.)

Straight hair:

  • Fold baking paper (not waxed paper) over hair and iron at low setting. Raise temperature of iron until it works.

Wigs:

  • If hair is not restorable or too matted, cut it off and use white glue to secure a synthetic doll wig.  Doll shops, or online you can buy them from Dollspart, Monique, or Global. 

Barbie's hair:

  • Use Baby Shampoo or mild regular soap, such as Joy.

  • Use diluted fabric conditioner, such as Downey, to soften and detangle.

  • Use a toothbrush to brush.

  • Use No-color Mascara as a gel. Brush through the hair and style or use to untangle. It washes out without a trace.

  • Spray on Infusion 23 and comb through the hair. It gives it a high gloss sheen and nice scent.

  • Use drinking straws for curlers, with dental bands, or secure with straight pins.

Note: Many of the suggestions listed above came from members of two Internet mailing lists (see Mailing Lists under SOURCES).  

Supplies: Twin Pines (http://www.twinpines.com/).  Click on "Products" for supplies and kits for renewing hair, including wigs.

My final suggestion is to look at the doll's hair carefully before bringing her home, to avoid lots of frustration. When donating dolls for play, I prefer simple hairdos that stay put, rather than fancy ones that look nice only a short time.

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