Save The Dolls
HAIR

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

This is my method: After the hair is washed and rinsed, I rinse it in diluted fabric softener. 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.  I am going to try it.

Then the fun begins. Comb and brush, comb and brush. I’ve used a wide toothed comb or a brush with plastic teeth, but recently read that a dog’s comb with metal teeth is better than plastic.  (See  http://www.biddingtons.com/content/mrsdollhair.html)  This site has more information on cleaning and setting synthetic hair.  I usually comb the hair 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.  You can separate the sections with clips or small rubber bands and do one section at a time.  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 don’t always "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.

Rinse:

• Use Wig-Lustre for cleaning and de-tangling (see above)
• 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.)
• Use Soft Sheen Optimum Care Conditioning Spray several times and brush for a long time.
• Check out this website for more information on care and cleaning of doll hair:
  http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art48817.asp

Comb & brush:

• Use a fine toothed, metal comb, as used in dog grooming.
• Dilute Downy Fabric Softener in a spray bottle (easier to control the amount and where to spray).  Wet the hair with Downey , use a blast of steam from your iron to spray a small area that you have separated out to work on.  (Don't burn your fingers!)  Use a wig brush and start at the bottom of the strand, gradually working up.  Re-spray and steam as necessary.  The steam and Downey seem to condition the hair -- real or synthetic.

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.)
• Use 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.

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.

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: A web site that has lots of other hints on Barbie's hair is:

http://www.simplygracedesigns.com/Pamamom/Hair.htm

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

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