Playing and styling doll hair is fun. Unfortunately, over time, doll hair must be repaired with special care, whether it's tangled, dirty, or unkempt. Washing and combing hair can damage the original hairdo. It's important to find out the type of damage and material the doll's hair is made of so that you can untangle, wash, comb, and style it so that the doll looks like new.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Washing and Detangling Synthetic Doll Hair
Step 1. Check the label or doll case for information on the ingredients
Doll containers usually contain information about the doll's material and hair. Somewhere on the doll's body there may also be a label that includes this information. This is a must read because the material of the doll's body and hair will determine whether or not you can wash it. Also look for a label that lists customer service or the manufacturer's website with information on how to care for your doll's hair.
- Some expensive dolls made by large companies may provide a telephone number to call for advice if the doll's hair is damaged or tangled. Contact customer service first before attempting to wash or style the doll's hair to prevent further damage.
- Synthetic hair can be planted directly on the doll's head, or woven into a wig base and attached to the head.
- The doll and her hair made from synthetic materials (such as vinyl and plastic) can safely be washed and washed with water and a mild shampoo. Most modern dolls sold in toy stores are made of synthetic materials.
Step 2. Remove the doll's clothes and hair accessories
Before washing or using any product on the doll's hair, remove any clothing and accessories. Don't get your clothes damaged or your hair tangled with the accessories still attached. Comb the doll's hair gently to keep it from tangling.
If your doll's eyes can blink and close when you lay her down, try putting some cotton balls in her eyes. This is to prevent the eyes from getting wet and rusting when the doll's hair is washed
Step 3. Divide the hair into sections before you untangle the tangles
If the tousled doll is larger than Barbie's, it's a good idea to split it into sections. This will make it easier for you to untangle your hair as there are fewer tangles in each section of hair. Try making 2-4 sections of hair, depending on how thick the doll's hair is. You can use string or small hair clips to tie it up.
Step 4. Put water and liquid fabric softener in a spray bottle
Use fabric softener to wash the doll's hair so you can comb it easily. Mix water and fabric softener in equal proportions. You must use warm water.
- If fabric softener is not available, you can use baby shampoo or conditioner.
- Do not use water that is too hot as it can damage the hair fibers.
- Try not to get the doll's face wet. Some dolls can move their eyes by opening and closing. When exposed to water, this doll's eyes can rust.
Step 5. Spray each section of hair
Spray the doll's hair until it's damp using a mixture of water and fabric softener. Your hair will be softer if you wet it before you brush it.
It is very important to wet all the hair. Also lift the doll's hair and spray the undersides to make sure all sections of hair are wet with the water and fabric softener mixture
Step 6. Use the brush to untangle the tangles in each section of hair
Use a metal bristle brush or wig comb to comb the doll's hair. Always start the process from the ends of your hair and continue combing your hair upwards. Do this for each piece.
- Hold the doll's head when you comb to prevent pulling out the hair.
- Do not comb the doll's hair with a brush that has been used on your own hair. The natural oils in your hair sticking to the brush can damage the doll's hair.
- Do not use a plastic bristle comb or brush. These brushes create static electricity and make hair difficult to comb.
Step 7. Untangle each section of hair one by one
If the doll's hair is very thick, don't untangle it all at once. After you've handled one section of hair, move on to the next section until the entire section of hair is done. The tangles are gone if you can run the brush through your hair easily without getting caught.
Step 8. Rinse the fabric softener with water
When all the tangles are gone, you'll need to clean the fabric softener that's stuck to your hair. Start by removing the elastic that is tying your hair. Place the doll's hair under running water and run your fingers through the hair until the softener is gone.
Don't create new tangles when you do this step by keeping the doll's hair neat when rinsing
Step 9. Put cold or lukewarm water in a large bowl to prepare the wash
You can use any container as long as it can hold the doll's hair without tangling it. Place the bowl in the sink in case the water spills.
Try to use cold water. Water that is too warm can damage the curls. If the hair on the doll is in the shape of a wig, warm water can loosen the glue on the wig cover
Step 10. Choose a cleaning product and add a few drops to a bowl of water
To wash synthetic hair, you can use synthetic wig shampoo, baby shampoo, or mild dish soap. Add the product of your choice to the water and mix thoroughly with a spoon.
If the doll's hair smells, add 1 tsp. baking soda into the mixture to make hair smell better after washing
Step 11. Dip your hair in the shampoo and foam mixture
Turn the doll over, then dip the hair in the water. Next, gently swirl the hair in the water for about 30 seconds or until the hair becomes drenched. Tilt the doll and run the water to the roots of the hair using your hands. At this point, shampoo your hair and remove any tangles with your fingers.
Step 12. Soak the hair for about 15 minutes
Place the doll so that you can soak her hair in the water for about 10-15 minutes. Try to dip the entire section of hair into the water when you do this soak.
Step 13. Rinse hair with clean cold water
Discard the shampoo mixture and set the bowl aside. You can rinse the doll's hair by placing it under a tap running cold, clean water. Do this until the water is clear.
Be careful not to get the doll's face and eyes in the water when you rinse her hair
Step 14. Dry the doll's hair with a towel
After washing, gently squeeze the doll's hair with your hands. Next lay the doll on a towel, then spread the hair. Do this in a well-ventilated area, and let the hair dry. You can also place another towel over your hair and press it to absorb any remaining moisture.
Avoid rubbing or twisting your hair to squeeze out excess water. This action can cause some hair to be pulled out accidentally
Step 15. Brush the doll's hair while it's still damp
When it is almost dry, gently comb the doll's hair with a fine-tooth brush or metal comb. This is to remove any remaining tangles. Do not brush it immediately after washing. If it is too wet, the hair will be difficult to comb.
If you protected the doll's eyes with cotton balls, you can open them now
Step 16. Let the doll's hair dry on its own
After the fabric softener is rinsed off, gently squeeze the excess water out with your hands. Next, place the doll on an absorbent towel to dry. It's a good idea to let the doll's hair dry on its own overnight.
Don't use a hairdryer on doll hair, especially if it's made of synthetic material, as this can damage it
Step 17. Remove frizzy and tangled ends of hair
The doll's hair may already look a bit nice, but the ends will look damaged and split. This can make the doll's hair look unkempt, and won't be resolved simply by removing the tangles. You can trim the ends of the doll's hair with scissors. If you don't feel confident cutting it, try curling your hair to cover up any damaged ends.
Make sure the doll's hair is cut evenly for good results
Method 2 of 2: Repairing Doll Hair That Requires Special Care
Step 1. Use water carefully on wooden or porcelain dolls
The heads on wooden dolls can get moldy and rot, and eventually break if exposed to liquid. If the head of a porcelain doll is cracked, water can penetrate the surface and damage the doll. Always remove the hair before you wash it if the doll's hair has a wig base.
If the doll's hair doesn't have a removable base for the wig, make sure the water doesn't get on the scalp when you wash it
Step 2. Avoid washing the doll's hair from wool with water
In general, the wool is not attached in the form of a wig, but is glued directly to the doll's head. Never wet hair from wool as the water makes it tangle and loosens the adhesive on the doll's head.
Try cleaning it by brushing cornstarch or talc on the wool with a brush, before brushing it again
Step 3. Wash human hair and mohair (a thread made from goat hair) after you remove the base of the wig
Both types of hair are usually sewn into the base of the wig, then glued to the doll's head. Remove the base of the wig from the doll's head before you wash it, then reattach it when you're done.
When removing the base of the wig, place your finger under the wig and carefully pull the base off the doll's head. If there are areas of hair that are difficult to clean, you can spray them with cold water (unless the doll is made of porcelain or wood)
Step 4. Use fabric softener to clean hair made of yarn
Thread hair is generally used in older dolls made in the '70s and '80s and Cabbage Patch Dolls (name of dolls manufactured in 1982). The thread is directly sewn or glued to the doll's head. Thread hair can be washed with care: most dolls with floss hair are made of cloth and can rot or mildew if exposed to water. When washing hair from threads, only use fabric softener or detergent specifically designed for hand washing.
Never brush a doll's hair made of yarn. The brush will unravel the fibers of the yarn, which will make it badly damaged
Tips
- When combing a doll's hair, start at the ends first. Never comb it from the roots downwards as this can tear and tangle the fibers.
- Do not use plastic combs and brushes. Try to use a metal comb with wide teeth or a metal wig brush.
Warning
- Some types of doll hair can be damaged if it gets wet. So, be careful when washing the doll's hair.
- Don't use straighteners, dryers, and curling irons, as doll hair can melt or damage if exposed to heat-even if it's made from natural fibers. Use straighteners, dryers, and curlers with care on human doll hair.
- Do not share brushes or combs with dolls. The natural oils from your hair will stick to the brush, which can damage the doll's hair.
