Doll hair can become dirty or tangled as a result of being stored or played with. With most dolls, fabric softener or baby shampoo is safe to clean the doll's hair. These products soften hair and smooth out frizz. Once you've smoothed and softened your doll's hair, try to brush it regularly so it doesn't tangle again in the future. Most doll hair (both plastic and fabric) can be treated with these methods. However, if you have the manufacturer's instructions, read them before washing the doll to make sure you can wash and comb the doll's hair yourself.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using Fabric Softener
Step 1. Soak hair in fabric softener
Choose a high quality brand for the best results. Pour some fabric softener in a bowl or cup. The amount of softener depends on the amount of hair on the doll. You should have enough softener to completely cover the doll's hair.
- To avoid wasting fabric softener, start with a small amount. Add the softener a little at a time until it's enough to cover the doll's hair.
- Put the doll's hair in the bowl. Smooth the softener into the doll's hair with your fingers. Keep working until the softener is evenly distributed throughout the doll's hair.
- Set your doll aside. Store it in a safe place where it will not be disturbed. Leave the softener for at least an hour. If the doll's hair is coarse enough, feel free to let it sit overnight.
Step 2. Comb while the fabric softener is still in the doll's hair
When you're done soaking the doll's hair, comb it while the fabric softener is still in the doll's hair. The softener will work as a conditioning agent, softening and smoothing the doll's hair.
- It's a good idea to use a wide-toothed wig, as it's a good comb for detangling. If you don't have one, an ordinary, sparse-toothed comb will suffice. Do it slowly so that the doll's hair is not damaged. However, small dolls like Barbie should be combed with a fine-toothed comb.
- If you're working with a doll with long hair, work out large tangles with your fingers before combing through.
Step 3. Rinse the doll's hair
After combing, rinse the softener from the doll's hair. You can rinse it under the sink faucet. Make sure all the softener is clean of the doll's hair. If it's still there, the softener will damage the doll's hair in the long run. Squeeze the doll's hair repeatedly to see if there is any softener in the doll's hair. If still, continue to rinse until clean.
- You can pat the doll's hair dry with a clean towel. You can also dry it in the sun.
- Do not use a hairdryer. Doll hair is very delicate and is easily damaged by the heat of a hair dryer.
Step 4. Comb with a fine toothed comb
Once the doll's hair is dry enough, comb it again. Use a fine-toothed comb to straighten your hair and untangle any tangles. In addition, the combing will improve the drying of the doll's hair.
Method 2 of 3: Using Baby Shampoo
Step 1. Fill a cup or bowl with cold water
You can use baby shampoo to soften the doll's hair. Get a cup or bowl large enough to hold all of the doll's hair. The water temperature should be cooler if the doll has curly hair. The warm water will loosen the curls.
Step 2. Stir in teaspoon of baby shampoo
Once your bowl or cup is full of water, stir in teaspoon of baby shampoo. Mix until completely dissolved.
Do not replace baby shampoo with regular shampoo. Baby shampoo is mild enough that it is safe to use on doll hair. If you don't have one, try buying one. You can also use a special mild shampoo, such as shampoo for sensitive skin or shampoo for newly dyed hair
Step 3. Wash the doll's hair with shampoo
Once the water and baby shampoo mixture is ready, soak the doll's hair in a bowl. Make sure the doll's hair is completely wet. Then, foam the doll's hair with your fingers. Continue to massage until completely foamy.
Step 4. Leave the doll's hair in the bowl for 10 minutes
After shampooing the doll's hair completely, let it sit for 10 minutes. Thus, the shampoo can soften the doll's hair. This will help untangle and soften the doll's hair and make it shiny. Set the doll and bowl aside in an undisturbed place.
Step 5. Rinse hair three times
After 10 minutes, rinse the doll's hair. Empty the shampoo bowl, clean it, and fill it with clean water. Rinse the doll's hair in a bowl until the water is foamy from the shampoo. Clean the bowl again and repeat this process two more times.
Make sure all the shampoo has been removed from the doll's hair. If the water is still soapy in the third rinse, clean the doll's hair under the sink faucet. The shampoo left behind will damage the doll's hair in the long run
Step 6. Dry your doll's hair a little
After the doll's hair is rinsed, you need to dry it a bit. It's best not to comb your hair when it's still wet. You have to wait for it to get damp. You can dry it by hanging the doll upside down, letting it air dry, or patting it dry with a towel. Again, don't use a hairdryer as it can damage the doll's hair.
Step 7. Comb the doll's hair
Once the doll's hair is damp, feel free to start combing. For small dolls, use a fine-toothed comb. For large dolls, use a wig comb or a regular comb with fine teeth.
- Comb slowly so that the doll's hair is not damaged.
- First untangle the tangles with your fingers on the long-haired doll.
Method 3 of 3: Preventing Damage
Step 1. Remove all items from the doll
Before washing the doll's hair, make sure you remove all items from the doll's hair. Take all the ribbons, bandanas, or other accessories from the doll's hair.
If the doll has been stored for a long time, it may have something deeply embedded in the hair. Take the time to untangle the doll's hair and check for accessories before washing her hair
Step 2. Comb the doll's hair regularly
If you want to prevent your doll's hair from getting tangled or damaged, brush it regularly. After you or your child have played with the doll, comb the hair before storing it.
Combing the doll's hair is like combing your own hair. Start at the base and work your way up to the ends to smooth out any tangles
Step 3. Avoid overdoing the doll's hair
Doing doll hair is fun. However, if you overdo it, the doll's hair can become tangled and damaged. Use simple hairstyles, such as braids or ponytails, and avoid weird hairstyles like those on television. This way, your doll's hair will remain smooth and soft.
Step 4. Read the manufacturer's instructions first if possible
Before trying to clean doll hair, read the manufacturer's instructions if you have any. Some types of dolls come with hair washing and care instructions. For example, the American Girl doll has hair that you shouldn't wash yourself. Manufacturers provide a telephone number that can be contacted if the doll's hair is damaged.
Step 5. Be careful when washing doll hair with mechanical parts
If the doll has mechanical parts, be careful before washing the doll's hair. Water will damage this type of doll. It's a good idea to remove the hair from the doll first (if possible) before washing it. You can also wrap the doll in plastic so it doesn't come into contact with water during the washing process.
