Is your American Girl doll in need of a hair makeover? Nothing ruins a doll’s appearance more than bad hair. But fret not! I’m here to share some tips on how to restore your doll’s hair to its former glory. By following these steps, you can give your doll a stunning new look without breaking the bank.
An Introduction to Restoring Doll Hair
Before we dive into the process, let me share a little bit about why restoring doll hair is worth your time. By fixing up abused dolls, you can add unique pieces to your collection at a fraction of the cost. Plus, there’s something satisfying about bringing a doll back to life.
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Understanding American Girl Doll Hair
American Girl dolls have high-quality wigs made of blended mod-acrylic fibers. As these wigs are essentially made of plastic, the best way to restore their shape and shine is by applying heat. However, you may have come across suggestions to use a Downy Dunk to make the hair soft again. Please refrain from doing this.
The Downy Dunk Debacle
Using fabric softener like Downy may help remove tangles, but it also alters the hair. I made the mistake of trying this method on my first fixer doll, and it didn’t turn out well. Her hair became limp, greasy, and lost its shine. It also attracted dust and had a filmy coating. Thankfully, I was able to repair it later, but there’s definitely a better approach to restoring doll hair.
The Dunking Basics
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Dolls come with three hair styles: straight, large curls, and tight ringlets. Depending on the style you want, the way you treat the hair will vary. Before we get into the specifics, let’s cover the basics of the dunking process.
To protect your doll’s eyes from water damage, start by taping a cotton ball or a piece of cotton pad over each eye in the closed position. You should also cover the doll’s cloth body with a plastic bag. If your doll is used, begin with a thorough hair wash. For instructions on washing doll hair, refer to my “A Doll Cleaning Tutorial.”
Restoring Straight Hair
For dolls with straight hair, here’s what you need to do. Firstly, lay the doll face down on a cloth to protect it. Comb out a small section of wet hair and use a flat iron on its lowest setting (around 140 degrees) to run it quickly over the combed section. Be cautious not to let the hair dry out or the heat may melt it. If needed, spritz the hair with water. As you straighten each section, steam will roll off, which is normal. Repeat this process for all sections. Once done, allow the hair to air dry.
Creating Big Curls or Waves
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If you’re aiming for voluminous curls or waves, follow these steps. Before dunking your doll’s hair, roll it up into sponge rollers. Start by spritzing a section of combed hair with water, then roll it up into the rollers. Begin at the bottom of the hair, working your way up. Avoid placing the rollers against the scalp to prevent poofs. Once the hair is rolled, proceed with the dunking process as mentioned earlier. Allow the hair to dry fully, preferably overnight. Afterward, unroll the curls gently, adjusting them to your desired look. For looser waves, use fewer rollers and larger sections of hair.
Achieving Tight Curls
To give your doll tight curls, you’ll need a pen, pencil, or small dowel rod. Take thin sections of wet hair and wrap them tightly around the pen, securing them with bobby pins. Be sure to secure the pins tightly to prevent them from being pulled out by the water. Once all the curls are in place, follow the dunking process described earlier. After the hair is completely dry, remove the pins to reveal beautiful, tight curls. If the curls are too tight, spritz them with water and gently tug to loosen them. This style works great for dolls with textured hair.
Final Words
Now that you have the knowledge to restore your American Girl doll’s hair, it’s time to put it into action. Remember, a little TLC can go a long way in bringing your dolls back to life. If you’re interested in learning more doll restoration techniques, check out my “Restoring Doll Bangs, Pin Curls, and Hair Parts” post. Have fun styling your dolls!
P.S. If you’re also interested in re-stringing a doll, I’ve got you covered. Check out my “How To Re-String A Doll Tutorial.” 😉
Source: https://t-tees.com
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