DIY Doll Hair: A Comprehensive Guide to Restyling and Replacing Your Doll’s Locks
Is your doll’s hair a tangled mess? Has it been loved a little *too* much? Or maybe you just want to give your doll a fresh, new look. Replacing or restyling doll hair is a fun and rewarding DIY project that can breathe new life into your beloved dolls. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from choosing the right hair type to the step-by-step process of rehairing or styling your doll. Prepare to transform your doll from drab to fab!
## Why Replace or Restyle Doll Hair?
There are several reasons why you might consider replacing or restyling doll hair:
* **Damage:** Years of play can leave doll hair tangled, matted, and damaged. Replacing it can restore the doll to its former glory.
* **Customization:** Want a doll with a unique hairstyle or color? Replacing the hair allows for complete customization.
* **Restoration:** For vintage dolls, replacing damaged hair is often a necessary part of the restoration process.
* **Fun and Creativity:** It’s a fun and creative project that allows you to express your artistic side.
## Choosing the Right Hair
The first step is choosing the right type of hair for your project. There are several options available, each with its own pros and cons:
* **Nylon Hair:** This is a popular choice for doll hair due to its durability, affordability, and wide range of colors. It’s easy to work with and can be heat-styled at low temperatures.
* **Pros:** Durable, affordable, wide color selection, easy to work with, heat-stylable (low temp).
* **Cons:** Can be prone to tangling, may have a slightly synthetic feel.
* **Saran Hair:** Saran hair is known for its softness and silky texture. It’s a higher-quality option than nylon and holds its style well. It is more resistant to tangling compared to nylon hair.
* **Pros:** Soft and silky texture, holds style well, less prone to tangling than nylon.
* **Cons:** More expensive than nylon, limited color selection compared to nylon, can be more difficult to work with for beginners.
* **Kanekalon Hair:** This is a synthetic fiber often used for making wigs and extensions for humans. It’s heat-resistant and can be styled in various ways. However, it might be too thick for small dolls.
* **Pros:** Heat-resistant, can be styled in various ways, available in a wide range of textures.
* **Cons:** Can be too thick for small dolls, may require more skill to work with.
* **Human Hair:** While more expensive, human hair offers the most natural look and feel. It can be styled and treated just like your own hair. It may be difficult to find the right texture and length for smaller dolls, and it is far more expensive than synthetic alternatives.
* **Pros:** Natural look and feel, can be styled and treated like real hair.
* **Cons:** Most expensive option, can be difficult to find the right texture and length for smaller dolls, requires more maintenance.
* **Yarn:** Yarn can be used to create a unique and textured hairstyle. It’s a good option for dolls with a more whimsical or artistic look. It’s affordable and comes in countless colors and textures.
* **Pros:** Affordable, wide variety of colors and textures, creates a unique look.
* **Cons:** Can be difficult to achieve a realistic look, may require more creativity and experimentation.
When choosing hair, consider the size of your doll’s head, the desired hairstyle, and your budget. It’s always a good idea to order a small sample of hair before committing to a large purchase.
## Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the following tools and materials:
* **Doll Hair:** Enough hair to cover the doll’s head. The amount will vary depending on the doll’s size and the desired hairstyle. As a general rule, it’s better to overestimate than underestimate.
* **Rooting Tool:** This is a specialized tool used to insert the hair into the doll’s head. A rooting tool typically has a needle with a small hook or barb that catches the hair and pulls it through the hole.
* **Rooting Needle (Various Sizes):** The correct needle size depends on the hair type and the size of the doll’s head. Experiment with different sizes to find the one that works best. Thinner needles are used for fine hair or smaller doll heads, while thicker needles are used for thicker hair or larger doll heads.
* **Needle-Nose Pliers:** These are helpful for gripping and manipulating the rooting needle, especially when working in tight spaces.
* **Scissors:** For trimming and shaping the hair.
* **Seam Ripper or Small Awl:** To remove the old hair from the doll’s head (if replacing).
* **Hot Glue Gun (Optional):** For securing the hair inside the head (some people prefer knotting alone).
* **Hot Glue Sticks (Optional):** If using a hot glue gun.
* **Hair Brush or Comb:** For detangling and styling the hair.
* **Bobby Pins or Hair Clips:** To hold the hair in place while styling.
* **Spray Bottle with Water:** For dampening the hair to make it easier to style.
* **Doll Stand (Optional):** To hold the doll in place while working.
* **Protective Eyewear:** To protect your eyes from flying debris or accidental needle slips.
* **Old Towel or Newspaper:** To protect your work surface.
* **Headband or Rubber Bands:** To keep hair out of the way while working.
* **Magnifying Glass (Optional):** For seeing the tiny details more clearly.
* **Good Lighting:** Essential for seeing what you are doing.
## Removing the Old Hair (If Replacing)
If you’re replacing the doll’s hair, you’ll need to remove the old hair first. Here’s how:
1. **Prepare the Doll’s Head:** If possible, remove the doll’s head from the body. This will make it easier to work with. If the head is not removable, be extra careful not to damage the body.
2. **Locate the Hair Roots:** Examine the inside of the doll’s head to locate the hair roots. These are the points where the hair is attached to the head. They are usually secured with knots or glue.
3. **Use a Seam Ripper or Small Awl:** Carefully insert the seam ripper or awl under the hair roots and gently pry them loose. Be careful not to damage the plastic of the doll’s head.
4. **Remove the Hair in Sections:** Work in small sections, removing the hair a few strands at a time. This will make the process easier and prevent you from damaging the head.
5. **Clean the Head:** Once all the hair is removed, clean the inside of the head with a damp cloth to remove any remaining glue or debris. You can use a mild soap if necessary.
6. **Ensure Drainage Holes are clear:** Many doll heads have small holes which allow water to drain. Ensure that these holes are clear of debris so that water can drain properly during the washing and styling process.
## Rehairing the Doll: The Rooting Method
The rooting method is the most common technique for rehairing dolls. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. **Prepare the Hair:** Cut the doll hair into lengths appropriate for the hairstyle you want to achieve. A good starting point is to cut the hair about twice the desired final length, as it will be folded in half during the rooting process. Bundle the hair into small wefts, about 10-20 strands each, and secure them with a rubber band or piece of thread.
2. **Thread the Rooting Needle:** Insert one end of a hair weft through the eye of the rooting needle. Fold the hair in half so that the loop is at the end of the needle. This creates a secure anchor for the hair.
3. **Insert the Needle:** Choose a starting point on the doll’s head. Carefully insert the needle into one of the existing hair holes. Push the needle all the way through the head until the hook or barb emerges on the other side.
4. **Catch the Hair:** Rotate the needle slightly to catch the folded hair in the hook or barb. Gently pull the needle back through the hole, bringing the hair with it. This will create a loop of hair on the outside of the head.
5. **Secure the Hair:** Once the loop is pulled through, carefully remove the needle. Gently tug on the ends of the hair to tighten the loop and secure it in place. This creates a knot inside the head that will hold the hair in place.
6. **Repeat the Process:** Continue rooting the hair, working your way around the doll’s head. Be sure to space the hair evenly to create a full and natural look. Overlap each weft slightly with the previous one to avoid any gaps.
7. **Secure the Hair (Optional):** For added security, you can apply a small amount of hot glue to the inside of the head where the hair roots are located. This will help to keep the hair from pulling out. Be careful not to use too much glue, as it can make the hair stiff and unnatural.
8. **Trim the Excess Hair:** Once you’ve rooted all the hair, trim any excess length from the inside of the head. This will make it easier to close the head (if it was opened) and prevent the hair from becoming tangled.
### Tips for Rooting
* **Work in small sections:** Rooting hair can be time-consuming, so work in small sections to avoid fatigue.
* **Use a comfortable grip:** Hold the rooting tool in a comfortable grip to prevent hand cramps.
* **Don’t force the needle:** If the needle gets stuck, don’t force it. Gently wiggle it back and forth until it comes loose. You may need to try a different hole or a smaller needle.
* **Be patient:** Rooting hair takes time and practice. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right the first time.
* **Vary the hair direction:** Try varying the direction of the hair to give a more natural appearance.
## Rehairing the Doll: The Wefting Method
The wefting method involves creating hair wefts (long strips of hair sewn together) and then gluing or sewing them onto the doll’s head. This method is often used for dolls with a bald cap or a smooth head surface.
1. **Prepare the Hair:** Cut the doll hair to the desired length. You will need a lot of hair for this method.
2. **Create Wefts:** Use a sewing machine or hand-sewing to create hair wefts. Lay out a line of hair strands and sew a line of stitching across the top to hold them together. Repeat this process to create several wefts.
3. **Attach the Wefts:** Apply a thin layer of fabric glue or hot glue to the doll’s head, starting at the hairline. Carefully attach the hair wefts to the glue, pressing them firmly in place. Overlap each weft slightly with the previous one to avoid any gaps.
4. **Repeat the Process:** Continue attaching wefts, working your way around the doll’s head. Be sure to space the wefts evenly to create a full and natural look.
5. **Trim and Style:** Once all the wefts are attached, trim and style the hair as desired.
## Styling the Doll Hair
Once the hair is rehaired, it’s time to style it! Here are some tips for styling doll hair:
* **Detangle the Hair:** Before you start styling, gently detangle the hair with a wide-tooth comb or brush. Start at the ends and work your way up to the roots.
* **Dampen the Hair:** Dampen the hair with a spray bottle of water to make it easier to style. Be careful not to saturate the hair, as this can damage it.
* **Use Heat Sparingly:** If you’re using heat styling tools, use them on the lowest setting possible. Synthetic hair can melt or burn easily. Always test the heat on a small, hidden section of hair first.
* **Use the Right Products:** Use hair products that are specifically designed for synthetic hair. Regular hair products can damage or weigh down the hair.
* **Be Creative:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different hairstyles. Try braiding, curling, straightening, or adding accessories.
### Styling Techniques
* **Curling:** To curl doll hair, you can use a small curling iron or hot rollers. Wrap small sections of hair around the curling iron or rollers and hold for a few seconds. Be careful not to overheat the hair.
* **Straightening:** To straighten doll hair, you can use a small flat iron. Run the flat iron over small sections of hair, being careful not to overheat the hair.
* **Braiding:** Braiding is a great way to add texture and style to doll hair. Try different types of braids, such as French braids, Dutch braids, or fishtail braids.
* **Updos:** Create elegant updos by gathering the hair and securing it with bobby pins or hair clips. Try a bun, a chignon, or a French twist.
* **Ponytails:** Ponytails are a simple and classic hairstyle for dolls. Try a high ponytail, a low ponytail, or a side ponytail.
* **Adding Accessories:** Add accessories such as ribbons, bows, headbands, or hats to complete the look.
## Washing Doll Hair
Over time, doll hair can become dirty or greasy. Here’s how to wash it:
1. **Prepare the Hair:** Gently detangle the hair with a wide-tooth comb or brush.
2. **Wet the Hair:** Wet the hair with lukewarm water. Be careful not to get water inside the doll’s head, as this can damage the internal mechanisms.
3. **Apply Shampoo:** Apply a small amount of mild shampoo to the hair. Gently massage the shampoo into the hair, working from the roots to the ends.
4. **Rinse the Hair:** Rinse the hair thoroughly with lukewarm water until all the shampoo is removed.
5. **Apply Conditioner:** Apply a small amount of conditioner to the hair. Gently massage the conditioner into the hair, working from the roots to the ends.
6. **Rinse the Hair:** Rinse the hair thoroughly with lukewarm water until all the conditioner is removed.
7. **Gently Squeeze Excess Water:** Squeeze gently to remove excess water. Do not wring the hair.
8. **Dry the Hair:** Gently pat the hair dry with a towel. You can also use a hairdryer on the lowest setting to dry the hair. Be careful not to overheat the hair.
9. **Style the Hair:** Once the hair is dry, style it as desired.
## Dealing with Tangled Doll Hair
Tangled doll hair can be frustrating, but it’s often possible to detangle it with patience and the right techniques:
* **Use a Detangling Spray:** Apply a detangling spray specifically designed for synthetic hair. This will help to loosen the tangles and make the hair easier to comb.
* **Use a Wide-Tooth Comb:** Use a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle the hair. Start at the ends and work your way up to the roots.
* **Work in Small Sections:** Detangle the hair in small sections to avoid pulling or breaking the hair.
* **Be Patient:** Detangling tangled hair can take time, so be patient and gentle.
* **Use Fabric Softener:** For extremely tangled hair, you can try soaking it in a solution of water and fabric softener. Mix one part fabric softener with ten parts water and soak the hair for about 30 minutes. Then, gently detangle the hair with a wide-tooth comb.
## Repairing Damaged Doll Hair
If your doll’s hair is damaged, there are a few things you can try to repair it:
* **Trim Split Ends:** Trim any split ends with sharp scissors. This will prevent the damage from spreading.
* **Use a Deep Conditioner:** Apply a deep conditioner to the hair to help restore moisture and shine.
* **Avoid Heat Styling:** Avoid heat styling as much as possible, as this can further damage the hair.
* **Rehair Damaged Sections:** If the damage is severe, you may need to rehair the damaged sections.
## Conclusion
Replacing or restyling doll hair is a fun and rewarding project that can transform your beloved dolls. By following these steps and tips, you can create a unique and beautiful hairstyle that will bring new life to your dolls. Remember to be patient, creative, and have fun! With a little practice, you’ll be able to give your dolls the perfect hairstyle every time.
Now go forth and transform those dolls!