Ultimate Guide: How to Curl Barbie Hair Like a Pro!
Curling your Barbie’s hair can breathe new life into your doll collection and provide hours of creative fun. Whether you’re restoring a vintage Barbie or simply customizing a new one, mastering the art of curling Barbie hair is a rewarding skill. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various methods, tips, and tricks to achieve stunning curls that will make your Barbie the envy of all her doll friends!
Why Curl Barbie Hair?
Curling Barbie hair offers several benefits:
* **Restoration:** Breathe life back into old, matted, or damaged Barbie hair.
* **Customization:** Create a unique look for your Barbie to match a specific theme or style.
* **Creativity:** Experiment with different curl types and hairstyles to express your artistic vision.
* **Fun:** Enjoy a relaxing and engaging activity that brings out your inner child.
Materials You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the following materials:
* **Barbie Doll:** Obviously, you’ll need the Barbie doll whose hair you want to curl.
* **Spray Bottle:** Filled with clean, cool water.
* **Small Tooth Comb:** For detangling and smoothing the hair.
* **Towel:** To protect your work surface and dry the hair.
* **Curling Tools:** Choose one or more of the following:
* **Straws or Pipe Cleaners:** For heatless curls.
* **Small Hair Rollers:** Designed for doll hair or very small sections.
* **Thin Curling Iron (Optional):** Use with extreme caution on the lowest heat setting.
* **Fabric Strips:** Cut from cotton fabric to use as rags for rag curls.
* **Hair Ties or Clips:** To secure the curls.
* **Heat Protectant Spray (Optional):** If using a curling iron.
* **Hair Dryer (Optional):** To speed up the drying process (use on a low, cool setting).
* **Doll Hair Conditioner (Optional):** For softening the hair.
* **Doll Hair Brush (Optional):** For final styling.
Important Considerations Before You Start
* **Hair Type:** Barbie hair is typically made of synthetic materials like nylon or saran. Synthetic hair reacts differently to heat and styling compared to human hair. Always test a small, hidden section of hair before applying any heat or harsh chemicals.
* **Doll’s Age and Value:** If you’re working with a vintage or valuable Barbie, be extra cautious. Consider practicing on a less valuable doll first.
* **Heat Sensitivity:** Synthetic hair can melt or become damaged with excessive heat. Avoid using high heat settings and always use a heat protectant spray if you choose to use a curling iron.
* **Patience:** Curling Barbie hair can be time-consuming, especially for long or thick hair. Be patient and take your time to achieve the best results.
Method 1: Heatless Curls with Straws or Pipe Cleaners
This is the safest and most recommended method for curling Barbie hair, as it avoids the risk of heat damage.
**Step 1: Prepare the Hair**
* Gently comb the Barbie’s hair to remove any tangles or knots. Start at the ends and work your way up to the roots.
* If the hair is dirty or matted, wash it with a mild shampoo and conditioner designed for doll hair or baby shampoo. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a towel.
* Lightly spritz the hair with water from the spray bottle. It should be damp but not soaking wet.
**Step 2: Section the Hair**
* Divide the hair into small sections, about 1/2 to 1 inch wide. The smaller the sections, the tighter the curls.
* Use hair ties or clips to keep the sections separate.
**Step 3: Wrap the Hair Around Straws or Pipe Cleaners**
* Take one section of hair and hold it taut.
* Starting at the ends of the hair, wrap the hair tightly around a straw or pipe cleaner. Roll the hair up towards the scalp.
* Secure the straw or pipe cleaner by bending the ends or using a small hair tie.
* Repeat this process for all sections of hair.
**Step 4: Let the Hair Dry**
* Allow the hair to dry completely. This can take several hours or even overnight.
* You can use a hair dryer on a low, cool setting to speed up the drying process, but be careful not to overheat the hair.
**Step 5: Remove the Straws or Pipe Cleaners**
* Once the hair is completely dry, carefully unwrap each section of hair from the straws or pipe cleaners.
* Gently separate the curls with your fingers to create a more natural look.
**Step 6: Style the Curls**
* Use a doll hair brush or comb to style the curls as desired.
* You can add hairspray (specifically designed for doll hair) to hold the curls in place.
Method 2: Heatless Curls with Fabric Strips (Rag Curls)
Rag curls are another excellent heatless option that produces soft, bouncy curls.
**Step 1: Prepare the Hair**
* Follow the same steps as in Method 1 to detangle, wash (if necessary), and dampen the hair.
**Step 2: Prepare the Fabric Strips**
* Cut strips of cotton fabric about 1 inch wide and 6-8 inches long. Old t-shirts or pillowcases work well.
**Step 3: Wrap the Hair Around Fabric Strips**
* Take one section of hair and hold it taut.
* Place the middle of a fabric strip at the ends of the hair.
* Wrap the ends of the hair around the fabric strip a couple of times to secure it.
* Roll the fabric strip up towards the scalp, wrapping the hair around it as you go.
* Tie the ends of the fabric strip together to secure the curl.
* Repeat this process for all sections of hair.
**Step 4: Let the Hair Dry**
* Allow the hair to dry completely. This can take several hours or overnight.
* As with Method 1, you can use a hair dryer on a low, cool setting to speed up the drying process.
**Step 5: Remove the Fabric Strips**
* Once the hair is completely dry, carefully untie the fabric strips and unwrap each section of hair.
* Gently separate the curls with your fingers.
**Step 6: Style the Curls**
* Use a doll hair brush or comb to style the curls as desired.
* Add hairspray (for doll hair) for extra hold.
Method 3: Using Small Hair Rollers
Hair rollers, especially those designed for doll hair or very small sections, can create defined and uniform curls.
**Step 1: Prepare the Hair**
* Follow the same steps as in Method 1 to detangle, wash (if necessary), and dampen the hair.
**Step 2: Section the Hair**
* Divide the hair into small sections that are slightly smaller than the width of the hair rollers.
* Use hair ties or clips to keep the sections separate.
**Step 3: Roll the Hair onto the Rollers**
* Take one section of hair and hold it taut.
* Starting at the ends of the hair, roll the hair tightly around the roller. Roll the hair up towards the scalp.
* Secure the roller according to the manufacturer’s instructions (usually with clips or snaps).
* Repeat this process for all sections of hair.
**Step 4: Let the Hair Dry**
* Allow the hair to dry completely. This can take several hours or overnight.
* You can use a hair dryer on a low, cool setting to speed up the drying process.
**Step 5: Remove the Rollers**
* Once the hair is completely dry, carefully unclip or unsnap the rollers and unroll each section of hair.
* Gently separate the curls with your fingers.
**Step 6: Style the Curls**
* Use a doll hair brush or comb to style the curls as desired.
* Add hairspray (for doll hair) for extra hold.
Method 4: Using a Thin Curling Iron (Use with Extreme Caution)
**WARNING:** This method carries the risk of melting or damaging the Barbie’s hair. Only use this method if you are experienced and understand the risks involved. Always test a small, hidden section of hair first.
**Step 1: Prepare the Hair**
* Follow the same steps as in Method 1 to detangle, wash (if necessary), and completely dry the hair. It’s crucial that the hair is completely dry before using heat.
* Apply a heat protectant spray specifically designed for synthetic hair.
**Step 2: Section the Hair**
* Divide the hair into small sections, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch wide. The smaller the sections, the tighter the curls.
* Use hair ties or clips to keep the sections separate.
**Step 3: Curl the Hair with the Curling Iron**
* Set the curling iron to the lowest possible heat setting.
* Take one section of hair and hold it taut.
* Starting near the roots, wrap the hair around the barrel of the curling iron. Hold for only a few seconds (2-3 seconds max).
* Release the hair and let the curl cool completely before touching it.
* Repeat this process for all sections of hair.
**Step 4: Style the Curls**
* Use a doll hair brush or comb to style the curls as desired.
* Add hairspray (for doll hair) for extra hold.
Tips and Tricks for Curling Barbie Hair
* **Start with Clean Hair:** Clean hair is easier to work with and holds curls better.
* **Use Small Sections:** Smaller sections of hair will create tighter, more defined curls.
* **Be Patient:** Curling Barbie hair takes time and patience. Don’t rush the process.
* **Test Heat on a Hidden Section:** Before using a curling iron, always test the heat on a small, hidden section of hair to ensure it doesn’t melt or become damaged.
* **Use Heat Protectant Spray:** If using a curling iron, use a heat protectant spray specifically designed for synthetic hair.
* **Let the Hair Cool Completely:** After curling a section of hair, let it cool completely before touching it. This will help the curl set properly.
* **Experiment with Different Curl Types:** Try different curling methods and techniques to create a variety of curl types, from tight ringlets to loose waves.
* **Use Doll Hair Products:** Use shampoos, conditioners, and hairsprays specifically designed for doll hair. These products are formulated to be gentle on synthetic hair and won’t damage it.
* **Store Curls Properly:** To maintain the curls, store the Barbie doll in a way that prevents the hair from getting tangled or flattened. Consider using a doll stand or storing the doll in a box with the hair carefully arranged.
* **Consider Using Fabric Softener:** For very tangled or unruly hair, soaking the hair in a solution of water and fabric softener (a very small amount) can help detangle and soften the hair. Rinse thoroughly afterwards.
* **Boiling Water Method (Advanced – Use with Extreme Caution):** Some collectors use the boiling water method to straighten or slightly reshape doll hair. This involves carefully dipping the hair (not the doll’s head) into boiling water for a few seconds, then immediately styling it. This method is risky and can damage the doll if not done correctly. Research thoroughly before attempting this method.
* **Ironing (Advanced – Use with Extreme Caution):** Similar to the curling iron, some use a clothes iron on the **lowest** synthetic setting with a damp cloth between the iron and the hair. This is extremely risky and can easily melt the hair. Proceed with extreme caution and only if you’re experienced in doll restoration.
* **Permanent Waves?** Some collectors have had success using human hair perm solutions on synthetic doll hair. This is an advanced technique and requires significant research and care. There’s no guarantee it will work, and it could damage the hair.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
* **Hair Not Curling:** Make sure the hair is damp (but not soaking wet) when using heatless methods. If using a curling iron, ensure the heat setting is appropriate for synthetic hair (very low) and use a heat protectant. Also, ensure you’re wrapping the hair tightly around the curling tool.
* **Curls Falling Out:** Use hairspray designed for doll hair to hold the curls in place. Avoid touching the curls until they have cooled completely. If the hair is very fine or slippery, try using a texturizing spray before curling.
* **Hair Melting or Damaging:** Immediately stop using heat. There is likely no saving the melted hair. Prevent by always testing heat on a small, hidden section first, using the lowest possible heat setting, and using a heat protectant spray.
* **Tangled Hair:** Detangle the hair gently with a small tooth comb, starting at the ends and working your way up to the roots. Use a detangling spray designed for doll hair.
* **Frizzy Hair:** Apply a small amount of doll hair conditioner or serum to smooth the frizz.
Conclusion
Curling Barbie hair is a fun and creative way to customize your dolls and bring them to life. By following these detailed steps and tips, you can achieve beautiful, long-lasting curls that will make your Barbies look their best. Remember to be patient, use caution when applying heat, and always prioritize the safety of your doll’s hair. Happy curling!