Buzz
Doll hair can get tangled and dirty over time. Fabric softener or baby shampoo are gentle options for cleaning doll hair, effectively softening it and removing tangles. After treatment, regular brushing helps prevent future tangles. Always check manufacturer instructions before washing.
Step-by-Step Guide
Using Baby Shampoo
Mix a quarter teaspoon of baby shampoo with cool water. Ensure the shampoo is fully dissolved. Adjust water temperature based on hair type; colder water is best for curly hair. Use only baby shampoo for its mildness. Other mild shampoos may suffice if baby shampoo isn't available.
Wash the doll's hair with shampoo. Submerge the doll's hair in the prepared bath, ensuring it's fully wet. Gently massage the shampoo into the hair until it lathers. Continue massaging until a small lather forms.
Allow the doll's hair to soak for 10 minutes. After shampooing, let the doll sit for about 10 minutes. This allows the shampoo to soften the hair, making it easier to remove tangles and leaving it soft and shiny. Place the doll in a safe spot.
Rinse the hair thoroughly three times. After soaking, rinse the doll's hair in clean water three times. Ensure all shampoo is removed, as leaving it in could cause damage. Pat the hair dry with a towel or let it air dry, avoiding the use of a hairdryer.
Gently dry the hair. After rinsing, lightly dry the hair until it's damp. Avoid brushing wet hair, and instead, let it air dry or gently pat it with a towel. Using a hairdryer can harm the doll's hair.
Brush the hair carefully. Once the hair is damp, begin brushing slowly. For smaller dolls, use a fine-toothed comb; for larger dolls, opt for a wide-toothed wig brush. Take care to untangle large knots with your fingers on longer-haired dolls.
Using Fabric Softener
Comb through the hair with the fabric softener still applied. After soaking, gently comb the doll's hair while the fabric softener is still present. Use a wide-toothed wig brush or a similar brush to work out tangles, taking care to go slowly and avoid hair breakage. For dolls with longer hair, consider finger-combing larger tangles before brushing.
Rinse the hair thoroughly. Once combed, rinse out the fabric softener under cool tap water. Ensure all softener is removed to prevent potential damage to the hair. Squeeze the hair periodically to check for any remaining softener. You can pat the hair dry with a clean towel or allow it to air dry naturally.
Brush with a fine-toothed comb. Once the hair is partially dry, use a fine-toothed comb to brush it out. This will help straighten the hair and remove small tangles. Brushing at this stage can also aid in the drying process.
Avoiding Pitfalls
Ensure the doll's hair is free of accessories. Prior to washing, carefully remove any accessories such as bows or barrettes from the doll's hair. Take time to inspect the hair, especially if the doll has been stored for an extended period.
Regularly groom your doll's hair. To prevent tangling and damage, make it a habit to brush your doll's hair regularly. After playtime, take a moment to comb through the hair before storing the doll.
Avoid excessive styling. While styling can be enjoyable, refrain from overdoing it to prevent tangling and harm to the hair. Stick to simple styles like braids and ponytails rather than intricate ones seen on TV or in movies. This will help maintain the softness and smoothness of the doll's hair.
Consult manufacturer's instructions whenever possible. Before washing doll hair, refer to the manufacturer's guidelines if available. Some dolls may have specific care instructions. For instance, American Girl dolls have hair that shouldn't be washed independently. Contact the company for assistance if needed.
Exercise caution when washing dolls with mechanical components. Take extra care when dealing with dolls that have mechanical parts, as water can potentially damage them. Consider removing the hair or head before washing, if feasible, and protect the doll's body from water by wrapping it in plastic wrap.
Viewer Submissions
Suggestions
- When washing an American Girl doll's hair, ensure water doesn't get into the doll's eyes to prevent rusting.
- If you're young, seek assistance from a family member for washing the doll's hair.
- If none of the methods are effective for your doll, consider trimming small sections of the hair. However, trim only as necessary, as doll hair does not grow back.
The recommendations provided here are drawn from the real-life experiences of Mytour readers like yourself. If you have a helpful tip you'd like to contribute to Mytour, please share it using the submission form below.
- To make brushing easier, consider braiding the hair after playtime and then undoing the braid later. This can help keep the hair smoother between washes. Remember to brush regularly to prevent excessive tangling.
- Gently detangle the hair, starting from the bottom and working your way up. Never force a brush through knots, as it may pull out hair. Untangle larger knots carefully with your fingers first.
- Use mild cleansers like baby shampoo or fabric softener on doll hair. Harsh products can be too abrasive and cause breakage. Always rinse thoroughly after washing.
- Check manufacturer's instructions before washing, if available, to look for specific hair care recommendations. Some dolls may have special washing guidelines.
- When washing a doll with moving eyes, wrap plastic around the head to prevent water from getting into the eyes. Moisture can damage the mechanisms and cause rusting.
- Avoid overstyling synthetic doll hair with tight braids or buns. Excessive manipulation can lead to frizz and damage over time. Opt for looser styles instead.
