Need help from doll owners

[Zerbie]

Hello,

Can anyone out there tell me how to de-frizz doll hair?
We're talking about a Laura Ashley doll, with lots of long hair. All the doll does is sit on a shelf, but somehow, the ends of her hair became frizzed almost a third of the way along the hair shaft towards her head. I would hate to cut it.

Is there a way to de-frizz it?
Thanks!

[Linda2008]

Originally Posted by Zerbie

Hello,

Can anyone out there tell me how to de-frizz doll hair?
We're talking about a Laura Ashley doll, with lots of long hair. All the doll does is sit on a shelf, but somehow, the ends of her hair became frizzed almost a third of the way along the hair shaft towards her head. I would hate to cut it.

Is there a way to de-frizz it?
Thanks!

Zerbie, you would need to find out what the doll's hair is made of. If it is a human-quality synthetic hair type such as kanekolon (sp) you can safely wash the hair in a Downey fabric softener and water solution. You could also try spritzing the hair with Downey and smoothing/combing it with a wire wig comb or brush. DO NOT use a comb on brush you've used 'cause the natural oils from your hair will transfer to the doll's hair. Try not to overdo this especially if the doll has curly hair.

Many collector dolls are made with cheaper synthetic type wigs and you may not get as good results. Be very careful with your doll, tape cotton balls over her eyes to prevent water from getting in and rusting the mechanism if she has "sleeping eyes."

Does that help?

[Zerbie]

Originally Posted by Linda2008

Zerbie, you would need to find out what the doll's hair is made of. If it is a human-quality synthetic hair type such as kanekolon (sp) you can safely wash the hair in a Downey fabric softener and water solution. You could also try spritzing the hair with Downey and smoothing/combing it with a wire wig comb or brush. DO NOT use a comb on brush you've used 'cause the natural oils from your hair will transfer to the doll's hair. Try not to overdo this especially if the doll has curly hair.

Many collector dolls are made with cheaper synthetic type wigs and you may not get as good results. Be very careful with your doll, tape cotton balls over her eyes to prevent water from getting in and rusting the mechanism if she has "sleeping eyes."

Does that help?

Thanks, Linda! I will try to find out what the hair is made of. She is a doll made for playing rather than collecting, so I'm guessing it's probably cheaper hair. Too bad I didn't think of that regarding hair oils, since I already tried my detangling comb on her, but that only worked on the parts of the hair shaft that are not frizzed.

What is it about sitting on a shelf that frizzes doll hair? You wouldn't expect that to happen spontaneously, or would you?

Anyway, thanks.

[Linda2008]

Originally Posted by Zerbie

Thanks, Linda! I will try to find out what the hair is made of. She is a doll made for playing rather than collecting, so I'm guessing it's probably cheaper hair. Too bad I didn't think of that regarding hair oils, since I already tried my detangling comb on her, but that only worked on the parts of the hair shaft that are not frizzed.

What is it about sitting on a shelf that frizzes doll hair? You wouldn't expect that to happen spontaneously, or would you?

Anyway, thanks.

Zerbie, check out this website: Just Magic. It has a page of detailed information about hair care for play dolls. It's really usually play dolls that need more "help" than collectibles due to normal wear and tear of play. It also has a page discussing the Laura Ashley doll line.

Regarding the frizzies, I think there are many factors impacting that including weather change and the original hair quality. I have a Gotz doll, an American Girl doll and a "Girl on the Go" (marketed by Toys R Us as an AG knockoff). The "Girl on the Go" doll's hair has gotten pretty frizzed over time even with gentle combing. I still keep and display her for sentimental value.

Good luck with your Laura Ashley. I don't recommend cutting her hair because it's hard to say how that will affect the shape and lie of her hair. You might be happier with the doll if you just groom her as best you can and maybe put the hair in a ponytail or something.

Another thing you could try if you're really unhappy with her hair is to rewig her, but I only recommend that if you have the artistry to do it (I have NEVER attempted it). You would have to cut out all the doll's hair and you could purchase a new wig for her and attach it with glue. If you purchased a better quality wig it would be easier to care for and less prone to frizz. You might be able to find a "doll doctor" or a "doll surgeon" to do this if you don't think you can do it yourself.

[u-dog]

Polly has some expertise in these matters. I will bring this thread to her attention.

[redbull]

I think you can used a hair accessories . The style was very easy. Hoped that everything is OK.