To avoid wasting fabric softener, start off by adding a small amount. Add more fabric softener as you go along, adding enough to soak the doll’s hair. Place the doll’s hair in the bowl. Work the fabric softener into the hair using your fingers. Keep going until the hair is completely coated. Set the doll aside. Keep the doll in a safe place, where it will not be disturbed. Leave the fabric softener in for at least an hour. If the doll’s hair is in particularly rough shape, consider leaving the softener in overnight.
You should use a wide-toothed wig brush, as these brushes tend to work out tangles best. If you do not have a wig brush, any wide-toothed brush should work. Go slowly to avoid breaking the doll’s hair as you comb. [3] X Research source However, with a smaller doll like a Barbie doll, a fine-toothed comb may work better. If you’re working on a doll with very long hair, consider working out bigger tangles or knots with your fingers before brushing.
You can pat the doll’s hair slightly dry with a clean towel. You can also let the hair air dry in the sun. [5] X Research source Do not blow dry doll’s hair. Doll hair is delicate and will not respond well to being dried with a hair dryer.
Do not substitute regular shampoo for baby shampoo. Baby shampoo is mild enough to be safe for use on doll hair. If you do not have baby shampoo, try to buy some. You also may be able to get away with using a mild form of shampoo, like shampoo for sensitive skin or shampoo for hair that’s been dyed recently.
Make sure you get all the shampoo out. If the water still becomes soapy on the third rinse, run the doll’s hair under tap water until all the shampoo is removed. Leaving shampoo in the doll’s hair longterm could cause damage.
Brush slowly to avoid breaking or damaging the hair. On dolls with long hair, work out big tangles with your fingers.
If a doll has been in storage for a long time, it may have items tangled deep in its hair. Spend some time fishing through a doll’s hair to check for accessories before washing the hair.
Comb a doll’s hair as you would your own. Start at the bottom of the lock and work your way up to get out tangles.
If doll hair is left in braids for longer than a few days it will start to dry out. Be careful and undo your doll’s braids when you finish playing with her.
