How to Use Doll Hair Curlers

This article will take you through the steps of properly utilizing hair curlers that are especially designed for dolls.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• a set of doll hair curlers
• a doll comb or pick
• a cleaner, such as Windex, 409, or Fantastic
• spray hair detangler or fabric softener
• If hair is very brittle, Son of a Gun, or other automotive vinyl spray protectant; plasic bag; a rubber band
• small towel
• water
• a hair net
• patience, possibly

1. 

   The first step is evaluating the condition of the doll's hair. If your doll is fairly new and clean, dampen slightly with a wet wash rag or sponge, and skip to step #4. If the condition of your doll's hair is dirty, mangled or just generally unkempt, proceed to step #2.

2. 

   Cleanse the doll's hair. First, wet the doll's hair with warm water. Secondly, work the cleaner of your choice (see suggested ones in the 'Items Needed" section) through the hair gently. Rinse the cleaner from the doll's hair using warm, running water. Repeat as necessary until clean, then blot it dry with the towel.

3. Condition the doll's hair while its still wet.
   
   If the hair is fairly brittle, saturate it with a spray vinyl protectant. Then, cover the doll's head with a plastic bag and secure it with a rubber band around its neck (looks a little sadistic, but is necessary to obtain desired results). Let the product set in for a day or two. When you remove the bag, allow the product to dry in the doll's hair, and then rinse it out with hot water. Repeat this process as necessary until the hair has reached the desired consistency. This is where the patience comes in handy.
   
   If the hair is NOT brittle, apply the spray detangler or fabric softener. Use the comb to work the product through its hair, and do NOT rinse. Apply the spray vinyl protectant, and then allow it to dry. When it has dried, rinse the doll's hair under hot, running water

4. 

   Time to curl your doll's hair! While its still damp, use the comb or pick to section the doll's hair. Apply and secure the rollers. Allow the doll's hair to dry. The time required for this varies based on the hair's consistency, length, and material composition, and can range anywhere from a few hours to a full day.

5. Removing the rollers.
   
   When you think it is time to remove the rollers, begin by testing 1 or 2 of them first. If it is dry and the curl seems to be holding well, remove the other rollers. Be certain that the hair is not damp at all before manipulating the doll's new curls in any way. If you find that it is still a little damp, just keep your hands off and allow it to dry longer. Usually the curls will hold if the hair is only a little damp, but if your doll has long or heavy hair, you may wish to apply a hairnet to minimize curl loss.

6. 
   American Girl

   Style your doll's hair as desired and enjoy!

Tips & Warnings

• Use some common sense: if the doll being styled belongs to a very young child (less than 6 years old); one who will be sleeping with the doll, thus having extended skin exposure to its hair; or a child who just likes to put everything in his or her mouth still: use vinegar or a clarifying shampoo intended for human use and a children's detangler to clean and condition the doll's hair. Do NOT use cleaners, fabric softeners, or vinyl protectant on the doll's hair. Yes, the directions tell you to rinse it out, but it is unlikely that all of the product residue has been removed. This could cause skin irritation or poisoning of your child!
• Keep hazardous chemicals out of the reach of children. Know and have posted the numbers for your local Poison Control Clearinghouse and Community Emergency Response System.

[tcady]

on 11/18/2008 Wow, I never knew you could do this to dolls!