How to Make a Wig for a Ball Jointed Doll
Ball jointed dolls--also referred to as BJDs--have become a popular commodity, especially in Asian countries such as Korea, Japan and China. BJDs typically represent fashion, and are usually made for and by adults. Styles for BJDs range from Barbie-esque to anime to celebrities, depending on what look the doll maker desires. One of the key elements of a BJD is the wig. Many BJD wigs are made from mohair, a silky, wavy fur that comes in many different colors and styles. Creating a BJD wig from mohair is somewhat time-consuming, but the result will be beautiful.
Things You'll Need
- Bald doll head
- Plastic wrap
- 2 rubber bands
- Gauze
- Pencil
- Brush
- Tacky glue
- Scissors
- Needle (optional)
- Thread (optional)
- Fabric glue
- Mohair
Instructions
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Wig Cap
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1
Wrap the bald doll head in plastic wrap tightly, so that it molds around the doll’s head. Secure into place with rubber bands wrapped around the neck.
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2
Drape the gauze over the head, then pull it down tightly, smoothing the edges so that it conforms to the roundness of the head. Secure the gauze in place, around the neck, with the other rubber band.
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3
Trace around the doll’s hairline using the pencil. Do this lightly over the gauze, making sure go around the ears.
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4
Brush tacky glue within the constraints of the hairline. Make sure to saturate the gauze completely, then let dry for several hours. This will be the wig cap for the BJD.
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5
Cut away the extra fabric around the hairline with the scissors. Place the trimmed wig cap onto the doll’s head to make sure it does not cover the ears and conforms to the head. If the cap is not close-fitting enough, pinch the back of the cap and make a few stitches to tighten it.
Applying Mohair
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6
Squeeze a line of glue along the bottom of the wig cap and apply the mohair, pressing the ends into the glue. Work the mohair up the wig cap in horseshoe fashion to just below the crown of the head.
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7
Brush a small amount of tacky or fabric glue on the crown of the head and attach the mohair. Brushing on the glue will make the wig less lumpy at the top of the head.
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8
Apply a small amount of brush-on glue to the very top of the head. Plug the ends of some mohair into the glue from above, as though “planting” a flower. This will give the top of the wig a more natural look. Let dry for several hours.
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9
Glue a row of mohair along the inside edges of the front and sides of the wig cap. This will hide the wig cap when it is resting on the BJDs head. Let dry.
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