DIY Doll Hair: Easy Guide To Restyle Your Dolls

Sep 11, 2025 by Luna Greco 48 views

Hey there, doll lovers! Ever wondered how to give your dolls a fresh new look? Or maybe your doll's hair is a bit of a mess and needs some serious TLC? Well, you've come to the right place! Making doll hair can seem like a daunting task, but trust me, it's totally doable and super fun. In this guide, we'll explore various methods and materials you can use to restyle your dolls' hair, making them look fabulous and ready for any adventure. So, grab your dolls, and let's dive into the wonderful world of doll hair!

Understanding Doll Hair Materials

Before we get started, let's talk about the different materials you can use for doll hair. Choosing the right material is crucial because it affects the look, feel, and durability of your doll's new hairdo. Here are some popular options:

Yarn

Yarn is a fantastic option for doll hair, especially if you're a beginner. It's readily available in various colors and textures, making it easy to find the perfect match for your doll's personality. Yarn is also relatively inexpensive, which is great if you're experimenting or working on a budget. Plus, it's easy to work with – you can simply glue or sew it onto the doll's head.

When choosing yarn, consider the fiber content. Acrylic yarn is a common choice because it's affordable and comes in a wide range of colors. However, it can sometimes look a bit shiny and synthetic. Natural fibers like wool or cotton can give a more realistic and matte finish, but they may be a bit more expensive and require more care. For a softer look, consider using bouclé or chenille yarn, which adds a lovely texture to the hair.

Synthetic Hair Fibers

For a more realistic look, synthetic hair fibers are the way to go. These fibers are often used in wigs and hair extensions for humans, so they mimic the look and feel of real hair quite closely. There are several types of synthetic fibers available, each with its own pros and cons.

Nylon: Nylon fibers are durable and heat-resistant, meaning you can style them with heat tools like curling irons or straighteners (on a low setting, of course!). They have a slight sheen, which can give the hair a healthy glow. Nylon is a great option for dolls that will be handled frequently, as it can withstand a lot of wear and tear.
Kanekalon: Kanekalon is another popular choice for doll hair. It's a type of synthetic fiber that's known for its realistic texture and natural look. Kanekalon is often used for braiding and creating textured hairstyles. It's also heat-resistant, but it's best to use a low heat setting to avoid damaging the fibers.
Saran: Saran is a high-quality synthetic fiber that's often used for high-end dolls. It has a beautiful silky texture and drapes nicely, making it perfect for long, flowing hairstyles. Saran is more expensive than other synthetic fibers, but the results are worth it if you're looking for a premium look.

Mohair

If you want the ultimate in realism, consider using mohair. Mohair is a natural fiber that comes from Angora goats, and it's incredibly soft and silky. It has a natural sheen and drapes beautifully, making it look just like real hair. Mohair is often used for reborn dolls and other high-end dolls where realism is key.

However, mohair can be more challenging to work with than synthetic fibers or yarn. It's delicate and can tangle easily, so it requires a gentle touch. It's also more expensive, so it's best suited for special projects or dolls that you want to give a truly luxurious look.

Other Materials

Don't be afraid to get creative with your doll hair! You can also use materials like embroidery floss, ribbon, or even fabric scraps to create unique hairstyles. These materials can add texture and interest to your doll's hair, and they're a great way to use up leftover craft supplies.

Embroidery floss is a fun option for creating colorful and textured hair. You can braid it, twist it, or even use it to create dreadlocks. Ribbon can add a touch of elegance and shine to your doll's hair, and fabric scraps can be used to create fun and funky hairstyles.

Tools and Supplies You'll Need

Now that we've covered the materials, let's talk about the tools and supplies you'll need to make doll hair. Having the right tools will make the process much smoother and more enjoyable.

Doll Head: Obviously, you'll need a doll head to work with! If you're restyling an existing doll, you can either remove the old hair or work with it as a base. If you're starting from scratch, you can purchase a blank doll head from a craft store or online.
Hair Material: Choose the material you want to use for your doll's hair, whether it's yarn, synthetic fibers, mohair, or something else.
Scissors: A good pair of scissors is essential for trimming and shaping the hair. Sharp scissors will give you a clean cut and prevent fraying.
Glue: Glue is used to attach the hair to the doll's head. Fabric glue or craft glue works well for yarn and other materials. For synthetic fibers and mohair, you may want to use a stronger adhesive like E6000.
Needle and Thread: If you prefer to sew the hair onto the doll's head, you'll need a needle and thread. Choose a thread color that matches the hair material.
Comb or Brush: A comb or brush is used to smooth and style the hair. A fine-toothed comb is great for detangling, while a brush can help to create volume and texture.
Styling Tools: If you're using heat-resistant fibers, you may want to use styling tools like a curling iron or straightener. Make sure to use a low heat setting to avoid damaging the hair.
Pins or Clips: Pins or clips can be used to hold the hair in place while you're working on it. They're especially helpful when you're creating intricate hairstyles.
Wig Cap (Optional): A wig cap can be used to create a smooth base for the hair. It also helps to keep the hair in place and prevents it from slipping.

Methods for Making Doll Hair

Okay, guys, let's get into the exciting part – the actual process of making doll hair! There are several methods you can use, depending on the material you're working with and the look you're going for. Here are a few popular techniques:

Gluing

Gluing is one of the easiest and most common methods for attaching doll hair. It's a great option for yarn, synthetic fibers, and other materials that can be easily glued onto the doll's head. Here's how to do it:

Prepare the Doll Head: Make sure the doll's head is clean and dry. If there's old hair on the head, you can either remove it or glue the new hair over it. If you're using a blank doll head, you may want to rough up the surface slightly with sandpaper to give the glue something to grip onto.
Cut the Hair Material: Cut the hair material into strands that are the desired length. You can make them all the same length for a uniform look, or vary the lengths for a more natural look.
Apply Glue: Apply a thin line of glue to the doll's head, starting at the hairline. You can work in small sections to prevent the glue from drying out.
Attach the Hair Strands: Press the hair strands onto the glue, making sure they're evenly spaced and aligned. You can use a toothpick or other small tool to help position the strands.
Repeat: Repeat steps 3 and 4 until the entire head is covered with hair.
Let it Dry: Allow the glue to dry completely before styling the hair. This may take several hours, depending on the type of glue you're using.

Sewing

Sewing is another popular method for attaching doll hair. It's a bit more time-consuming than gluing, but it creates a very secure and durable attachment. Sewing is a great option for synthetic fibers and mohair, as it prevents the hair from slipping or falling out. Here's how to do it:

Prepare the Doll Head: Make sure the doll's head is clean and dry. If there's old hair on the head, you'll need to remove it before sewing on the new hair. If you're using a blank doll head, you may want to mark a center part line with a pencil.
Cut the Hair Material: Cut the hair material into strands that are the desired length. You can make them all the same length for a uniform look, or vary the lengths for a more natural look.
Thread the Needle: Thread a needle with a length of thread that matches the hair material. Tie a knot at the end of the thread.
Sew the Hair Strands: Insert the needle into the doll's head at the hairline, and pull the thread through. Then, wrap the thread around a small bundle of hair strands and sew it securely to the head. Repeat this process along the hairline, spacing the hair strands evenly.
Repeat: Repeat step 4 until the entire head is covered with hair.
Tie Off the Thread: Once you've finished sewing, tie off the thread securely and trim any excess thread.

Wefting

Wefting is a technique that involves creating long strips of hair called wefts, which are then attached to the doll's head. This method is often used for synthetic fibers and mohair, as it creates a natural-looking hairline and allows for a lot of styling versatility. Here's how to do it:

Prepare the Hair Material: Cut the hair material into strands that are the desired length. You'll need a lot of strands for this method, so be prepared to spend some time cutting.
Create Wefts: To create a weft, lay out a row of hair strands on a flat surface. Then, use a sewing machine or hand-stitch to sew a line across the strands, creating a long strip of hair. You can make the wefts as long or as short as you need them.
Attach the Wefts to the Doll Head: Once you've created the wefts, you can attach them to the doll's head using glue or sewing. Start at the hairline and work your way back, overlapping the wefts slightly to create a natural look.
Style the Hair: Once the wefts are attached, you can style the hair as desired. You can cut it, curl it, or straighten it, depending on the type of fiber you're using.

Styling Your Doll's Hair

Now that you've attached the hair, it's time for the fun part – styling! Just like with human hair, there are endless possibilities when it comes to styling doll hair. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you create the perfect look:

Detangle the Hair: Before you start styling, make sure the hair is detangled. Use a fine-toothed comb or brush to gently remove any knots or tangles.
Use Heat Sparingly: If you're using heat-resistant fibers, you can use styling tools like curling irons or straighteners to create different looks. However, it's important to use a low heat setting to avoid damaging the hair. Always test the heat on a small, hidden section of hair first.
Experiment with Hairstyles: Don't be afraid to experiment with different hairstyles. You can try braids, ponytails, buns, or even elaborate updos. Use pins or clips to hold the hair in place while you're styling.
Add Accessories: Accessories can add a fun and personal touch to your doll's hairstyle. Try adding ribbons, bows, headbands, or even tiny hats.
Use Hair Products: You can use hair products like hairspray or gel to help style and hold the hair. However, be careful not to use too much, as it can make the hair stiff and unnatural-looking.

Caring for Your Doll's Hair

Once you've created the perfect hairstyle, it's important to take care of your doll's hair to keep it looking its best. Here are a few tips for caring for doll hair:

Brush the Hair Regularly: Brush the hair regularly to prevent tangles and knots. Use a soft-bristled brush or a fine-toothed comb, and be gentle to avoid pulling or damaging the hair.
Wash the Hair if Needed: If the hair gets dirty or tangled, you can wash it with mild shampoo and conditioner. Use lukewarm water and gently massage the shampoo into the hair. Rinse thoroughly and apply conditioner. Let the hair air dry completely before styling.
Store the Doll Properly: When you're not playing with your doll, store it in a safe place where the hair won't get tangled or damaged. You can use a doll stand or store the doll in a box or bag.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach or hair dye on your doll's hair, as they can damage the fibers. If you want to change the color of the hair, it's best to use a dye that's specifically designed for synthetic fibers.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! Making doll hair is a fun and rewarding project that allows you to customize your dolls and give them a unique look. Whether you're using yarn, synthetic fibers, mohair, or something else, the possibilities are endless. With a little patience and creativity, you can create beautiful hairstyles that will make your dolls stand out from the crowd. So go ahead, grab your dolls and your supplies, and let your imagination run wild! Happy styling, guys!