Perhaps the most distinctive feature of a doll is their hair. If you are interested in changing your doll’s hair, knowing what types of doll hair are available is essential. This article will explain the specific types of doll hair, and how to maintain it for best results.
Exploring Different Types of Doll Hair
1. Nylon Doll Hair
Nylon is one of the most popular hair materials for dolls, particularly modern dolls such as Barbie. It's greatly valued for its soft, silky texture and the capacity to imitate real human hair. Nylon hair is very strong and withstands a lot of brushing and styling, making it very popular.
Pros:
- Soft and silky texture.
- Highly durable and long-lasting.
- Excellent for styling and maintaining different hairstyles.
Cons:
- Excessive handling can make it frizzy.
If you have ever wondered what Barbie doll hair is made of, the answer would probably be saran or polypropylene doll hair. This type of hair is often used in Barbie doll wigs or hairstyles for Barbie doll. Most people dislike polypropylene and reroot dolls with this type of hair. Beginning in the early 2020’s, we are beginning to see many doll rerooted in Nylon doll hair.
2. Saran Hair
Saran hair is popular with many collectors of vintage dolls. It is a little denser than nylon giving it a rich and silky feel. It is very matte and has a smooth texture after the waxy anti-static film has been removed, which makes it ideal for matching vintage dolls.
Pros:
- Very matte.
- Frizz-resistant.
- Holds styles well over time with gels and other hold products.
Cons:
- Does not hold a curl without hair styling hold products.
- More difficult to dye/color.
Saran hair can mostly be found on vintage dolls and some high-quality collectibles.
3. Synthetic Doll Hair
Synthetic hair is a general name for all non-human hair. Doll manufacturers usually root dolls heads with polypropylene and cheap synthetic doll hair. Many dolls are later rerooted with better high quality nylon or saran.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Readily available
- It comes in very many colors
Cons:
- Not as soft as nylon or Saran hair.
- Has the possibility of becoming brittle with time, especially when exposed to heat.
Synthetic doll hair is one of the more common materials for most wigs for dolls. It is predominantly used in dolls with non-traditional hair colors, such as Monster High dolls. For a custom doll owner, higher quality synthetic hair opens up a wide range of possibilities for rerooting and styling fashion dolls.
4. Doll Wigs
Doll wigs provide an easy solution to change a doll's hairstyle without altering the original hair. They are made with different materials such as nylon, saran, or other synthetic fibers. Wigs attract many collectors.
Pros:
- They are easy to put on and off.
- Hair styling and color changes are quickly affected.
- They are available in different styles
Cons:
- Can get more expensive when compared to the other hair options.
- Requires care while handling to ensure that it is not damaged.
Whether it is a Barbie doll or other type of fashion doll, the diversity and flexibility offered by wigs is exciting!
Also Read: How to Put Tinsel in Hair: A Complete Guide
How to Care for Different Types of Doll Hair
Proper doll hair care can really make all the difference for keeping your doll looking its best. Here are some general tips to keep doll hair looking nice:
- Brushing and detangling: Gently detangle using a doll-specific brush. Start at the end and work upwards to avoid breakage.
- Washing: Wash doll's hair with lukewarm water and some dish soap and fabric softener. Be sure to rinse well so that residue doesn't form.
- Styling: Always avoid using heat tools on synthetic hair unless it's specifically designed to withstand it. In the case of nylon doll hair and Saran hair, a light misting with water can be helpful in styling without causing damage.
Understanding the various types of doll hair is essential for any doll enthusiast. Whether you're styling a Barbie doll with curly hair, replacing doll hair on a vintage doll, or exploring new doll hair styles, knowing the material and type of hair can make a significant difference.
We, at Doll Planet, have a wide range of high-quality doll hair products and accessories for you to enjoy!
FAQs
1- What kind of hair can dolls have?
Dolls can have nylon doll hair, Saran hair, and other types of synthetic doll hair, or wigs, depending on the type and brand of the doll.
2- What is the best material for doll hair?
The best material depends on the purpose. Nylon doll hair is great for durability and styling, while Saran hair is prized for its matching many vintage dolls.
3- What are the names of types of doll hair?
Common types include nylon doll hair, Saran hair, polypropylene, kanekelon, other types of synthetic doll hair, mohair and doll wigs made with these types of doll hair.
4- What type of hair do Monster High dolls have?
Monster High dolls typically feature polypropylene synthetic hair, often in bold and non-traditional colors. This hair is usually rerooted with nylon for a softer feel.
5- How to tell what type of doll hair you have?
Examine the texture and weight. Saran hair is heavier and thinner, while nylon doll hair is lighter and softer.
6- How to style doll hair?
Use gentle techniques like brushing or combing with a soft-bristle brush or metal tooth comb, and avoid excessive heat unless the hair is heat-resistant.
Read More: How to Restore Doll Hair