Doll hair and wigs require special techniques to obtain professional results.  Most dolls today have synthetic or saran hair or wigs as does "My Little Pony".  Follow the following instructions to obtain satisfying results.

• Always wash your hands well before handling your doll.  The oils from your skin will cause the doll to get dirty again faster.
• When washing a wigged doll's hair, try not to get the wig base wet, as it will cause the wig's glue to deteriorate faster.
• Brushing your doll's hair daily will help prevent tangles.  American Girl doll Molly has textured hair and it is recommended you keep her hair in braids to keep it nice.  You can change her hairstyle by wrapping the braids into small buns or swooping the braids up on each side and fastening with a ribbon.
• Before attempting to wash a wig, try vacuuming with a computer type attachment or by using a piece of pantyhose over the nozzle for a filter and set on low suction setting. 

Cleaning Synthetic Wigs

• Wet the hair in cool water, hot water may damage the synthetic fibers
• Spray with Fantastic or Windex.  Work cleanser through hair with fingers and then rinse thoroughly.
  • Never use mousse, hairspray, shampoo, conditioner, tangle free liquids or foam meant for human hair. 
  • Shampoo and conditioner for synthetic wigs can often be found at Hair Salons.
  • Saran hair cleansers can sometimes be found at "dolly" shops.
  • One resource for Doll Care Cleansers is Twin Pines of Maine.
• Untangle hair using a liquid fabric softener such as Downy.  Rinse again.
• Brush the doll's hair with a new metal time hairbrush  beginning with the ends and working your way up.  (The metal tines are less destructive and a brush previously used on human hair will carry oils that will attract dirt and grime.)
• As synthetic hair has permanent curl, it only requires brushing to reestablish the curl.  If necessary, you can use a curler but NEVER use a curling iron or blow dryer as it will burn the hair. 
  • You can use pieces of a drinking straw for curlers to use on smaller dolls then fasten with a bobby pin.
• Son of a Gun by Armor All is getting rave reviews in doll forums for American Girl Doll Hair Care.  Just lightly spray on frizzed bangs or long locks and brush smooth.  Keep in mind we haven't tried this ourselves.

Cleaning synthetic rooted hair the same way but be careful not to get water in the doll's eyes as it may cause mildew inside the doll's head if not completely allowed to dry.  If this does happen, you must allow several days with the doll laying face down on a towel for drying the doll out.  Be patient!

If you don't want to do this yourself, contact Suzanne's Doll Hospital at (419)675-1881 or email michelle@dollcupboard.com and Suzanne will return your call.  You can read about what Suzanne does or see before and after pictures of previous doll patients.