Lena Rivera
Customizing dolls is a fun and creative hobby for many, and one of the most transformative changes you can make is to reroot the hair. Whether you're using a simple needle or investing in a rooting machine, the process is the same: cut the existing hair, remove the head, and use tools to push new hair plugs through the scalp. The key question is, do you paint the doll's head before or after rerooting the hair? The general consensus is that rerooting should be done first since the process can be rough on the head and will likely ruin any existing paintwork. However, some doll customizers prefer to paint first, especially if they want to set curls in the hair, which requires steaming the face.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to root the hair | Before painting the doll |
| Tools for rooting hair | Rerooting needles, pliers, tweezers, crochet hook, rerooting tool kit, rooting machine |
| Tools for removing hair | Pliers, tweezers, crochet hook, scraper, blackhead remover, clay working tool |
| Steps to remove hair | Cut hair as short as possible, remove the doll's head, use tools to pull out plugs through the neck hole |
| Steps to root hair | Wrap hair around the index finger, use the rerooting tool to catch the strand, insert the tool into the head, push the hair into the hole, gently pull the tool out |
| Steps to secure hair | Use an adhesive glue, let it dry, gently tug to ensure it's firm, divide the head into sections for even distribution during rerooting |
| Types of hair | Synthetic nylon, saran, mohair, yarn, human hair |
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What You'll Learn
Painting the doll's head before rooting hair can cause the paint to crack
Painting the doll's head before rooting the hair can cause the paint to crack for several reasons. Firstly, the process of rooting hair involves squeezing the doll's head, which can put pressure on the paint and cause it to crack. This is especially true if the doll's head is made of vinyl, as it can be susceptible to cracking or splitting under pressure.
Another reason why painting before rooting can cause cracking is that the rooting process requires the use of tools such as pliers, tweezers, and needles, which can puncture or damage the doll's head, affecting the paint. Additionally, the use of chemicals such as acetone or nail polish remover to remove old paint or glue can also eat away at the vinyl if not properly washed off, causing the new paint to crack or flake off.
Furthermore, heat application is sometimes used to remove the doll's head or reshape the vinyl, and this heat can also affect the paint. If the doll has customised face paint, dipping the head in hot water or using a hairdryer to apply direct heat can loosen glue, affect hair fibres, and potentially damage the paint. Therefore, it is recommended to root the hair before painting to avoid these issues and ensure a successful and satisfying result.
To avoid paint cracking, it is crucial to follow the proper steps and take the necessary precautions. Before painting, the doll's head should be clean and free from any previous hair remnants. After painting, it is important to let the paint dry completely and then seal it with a sealant like MSC to protect the paint job. This extra step will ensure that the paint does not flake off during the hair rooting process.
Additionally, selecting the right tools for rooting is essential. Using the correct size and gauge of the needle can minimise damage to the scalp and reduce the risk of cracking. It is also important to handle the doll with care, especially if it has been repainted, as repaints are often fragile and meant for display rather than play. Following these guidelines can help prevent paint cracking and ensure a professional-looking result.
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Use a rooting needle to insert hair into the doll's head
Rooting needles, also known as rerooting needles, are essential for inserting hair into a doll's head. They come in various sizes and gauges, with thinner needles being ideal for smaller dolls and thicker needles for larger dolls and denser hair. Before using a rooting needle, ensure that the doll is clean and free of any previous hair remnants.
To insert hair using a rooting needle, start by separating a small section of hair from the larger hank and holding it between your fingers. Bring the hair towards the doll's head, holding it a few millimetres away from the hole you intend to root. Using the rerooting needle with the long prong facing towards the hair, "grab" a small section of hair between the prongs and drag it towards the hole. Push the hair into the hole and push the needle all the way into the head until the tool touches the doll's head. Gently pull the needle out, and you've rooted your first plug of hair! Repeat this process until the whole head is rooted.
To avoid scalp splits, it is advisable to root the hair with the needle prongs perpendicular to the row of holes. Additionally, using multiple smaller plugs of hair in one hole, rather than a large plug, can help prevent scalp splits and needle breakage. Make sure to keep the needle length at 1/2" or shorter to avoid bending the needle.
When the whole head is rooted, secure the hair in place with glue. A few drops of Fabri-Tac or Galaxy glue are recommended, and it is suggested to let the glue dry thoroughly (preferably overnight) before styling the hair.
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Choose the right needle size for your doll
Rooting needles are essential tools for rerooting doll hair and come in various sizes and gauges. The size and gauge of the needle determine how easily and accurately hair can be inserted into the doll's scalp.
For small-headed dolls and fine details, a #7 needle is recommended. For most fashion dolls and My Little Pony dolls, a #5 needle is ideal. For larger-headed dolls and 1.5mm micro braids, a #3 needle is best, while a #1 needle is suitable for 2mm-3mm micro braids and large fibres like yarn. Thinner needles are ideal for delicate work and smaller dolls, ensuring minimal damage to the scalp. Conversely, thicker needles are more suitable for larger dolls and/or denser hair.
Doll-making needles are typically very long, with long eyes, and are designed for use with yarn or heavy thread. They are perfect for doll-making, mending, soft sculpting, and other crafts. The extra-long length of these needles makes them useful for basting layered fabrics together.
The size of the needle will depend on the type of doll and hair you are working with. For example, if you are working with a small doll or "stuffie", a needle with a length of 3 to 3.75 inches may be sufficient. However, for larger dolls, a longer needle of at least 5 inches is recommended.
It is important to select the right needle type and size for a successful doll hair rerooting project.
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Remove factory hair with pliers or tweezers
Removing the hair from a doll with pliers or tweezers is a delicate process. It is recommended to cut the hair as short as possible before attempting to remove it from the scalp. This makes the process easier and quicker. Once the hair is cut, the head should be placed in boiling water for 30-45 seconds. This will melt the glue in the head, making it easier to remove the hair plugs.
After the glue has melted, use a 'scraper', or a clay working tool to scrape the plugs from the inside of the scalp. A blackhead remover is also a useful tool, as the loop on the end makes it less likely that you will accidentally puncture the head. Use tweezers to remove any stubborn plugs.
Pliers are the best tool for removing factory-rooted doll hair from inside the neck of the doll's head. It is important to secure movable parts and protect the doll's face with a cloth, plastic wrap, or paper to prevent damage. Ensure your workspace is comfortable, with adequate lighting, and that all tools are within reach to streamline the re-rooting process and minimize errors.
Tweezers are a useful tool for removing hair, and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Slant tweezers are the most common, but there are also point, flat, and round tweezers. The tips of the tweezers should be sharp to easily grab and hold hairs without any breakage or slippage. It is important to use sterilized tweezers and to pull the hair out at an angle, going with the grain of the hair, to avoid breaking the hair and to reduce the likelihood of ingrown hairs.
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Seal the doll's head with MSC to prevent paint from flaking
When repainting a doll, it's important to seal the doll's head with MSC to prevent paint from flaking. Here's a step-by-step guide:
First, remove any existing hair or paint from the doll's head. Cut the hair as short as possible, then use pliers or tweezers to pull out the hair plugs through the neck hole. If there is paint on the scalp, use acetone or nail polish remover to remove it. Just be sure to thoroughly wash the doll with soap and water afterward, as acetone can eat away at the vinyl if left on.
Once the doll's head is clean and dry, it's time to apply the sealant. MSC, or Mr. Super Clear, is a popular choice for sealing doll paint and creating a protective layer. It has a nice tooth or grain that allows pigment to stick to it, and it dries with a matte finish. Before applying MSC, make sure to cover the doll's hair and body with saran wrap to protect them from the spray sealant. The sealant can turn hair crusty and white, and it's hard to remove.
When spraying the MSC, work outdoors or in a well-ventilated area, as MSC is highly toxic. Wear a proper respirator to avoid inhaling the fumes. Spray a thin layer or two of MSC over the doll's head, being careful not to overspray, as MSC can be pricey. Allow the MSC to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.
After sealing, you can begin the re-rooting process. Select a high-quality hair type, such as synthetic nylon or saran, or natural fibres like mohair or yarn. Using a re-rooting needle, insert the hair plugs into the scalp following the technique described in other guides. Once the head is fully re-rooted, secure the hair with glue, and allow it to dry thoroughly before styling.
By following these steps and sealing the doll's head with MSC, you can ensure that your doll's paint job remains intact and flake-free.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to root the hair before painting the doll's face. The rerooting process can ruin the paint job, so it's best to paint after rooting.
Cut the hair as short as possible, then remove the doll's head. Use pliers or tweezers to pull out the hair plugs through the neck hole. You can also place the head in boiling water for 30-45 seconds to melt the glue, making it easier to remove the plugs.
Rerooting needles are essential for inserting hair into the doll's scalp. Different sizes and gauges are available, with thinner needles suited for smaller dolls and delicate work, and thicker needles for larger dolls and denser hair. You will also need glue to secure the hair plugs.
High-quality synthetic hair such as nylon or saran provides durability and a natural appearance. You can also use human hair, mohair, or yarn for a fantasy look.
Yes, you can style the hair after rerooting. It is recommended to let the glue dry thoroughly, preferably overnight, before styling to ensure the hair plugs are secure.
