Curly doll hair is a fun and fashionable way to give your dolls a new look. Whether you want to create a cute and curly fairy, a glamorous and curly princess, or a funky and curly punk rocker, you can achieve it with curly doll hair.
Making your own curly doll hair has many advantages over buying ready-made ones. You can customize the color, length, and style of your doll’s hair according to your preferences and imagination. You can also save money and have fun by using materials that you already have at home or can easily find at craft stores. Plus, you can express your creativity and personality by making unique and original curly doll hair designs.
In this article, you will learn three different methods to make curly doll hair using yarn, synthetic hair, and fabric. You will also find out what materials and tools you will need, how to do it step by step, and how to achieve different effects and styles. By the end of this article, you will be able to make your own curly doll hair and transform your dolls into curly-haired beauties.
Method 1: Using Yarn and Dowels
One of the easiest and most popular ways to make curly doll hair is using yarn and dowels. Yarn is a versatile and inexpensive material that comes in a variety of colors and textures. Dowels are thin wooden rods that can be used to curl the yarn and create different sizes of curls.
What You Will Need
To make curly doll hair using yarn and dowels, you will need the following items and tools:
- Yarn of your choice (preferably acrylic or wool)
- Dowels of different sizes (depending on how tight or loose you want the curls to be)
- Scissors
- Oven
- Baking sheet
- Towel
- Crochet hook, needle, and thread
How to do it
Follow these steps to make curly doll hair using yarn and dowels:
- Wrap the yarn tightly around a thin dowel. The thinner the dowel, the tighter the curl will be. Something around 3/8-inch (0.95-centimeter) would be ideal, however. Make sure that you are only wrapping the yarn in a single layer; don’t let the yarn overlap. You can also use a knitting needle instead. A size 4, or smaller, would be ideal.
- Loosen the first and last loops, then tuck the tail ends under them. Tug on the tail ends to tighten the loops. This will keep the yarn from unraveling.
- Soak the yarn with boiling water, then blot the excess. Boil some water in a pot or kettle first, then pour it over the yarn. Use a towel to gently blot any excess water. You want it to be soaked, but not dripping.
- Place the dowel on a rimmed backing sheet. Make sure that the ends of the dowels rest on the rim. Do not let the rest of the dowel or the yarn touch the actual baking sheet. If you let the yarn touch the sheet, it may not dry properly. The hot metal may also scorch the yarn.
- Bake the yarn in your oven until it is dry. Preheat your oven to the lowest temperature possible, about 200 to 250°F (94 to 122°C) first. Once it reaches the right temperature, stick the yarn into the oven. Let it bake until it is completely dry, about 10 minutes. Check on it every 15 minutes, especially if it is acrylic so that it doesn’t melt. If you are using a “soft” variety of yarn, raise the temperature to 300F and bake it for 55 minutes instead.
- Allow the yarn to cool before unwrapping it. This will take about 10 minutes. Once the yarn has cooled, gently unravel it from the dowel. As you unwrap it, it should hold its curl.
- Wrap yarn around the base object. Choose a book, folder, CD case, or even a piece of cardboard that is about twice the length you want the hair to be. Wrap the curled yarn around the base object tightly so that the strands become straight. Keep wrapping until you run out of yarn.
- Cut the wrapped yarn along one edge. This will create a bunch of curled yarn strands that are equal in length. You can trim them later if you want to adjust the length of the hair.
- Attach the yarn to the doll’s head with a slip stitch. Push your crochet hook through a stitch on your doll’s hairline. Catch the curled strand in the middle. Pull a loop back through the stitch with your hook. Pull the tails through the loop, then tug on them gently to tighten the loop. Repeat this process until you cover the entire head with yarn. You can also use a needle and thread instead of a crochet hook.
- Style the hair as you wish. You can leave it as it is, or you can cut, comb, braid, or tie it into different hairstyles. You can also mix and match different colors and textures of yarn to create more variety and contrast.
Tips and tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the best curly doll hair using yarn and dowels:
- Experiment with different types and sizes of dowels to create different types and sizes of curls. You can also use other cylindrical objects, such as pencils, straws, or chopsticks, to curl the yarn.
- Vary the thickness and length of the yarn to create different effects and styles. For example, you can use thin and short yarn for tight and springy curls or thick and long yarn for loose and wavy curls.
- Adjust the temperature and time of baking to control the curliness of the yarn. The higher the temperature and the longer the time, the more curly the yarn will be. However, be careful not to overheat or burn the yarn, especially if it is acrylic.
- Use a spray bottle to dampen the yarn before wrapping it around the dowel. This will help the yarn stick to the dowel and form smoother curls.
Method 2: Using Synthetic Hair and Curlers
Another way to make curly doll hair is by using synthetic hair and curlers. Synthetic hair is a type of artificial hair that is made from various materials, such as nylon, acrylic, or polyester. It is often used for wigs, extensions, and doll hair. Curlers are devices that are used to curl hair by wrapping it around them and applying heat or water.
What You Will Need
To make curly doll hair using synthetic hair and curlers, you will need the following items and tools:
- Synthetic hair of your choice (preferably heat-resistant)
- Curlers of different sizes (depending on how tight or loose you want the curls to be)
- Pins or clips
- Water
- Spray bottle
- Hair dryer or towel
- Glue, clips, or sewing kit
How to do it
Follow these steps to make curly doll hair using synthetic hair and curlers:
- Cut the synthetic hair to the desired length. You can use scissors or a razor to cut the hair. Make sure that you cut it a little longer than you want it to be, as it will shrink when curled. You can also use pre-cut hair that is sold in craft stores or online.
- Wrap the synthetic hair around the curlers. Start from the end of the hair and roll it up to the base of the curler. Secure the hair with a pin or a clip. Repeat this process until you have wrapped all the hair around the curlers. You can use different sizes of curlers to create different sizes of curls.
- Wet the hair with water. Use a spray bottle to spray water on the hair until it is damp but not soaking wet. This will help the hair hold the curl and prevent frizzing.
- Dry the hair with a hair dryer or a towel. If you are using a hair dryer, set it to the lowest heat setting and blow dry the hair until it is completely dry. Be careful not to overheat or melt the hair, especially if it is not heat-resistant. If you are using a towel, wrap the hair in the towel and squeeze out the excess water. Then, let the hair air dry for several hours or overnight.
- Remove the hair from the curlers. Once the hair is dry, gently unroll it from the curlers. You should see the hair forming into curls. Do not comb or brush the hair, as this will ruin the curls.
- Attach the hair to the doll’s head with glue, clips, or sewing. You can use any method that works best for you and your doll. For example, you can glue the hair to the doll’s scalp, clip it to the existing hair, or sew it to a wig cap. You can also mix and match different colors and textures of synthetic hair to create more variety and contrast.
- Style the hair as you wish. You can leave it as it is, or you can cut, comb, braid, or tie it into different hairstyles. You can also use hair accessories, such as ribbons, bows, or flowers, to decorate the hair.
Tips and tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the best curly doll hair using synthetic hair and curlers:
- Experiment with different types and sizes of curlers to create different types and sizes of curls. You can also use other objects, such as straws, pencils, or chopsticks, to curl the hair.
- Adjust the amount and temperature of water to control the curliness of the hair. The more water and the hotter the water, the curlier the hair will be. However, be careful not to soak or scald the hair, especially if it is not heat-resistant.
- Vary the drying time and method to create different effects and styles. The longer the drying time and the slower the drying method, the more defined and lasting the curls will be. However, be careful not to over-dry or damage the hair, especially if it is not heat-resistant.
- Use a curling iron or a flat iron to curl or straighten the hair. If you want to change the shape or style of the hair, you can use a curling iron or a flat iron to curl or straighten it. Make sure that the hair is heat-resistant and that you use the lowest heat setting possible. Be careful not to burn or melt the hair.
Method 3: Using Fabric and Wire
A third way to make curly doll hair is by using fabric and wire. Fabric is a material that is made from woven or knitted fibers, such as cotton, silk, or polyester. It is often used for clothing, bedding, and upholstery. The wire is a thin and flexible metal strand that can be bent and shaped into various forms. It is often used for electrical, mechanical, or artistic purposes.
What You Will Need
To make curly doll hair using fabric and wire, you will need the following items and tools:
- Fabric of your choice (preferably lightweight and stretchy)
- Wire of your choice (preferably thin and flexible)
- Scissors
- Glue (preferably fabric glue or hot glue)
- Wire cutters
- Glue gun (optional)
How to do it
Follow these steps to make curly doll hair using fabric and wire:
- Cut the fabric into long and narrow strips. You can use scissors or a rotary cutter to cut the fabric. Make sure that you cut it along the grain, not across it, to prevent fraying. The width and length of the strips will depend on how thick and long you want the hair to be. For example, you can cut the strips about 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) wide and 12 inches (30 centimeters) long.
- Cut the wire into pieces that are slightly shorter than the fabric strips. You can use wire cutters or scissors to cut the wire. The thickness and length of the wire will depend on how stiff and curly you want the hair to be. For example, you can cut the wire about 0.5 millimeters thick and 10 inches (25 centimeters) long.
- Glue the wire to the fabric strips. You can use fabric glue, hot glue, or any other type of glue that works well with fabric and wire. Apply a thin line of glue along the center of the fabric strip. Then, place the wire on top of the glue and press it down gently. Make sure that the wire is aligned with the fabric strip and that there is some fabric left on both ends of the wire. Repeat this process until you have glued all the wire to the fabric strips.
- Curl the fabric strips around the wire. Start from one end of the fabric strip and twist it around the wire. Keep twisting until you reach the other end of the fabric strip. You should see the fabric forming a spiral around the wire. Repeat this process until you have curled all the fabric strips around the wire. You can use different directions and angles of twisting to create different types of curls.
- Attach the fabric strips to the doll’s head with glue or sewing. You can use any method that works best for you and your doll. For example, you can glue the fabric strips to the doll’s scalp, sew them to a wig cap, or tie them to the existing hair. You can also mix and match different colors and textures of fabric to create more variety and contrast.
- Style the hair as you wish. You can leave it as it is, or you can cut, comb, braid, or tie it into different hairstyles. You can also use hair accessories, such as ribbons, bows, or flowers, to decorate the hair.
Tips and tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the best curly doll hair using fabric and wire:
- Experiment with different types and sizes of fabric and wire to create different types and sizes of curls. You can also use other materials, such as ribbon, lace, or tulle, to curl the hair.
- Adjust the width and length of the fabric strips and the wire pieces to control the thickness and length of the hair. The wider and longer the fabric strips and the wire pieces, the thicker and longer the hair will be.
- Vary the amount and type of glue to control the stiffness and durability of the hair. The more glue and the stronger the glue, the stiffer and more durable the hair will be. However, be careful not to use too much glue or too strong glue, as this may make the hair too hard or damage the fabric.
- Use a glue gun to speed up the process and create more secure bonds. If you have a glue gun, you can use it to apply the glue to the fabric strips and the wire pieces. This will make the process faster and easier, and the glue will dry quicker and stronger. However, be careful not to burn yourself or the fabric with the hot glue.
Conclusion
Making your own curly doll hair is a fun and creative way to give your dolls a new look. You can use different methods and materials to create curly doll hair that suits your style and preferences. You can also customize the color, length, and style of your doll’s hair according to your imagination. By making your own curly doll hair, you can save money and have fun at the same time.
In this article, you learned three different methods to make curly doll hair using yarn, synthetic hair, and fabric. You also found out what materials and tools you will need, how to do it step by step, and how to achieve different effects and styles. By following these instructions, you will be able to make your own curly doll hair and transform your dolls into curly-haired beauties.
We hope that you enjoyed this article and that you learned something new and useful. If you have any questions, feedback, or suggestions, please feel free to leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you and help you with your curly doll hair projects.
FAQs
Here are some of the common questions that you might have about making curly doll hair:
- How long does it take to make curly doll hair?
The time it takes to make curly doll hair depends on the method and material you use, as well as the amount and length of hair you want to make. Generally, it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours to make curly doll hair.
- How do I take care of my curly doll hair?
To take care of your curly doll hair, you should avoid washing, brushing, or combing it, as this may ruin the curls or damage the material. You should also store it in a dry and cool place, away from direct sunlight, heat, or moisture. If the hair gets dirty or tangled, you can gently spot-clean it with a damp cloth or a mild detergent and carefully detangle it with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb.
- What are some of the best materials to use for curly doll hair?
The best materials to use for curly doll hair are those that are easy to work with, durable, and realistic. Some of the most popular materials are yarn, synthetic hair, and fabric. However, you can also use other materials, such as ribbon, lace, or tulle, to create curly doll hair. You can also mix and match different materials to create more variety and contrast.
- How do I fix or remove curly doll hair?
If you want to fix or remove curly doll hair, you can use different methods depending on how you attach it to the doll’s head. For example, if you glued it, you can use a solvent or a hair dryer to loosen the glue and peel off the hair. If you sew it, you can use a seam ripper or scissors to cut the stitches and pull off the hair. If you clipped it, you can simply unclip it and take off the hair.
- Where can I find more inspiration and tutorials for curly doll hair?
You can find more inspiration and tutorials for curly doll hair on various websites, blogs, videos, books, and magazines that are related to doll making, doll hair, or crafts. You can also look at pictures of real or fictional people or characters that have curly hair and try to replicate their hairstyles. You can also use your own imagination and creativity to come up with your own ideas and designs for curly doll hair.
