How I Fixed My Daughter’s American Girl Doll’s Tangled Hair: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re a parent of a child who owns an American Girl doll, you know how quickly that silky hair can turn into a tangled mess. Recently, my daughter’s doll was in such bad shape, I honestly thought we’d need to send it off to the American Girl Doll Hospital again (which is a great service, by the way). However, I decided to give fixing it a try myself, and to my surprise, it worked! Here’s the step-by-step process I used to revive the doll’s hair, leaving it tangle-free and looking as good as new.
Step-by-Step: Fixing Tangled Doll Hair
1. Dampen the Doll’s Hair
Start by lightly dampening the doll’s hair with water. I didn’t soak it completely, just enough to make it easier to work with and prevent breakage. A spray bottle works perfectly for this.
2. Add Conditioner
Once the hair is damp, apply a small amount of conditioner. I used Herbal Essences because that’s what we had on hand, and it worked wonders. Gently work the conditioner into the hair using your fingers, focusing on the tangled areas.
3. Rinse Thoroughly
After letting the conditioner sit for a minute or two, make sure to rinse it out completely. You don’t want any residue left in the hair, as it can make the hair stiff over time.
4. Section and Brush
Now comes the tricky part: brushing. Start by dividing the hair into small sections. I found that working with smaller sections made it much easier to detangle without pulling too hard. Using a doll brush or a small, gentle brush, slowly work your way from the bottom of the section to the top, carefully removing any tangles.
5. Air Dry
Once all the tangles are out, let the hair air dry. I laid the doll on a towel to dry, which worked great.
6. Style as Desired
After the hair was completely dry, I decided to put it into a few braids. It helps keep the hair neat and tangle-free for longer. Plus, my daughter loves the way it looks!
The Results
I couldn’t believe how smooth and shiny the hair looked after it dried. It even smelled great, thanks to the conditioner! My daughter was so happy to see her doll’s hair looking fresh and new again, and I’m glad I didn’t have to send it off for professional repair this time.
Final Thoughts
If your child’s American Girl doll has terribly tangled hair, give this method a try before sending it off for repair. It was surprisingly easy and satisfying to bring the hair back to life. Now my daughter and her doll are thrilled, and I’ve learned a new skill I can use in the future!
Let me know if you’ve ever tried this method or if you have other tips for keeping doll hair smooth and tangle-free!
