How to Detangle Doll Hair – Barbie Makeover Tips!

My girls love their dolls. We have quite a collection of Barbie dolls, American Girl dolls, Polly Pocket dolls and classic baby dolls. One sad part of life as a well-loved doll is that their artificial hair can get tangled and matted somewhat quickly. I came up with some simple tips about how to detangle doll hair after my daughter found a pretty Barbie doll at a garage sale. We brought her home and gave this Barbie a hair makeover! Try this easy solution to detangle and revitalize doll hair. These tips are helpful for when your daughter decides to adopt a disheveled doll or when you want to clean up any doll that has enjoyed its share of love.

My daughter found a Rapunzel Barbie doll at a garage sale one weekend. Although she came with a beautiful dress, she sadly had very matted hair. We gave the new Barbie doll a hair makeover and we were very happy with the results!

Barbie Hair Makeover Supplies

• Hair conditioner
• Spray hair detangler
• Wet hair brush or large tooth comb
• White vinegar

To begin the Barbie hair makeover, first, we gathered some basic supplies. I assembled a bottle of hair conditioner, spray detangler and a Wet hair brush (a comb would work too). I used TRESemme hair conditioner to soften and straighten the Barbie’s hair, followed by a spritz of kids’ spray hair detangler. Likely any of brand of conditioner and spray detangler would do. The Wet hair brush helps to minimize tearing the doll hair as you detangle it.

I combed both products through the doll’s hair, being gentle so that I didn’t pull out very many strands. After this, I followed with a thorough rinse with water.

Tips to Easily Detangle Doll Hair

1. First, gently detangle the doll’s artificial hair with your fingers, separating strands as best as you can.
2. Wash out any dirt with warm water.
3. Next, gently massage in a small amount of hair conditioner.
4. Working in small amounts, gently come through the doll’s hair, working your way around her head until all the hair is combed through.
5. Spray in hair detangler to increase the hair’s softness.
6. Next, thoroughly rinse the doll’s hair with a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water to produce a super shiny finish.
7. Follow by a final rinse with warm water.
8. Finally, style your doll’s hair any way you’d like.

These simple conditioning tips for this Barbie doll’s hair makeover made quite the difference! If I had a small curling iron on low I could have made her practically look like new. Artificial hair can burn, so if you do use a curling iron be cautious with the temperature. This hair revitalizing process would work on any doll with artificial hair.

My daughter loves her new-to-her Barbie doll. Incidentally, Rapunzel seems only too happy to join our family. I enjoy keeping our stuff looking nice and also decluttering using some toy organization tricks.

I think it’s a valuable skill to teach kids how to make an old toy look like new again. If you try these tips for how to detangle a doll’s artificial hair, we’d love to hear how it goes!

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Katie Wallace

Hi, I’m Katie! I live with my husband and 4 kids in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. I love Jesus, coffee, creative projects, photography, and traveling. I’ve previously worked as a web designer, journalist, and barista. I hope you enjoy our creative projects and family adventures!