One of elements contributing to unique charm of dolls, is doll hair. It plays a pivotal role in defining their character and aesthetic appeal.
Doll hair comes in an assortment of materials, each with its own characteristics, advantages, and considerations. From the traditional synthetic strands to the more specialized options like angora goat hair (mohair), and yarn, the choices are as varied as the dolls themselves.
In this guide, we will navsaigate through the common types of doll hair materials, shedding light on the distinct features that make each type unique.
Different Types of Doll Hair Materials
Doll hair serves as more than just an aesthetic feature; it’s a key component that defines a doll’s character, style, and versatility.
In this article, we’ll dissect the characteristics, advantages, and considerations associated with different types of doll hair.
1. Caracul (and Wool)
Caracul, derived from the Karakul sheep, is often referred to as Persian lamb. Primarily used for baby dolls and young boy dolls, Caracul’s short, curly fur creates a distinctive texture.
The short and curly strands of Caracul hair produce a soft and fluffy appearance, ideal for portraying newborn hair. Its unique texture adds a touch of realism, contributing to a tender and lifelike look for specific doll types.
Pros:
- Distinctive texture suitable for portraying newborn hair.
- Realistic and tender appearance.
Cons:
- Limited use, primarily suited for specific doll types.
2. Human Hair
Human hair for dolls is precisely what it sounds like – real hair sourced from human heads, either as leftover cut hair or specifically harvested for doll-making. Often woven into a mesh base, human hair doll wigs closely mimic the texture and versatility of natural human hair.
Human hair doll wigs provide a genuine look and feel, offering a realistic and lifelike appearance. The texture and versatility allow for various styling options, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the dolls.
Pros:
- Realistic and lifelike appearance.
- Versatile styling options.
Cons:
- More expensive than synthetic alternatives.
- Requires delicate care for maintenance.
See also: 8 How To Take Care of AG Doll Hair
3. Mohair
Harvested from Angora goats, mohair is a popular choice for doll hair. It is often woven into wigs, closely resembling human hair with its soft and silky texture.
Mohair’s soft and silky texture adds a luxurious touch to dolls, allowing for natural-looking and smooth hair. Its versatility in styling contributes to enhancing the overall aesthetics of dolls.
Pros:
- Soft and silky texture resembling human hair.
- Versatile styling options.
Cons:
- Requires careful maintenance to prevent tangling.
- May be more delicate than synthetic alternatives.
4. Synthetic
Synthetic hair, made from artificial fibers designed to imitate the appearance of human hair, is a prevalent choice for modern dolls. Its versatile nature allows for intricate weaving into a wig base or rooting in small clusters, securing it from the inside.
Possessing a consistent appearance, synthetic hair is known for its uniform texture and ease of maintenance. It offers a wide range of styling options, making it a versatile choice for doll designers aiming for specific looks.
Pros:
- Cost-effective and widely accessible.
- Retains its shape well over time.
- Available in various colors and styles, providing versatility in doll design.
Cons:
- May lack the natural feel of real hair.
- Heat styling can be damaging.
- Prone to tangling, depending on the quality.
5. Yarn Hair
Yarn hair, found on some older and mass-produced dolls, is characterized by being sewn or glued to the doll’s head. This type gained popularity during the soft-molded doll era of the late 1970s and the 1980s “Adopt-a-Doll” craze.
Offering a distinctive, textured appearance, yarn hair ranges from coarse to fine textures. Its association with a nostalgic charm reflects the design trends of specific eras, adding character to dolls.
Pros:
- Adds character and uniqueness to dolls, particularly those from specific time periods.
- Allows for creative hairstyles and colors.
Cons:
- Depending on the application method, yarn hair may be more prone to fraying or becoming disheveled.
- Requires more delicate handling compared to synthetic alternatives.
6. Nylon
Nylon hair, often found in My Little Ponies and various toys, is a porous material ideal for dying. With a melting temperature of 410-428 Fahrenheit (210-220 Celsius), it offers versatility in styling and coloring.
Beautiful and easy to style, Nylon hair is extremely strong and less prone to breaking. It takes curls easily and can be straightened when needed. The material is dye-friendly, allowing for a wide range of colors.
Pros:
- Easy to style and work with.
- Dye-friendly with a wide color range.
- Strong and less prone to breakage.
Cons:
- Human hair dye and markers can stain and fade over time.
7. Polypropylene Doll Hair
Polypropylene Doll Hair, lightweight and versatile, sits between Saran and Nylon. Similar to Nylon in styling properties, it requires washing to achieve a softer texture.
Boil permable and styled like Nylon, Polypropylene has an oily coating that needs washing for a smoother texture. Nonporous, it cannot be dyed with fabric dye or scented with doll hair fragrances.
Pros:
- Versatile styling properties.
- Lightweight and easy to work with.
- Boil permable for various hairstyles.
Cons:
- Nonporous, limiting dyeing options.
8. Kanekalon Doll Hair
Doll-grade Kanekalon, distinct from human-grade Kanekalon, is fine-stranded and suitable for doll-scale hairstyles. Commonly used since the 1980s on Barbie dolls, it is highly responsive to heat styling.
Fine strands and durability against heat make Kanekalon suitable for straight and curly hairstyles. It can withstand boiling water for boil perms.
Pros:
- Extremely responsive to heat styling.
- Durable and easy to style.
- Finer strands for realistic doll-scale appearance.
Cons:
- Not as shiny as Saran Hair.
9. Saran Hair
A favorite in doll design, Saran hair is commonly used for Barbie dolls. It has a waxy feel, preventing flyaway strands, and is often resistant to curling.
Weighted and resistant to curling, Saran hair is primarily utilized by Mattel (Barbie) and Tonner (Tyler, Sydney, etc.). It has a melting temperature of 320 Fahrenheit (160 Celsius).
Pros:
- Weighted for a realistic feel.
- Waxy texture controls flyaway strands.
- Boil permable with hot water.
Cons:
- Non-porous, limiting dyeing options.
10. Kiwi Hair
Overview: Introduced in 2013, Kiwi hair is a superior option, outshining Nylon and Saran. Known for its silk-like feel and durability, it’s a popular choice for modern doll and toy companies.
Characteristics: Porous and ideal for dying, Kiwi hair can be easily dyed with Rit or Acid dye. It offers long-term durability and fades less over time.
Pros:
- Superior durability and less fading.
- Silky and gorgeous texture.
- Easy to work with and style.
Cons:
- None reported.
11. Monofiber
Recognized for its high quality, Monofiber is a synthetic hair used in BJD and cosplay wigs. It comes in loose or weft formats and is categorized as high-temperature synthetic fiber.
Boil washable and permable, Monofiber requires special attention to hold curls. It doesn’t dye with regular Rit or Acid dyes, and special care is needed for successful curling.
Pros:
- High-quality synthetic fiber.
- Suitable for BJD and cosplay wigs.
- Boil washable and permable.
Cons:
- Requires special care for curling.
- Non-porous, limiting dyeing options.
12. Nylatex
Nylatex stands as a mid-grade nylon, exhibiting a lovely texture for doll hair. While not as high quality as nylon, it’s still a fantastic material for doll customization.
Similar in texture to silky Kanekalon but stiffer than regular Nylon, Nylatex can be boil washed and permed. Achieving a lasting curl may require a specific process involving boiling and ice water.
Pros:
- Mid-grade nylon with a lovely texture.
- Boil washable and permable.
- Suitable for styling with a flat iron or curling iron.
Cons:
- Stiffer than regular Nylon.
- Curling may require a specific process.
13. Acetate
Once used in doll manufacturing, Acetate offers a more “natural” feel as it’s derived from deconstructed wood pulp, known as cellulose.
Acetate feels more organic and less artificial, resembling the hair of a Persian cat. Its tensile strength is relatively weaker than other synthetic hair types.
Pros:
- Natural and organic feel.
- Boil permable and can withstand hot water.
- Distinctive texture resembling Persian cat hair.
Cons:
- Weaker tensile strength.
- Limited information on styling and dying.
Doll hair comes in a myriad of materials, each contributing a unique texture, appearance, and styling potential to these beloved playthings.
In essence, the choice of doll hair becomes a personal choices, a reflection of individual taste, and a decision rooted in the intended purpose of the dolls
