Samantha dolls have undergone various changes. From the early releases by the Pleasant Company to Mattel, Samantha’s hair has undergone an evolution in her appearance.
From changes in hair color and texture to modifications in facial features and styling, each iteration of Samantha reflects the evolving standards of beauty and representation in the doll industry.
Furthermore, we’ll also provide a tutorial on styling Samantha’s hair, offering step-by-step instructions and expert tips to achieve the desired look.
Transformation of Samantha’s Hair Appearance
Do your kids love the Samantha American Girl doll? Since her introduction in 1986, Samantha has undergone several changes in her appearance, from her hair and eye color to her facial fetatures.
1. Releases by the Pleasant Company (1986-1998)
The earliest Samantha dolls are distinguished by their lighter brown hair and softer eye colors. Produced with white muslin bodies until 1991, these versions had a more vintage charm, aligning with Samantha’s 1904 historical backdrop.
Notably, these dolls had long, curly wigs, giving them a distinctive look that differed from later versions. The change to a tan body in 1991 signaled the manufacturer’s desire to create a more unified look with other dolls in the series.
2. Transition to Mattel (1998-Present)
The acquisition of the Pleasant Company by Mattel in 1998 marked a new era for Samantha. Gradually, her hair became darker and transitioned from curly to wavy, reflecting broader beauty trends and manufacturing changes. Mattel’s influence is also evident in the shift to harder, black eyelashes.
3. BeForever Relaunch (2014)
Samantha’s reintroduction in 2014 as part of the BeForever line saw her with darker, almost black hair, and decal brown eyes with slate undertones—a stark contrast to earlier models. This version also introduced feathered eyebrows, a departure from the solid line eyebrows of previous generations.
Her meet outfit and accessories were updated to reflect contemporary tastes while maintaining a nod to her Edwardian-era roots.
Hair Styling Tutorial for Samantha Doll
Transforming the hair of your Samantha American Girl doll from unruly to radiant is easier than you might think. Whether your Samantha doll has the original curls or the wavier style introduced by Mattel, this tutorial will guide you through refreshing her hairstyle, ensuring she looks her best for any occasion.
This method is not only effective but also safe for the doll’s hair, ensuring long-lasting play without damage.
What You Will Need:
- A spray bottle filled with water
- A doll hair brush or a wide-tooth comb
- Bobby pins
- A hair tie or clip (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Prepare the Hair
Begin by generously misting Samantha’s hair with water from the spray bottle. This dampening process is crucial as it prevents hair damage during brushing and styling.
2. Detangling
Gently brush out any tangles from her hair. Starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots can help minimize breakage and make the process smoother.
See also: How To Untangle Doll Hair And Extra Tips
3. Sectioning the Hair
Once all tangles are removed, use a hair tie or clip to section off the top half of the hair. This will make managing the hair easier and allow for more precise styling.
4. Creating Curls
Take a small section of hair, approximately the width of your hairbrush handle. If necessary, apply a bit more water to this section.
Then, wrap the ends around the handle of your hairbrush, rolling it upwards towards the scalp to form a tight roll. Carefully remove the brush, maintaining the roll’s shape, and secure it with bobby pins.
5. Setting the Style
Repeat the rolling process with the rest of the hair, working in sections until all the hair is neatly rolled up. These “curlers” create soft, bouncy curls that are characteristic of Samantha’s style.
6. Drying
Allow the hair to dry naturally. This could take several hours depending on the temperature and humidity. To ensure the curls set properly, it’s best to wait until the hair is completely dry before moving on to the next step.
7. Unveiling the Curls
Once dry, carefully remove the bobby pins and gently unravel the curls. Twist each curl around your finger to define its shape further.
8. Final Touches
Finish styling by arranging the curls as desired and adding any hair accessories for that perfect Edwardian flair or contemporary look. A light misting with water can help tame any flyaways and keep the hairstyle in place.
By following these simple steps, you can breathe new life into Samantha’s hair, restoring its shine and bounce. This method works wonderfully for various American Girl dolls with wavy or curly hair, making it a versatile technique for your doll collection. Remember, regular gentle handling are key to keeping your dolls’ hair looking its best for years to come.
