How to Wash and Dry Your Porcelain Dolls Hair

I was recently asked how you go about cleaning a porcelain doll’s hair. A porcelain doll does require special care. Porcelain is a ceramic which is made by heating raw material (clay) to an extremely high temperature in a kiln and are generally a collector item. A porcelain doll’s hair is a wig that is glued on and is made from either a synthetic material or from real human hair. Cleaning the hair is not complicated but it is a process that will require patience and gentle handling.

Here is what you will need to do:

For dolls with synthetic hair:

Using only your fingers remove the wig base from the doll. Using a tool will scratch the porcelain. Slowly pull the wig free from the head. Take it slow and careful, spraying on a bit of water if you need. Once you have the wig removed, wet with cool water.

Once you have the hair completely wet, use a “window cleaner” which will remove the dirt. Work it gently through the hair and rinse thoroughly.

Next, use a hair conditioner and work it gently through the hair. Rinse thoroughly.

A pet brush is a good choice as the metal tines are less likely to damage the base. A wide tooth comb will work as well.

Allow the hair to dry thoroughly.

You will need to paint on a thin coat of white glue and gently put the wig on the doll. Make sure it is in place and hold down until you feel the glue become tacky. Wipe off any glue that you can see. Set aside and let the glue set.

For wigs made from human hair:

Remove the wig in the same manner; using your fingers and gently remove the wig. If you get to a stubborn spot, spray with water and continue pulling away from the head. Be patient and work slowly.

Once removed, use a hair pick or wide tooth comb to work through the hair. If you are having trouble combing through the hair, you can use a spray on detangler. Again, be gentle.

Let the wig soak in a detergent for approximately 10 minutes (one designed for delicates is best).

Remove the wig and set it aside on a towel.

With fresh cold water in your sink, add cap full of white vinegar and gently rinse the wig. The vinegar will help remove all of the detergent.

Move the wig to a towel for drying. Use a towel large enough so that you can fold the sides/ends up and blot out as much water as you can. Transfer the wig to a dry towel. I like to run a wide tooth comb gently through the wig before I lay it out to dry completely.

Once the wig is completely dry, you will need to re-glue it to the doll. Using white glue, paint a bit on the dolls head careful to only put the glue when the hair will cover it. Slip the wig onto the head and hold it in place until you feel the glue become tacky. Wipe off any excess glue that may be visible. Set aside and let the glue dry thoroughly.

You will not need to do this often but good maintenance will ensure the longevity of your precious porcelain doll.

Source by Genie Ladd