Here are some useful hints to keep your doll in perfect health and help you treat some of the minor boo-boos that may occur. These have worked for me, but most of the procedures do require extra dexterity and care. I cannot be responsible if something should go wrong, so please do not attempt them unless you feel quite confident of your ability. When in doubt, it is always best to send your doll off to a qualified doll hospital.
Help! The wig is coming loose.
You will need different kinds of glue depending on the material the doll is made of. For porcelain or resin dolls, use white wood glue or a universal modelling and crafts adhesive. The advantage of wood glue is that it is soluble in water, making it possible to remove the wig later. In the case of vinyl dolls you will have to try out a variety of adhesives to see which will stick permanently. Sometimes the wig will seem to be adhere well but will come loose after a few days. In that case a small amount of instant adhesive glue applied to the lower back edge of the wig may do the trick.
Hair looks dull and dusty.
No problem if the wig is made of genuine human hair. Just wash the doll's hair, taking care not to allow the body to get wet. Be especially careful that water does not drip through the eyes into the head. Hair will dry best in a warm, airy part of the house. Hair dryers are tricky and are best avoided. Apply a hair conditioner before drying for more control and sheen. For extra volume and hold, use hair mousse. Be aware that both vinyl and resin can be damaged by hairspray, so if spray should accidently touch the doll, be sure to wipe off any shiny spots immediately with a damp cloth.
Some wigs may need to be glued on again after washing, so be careful not to expose them to water longer than absolutely necessary.
How can I create curls in a human hair or mohair wig?
Standard curlers can be used on both kinds of wig and work best on damp hair. For tiny curls try using small wooden sticks or rolled up paper. A curling iron will also give good results.
Accidentally cut off too much hair?
It depends on how serious the damage is. If you've merely taken off a couple of curls from the side or front, taking a lock of hair from the back of the neck (hairstyle permitting) may be enough to hide the boo-boo. Simply glue the lock beneath the edge of the wig. If this doesn't work, consider purchasing a new wig.
Cleaning your dolls.
The most important thing is to work carefully. Wipe the doll gently with a damp cloth and never use a sharp detergent. If you need soap, please use only a small amount of the mildest soap you can find, trying it on a hidden area first.
Depending on the material and its age, the clothing may also be carefully washed. Please do not rub or wring, especially if the material has become delicate with age and exposure to light and heat. Direct sunlight is very aggressive and can damage not only the clothing but the entire doll as well. For this reason, avoid keeping your doll in an area which receives hours of direct sunlight.
Can I use make-up on my doll?
Well, I can't recommend it, but if you are very experienced in the use of cosmetics, you can try at your own risk. Possibly, if the cheeks have become pale, you could apply some powdered rouge (nothing containing creams or oils!). Please use only cosmetic products that can be removed with water and apply them with extreme care! I have seen some lovely dolls turned into ugly clowns because their "mommy" went overboard with the make-up.
Ouch! A finger broke off.
Resin dolls: Provided no pieces are missing, resin dolls can often be repaired with instant adhesive glue. But please try this only if you have a very steady hand!
Porcelain dolls: These need to be healed by a qualified doll doctor.
The eyelashes have come off.
Using a toothpick, apply a very small amount of wood glue and paste the eyelashes back on. (Pros use instant glue...)
The head is hanging to the side (or front, or back):
If the head is connected to the cloth body with a tie wrap, do not cut this through. Instead, using a thin pointed object (eg. a nail-file), loosen the strap and carefully lift the head from the body. Then add more cotton wool stuffing to the body and replace the head, pulling the tie wrap taut.
Should, on the other hand, the body be too tightly filled (sometimes the case with doll babies), it is advisable to remove some of the cotton stuffing.
The eyes have lost their gleam.
This can happen when small amounts of eyelash glue remain stuck to the eye. If white wood glue was used, it can be wiped off the eye with a damp cloth, but be careful not to wipe off the eyelashes as well! Other types of glue require stronger solvents and greater care when wiping the eye. Use a cotton bud or Q-tip, never any abrasive material, to avoid scratches.
Shiny spots on resin or vinyl.
These are more difficult to treat, but using great caution you may be able to repair them. It is important first to determine if the shiny area is painted on (cheeks with rouge, for example). If this is the case, then do not attempt to remove the spot or you will end up removing the colour as well. Unpainted areas can be gently rubbed with the very finest grit sandpaper. Rougher sandpaper will leave scratches that look a lot worse than the shiny spots.
If you know any other helpful tips and tricks to treat our dolls' little cuts and bruises, please tell us and we will add them to our First Aid Kit.