Fine Art Doll Gallery

Trade Secrets

Dollmaking Tips to and from Dollmakers

Wigging

As a hairdresser of over 34 years, I know the importance of being able to style the hair once it is on the head. I have tried many different types of glue and have found that "ok to wash it" and other type of glues designed to glue on to fabrics and are washable work the best for me.

Once the fibre is glued and thoroughly dried, you can wet the fibre (hair) and use many different ways to style it. Tiny rollers, pipecleaners, permanant wave rods, I usually use tiny pieces of end papers to start to wrap onto what ever you use, as this will allow for a smooth curl. If you can't find small enough rollers, I've often cut short pieces of wooden dowels, using a hairpin to hold in place (such as you would on real people with hot roller). I have also found that very little, if any styling lotions are needed, always remember, less is better.

For small sculptures, I take small sections of mohair and wrap around in a spiral onto a wooden skewer. I tape both ends to keep secure. Wet down with a mixture of water and a tiny amount of hair gel (too much setting gel and you will have very hard, crusty hair), put on a paper plate and microwave for 20 minutes at a very low power (lowest setting). If 20 minutes is not long enough, then add another 10 more minutes to ensure the mohair completely dries. Better to be safe than sorry to avoid over cooking the hair.

I glue the mohair sections in layers directly onto the head with very small amounts of Tacky Glue®.

Tacky Glue® is a registered brand name ... it's called "Aleene's Tacky Glue®." This glue is available at most major craft stores.