Baby Doll Care & Doll Hair Care Tips

General Doll Care – Helpful Tips for Keeping Your Reborn Dolls Beautiful

Caring for your reborn or collectible doll properly will help it stay beautiful for years to come. Whether you are a collector or buying a doll for a child, here are some important care tips.

Storage Tips

  • Always store dolls in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.

  • For long-term storage, place a layer of acid-free tissue between the doll and clothing to prevent colors from staining.

  • Check your stored dolls regularly to ensure there are no problems with insects, moisture, or pressure damage.

  • Never submerge a collectible doll in water — this can cause permanent damage.

Cleaning Tips

  • Porcelain and vinyl dolls can be gently cleaned with a soft cloth and distilled water. Avoid using soap, bleach, or harsh chemicals.

  • Cloth dolls can be vacuumed through a layer of netting, but never vacuum silk.

  • For light dusting, a large soft brush works well on porcelain, vinyl, and even doll hair.

Packaging & Value

When you purchase a reborn or collectible doll, we recommend keeping the original packaging, certificates, and inserts. These items add value to the doll in case you ever decide to sell it in the future. Collectible dolls without original packaging often have a lower resale value.

Display Tips

Many collectors love decorating their homes with dolls outside of glass cases, but remember:

  • A glass case offers the best protection from dust.

  • If your dolls are on open display, be sure to dust them regularly to keep them looking fresh and well cared for.

General Hair Care Rules

  • Never wash your doll’s hair — this can cause matting and permanent damage (not covered under warranty).

  • Most reborn doll hair is made of high-quality synthetic fibers, which should not be exposed to heated styling tools (blow dryers, curling irons, flat irons, etc.).

  • For deeper cleaning, use a slightly damp cloth to gently wipe away dirt, then let the doll air dry naturally.

Doll Hair Types & Care

Wigged Hair (Synthetic Wigs)

  • Wigs are usually sewn onto a cap and glued in place. They can appear fuller than natural baby hair.

  • If brushing, hold the doll firmly and use a wire wig brush to gently detangle.

  • Always brush from the ends upward, working in small sections to avoid pulling the wig loose.

  • For wavy hair, be gentle at the tips to preserve curls.

  • Tip: Cover your doll with a cloth and lightly mist her hair with water to make brushing easier.

Curly or Textured Hair

  • Use a wide-tooth comb or pick to style gently, starting from the ends and working upward.

  • For tight curls, finger-style by twirling small sections of hair in the direction of the curl.

  • Never use a brush on curly wigs — it will cause frizz and ruin the texture.

Hand-Applied Faux Hair

  • This delicate type of hair is glued onto the scalp of baby dolls for a newborn look.

  • It should not be brushed. Instead, gently pat it in place with a slightly damp cloth or use your fingers to style.

Hand-Painted Hair

  • Some reborn dolls feature hand-painted hair, giving them a true newborn appearance.

  • Each doll is unique since every artist’s painting style is slightly different.

  • Painted hair requires no special maintenance other than avoiding scratches or rubbing.

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