Curly Hair Doll Shopping Guide: Types, Brands & Care Tips

Curly hair dolls are a delightful addition to any toy collection, celebrating diversity and individuality with their charming corkscrew curls. Perfect for children seeking a doll that reflects their own natural texture or for anyone who values representation, these dolls inspire confidence and creativity. This shopping guide will help you find the perfect curly hair doll to bring joy and inclusivity to playtime.

Curly Hair Dolls: Types, Variations, and Applications

Curly hair dolls offer a broad spectrum of options, ranging in size, skin tone, hair texture, curl size, and customization capabilities. These dolls not only provide children with hours of imaginative play but also encourage self-expression and, in some cases, representation and empowerment. Below is a comparison table highlighting popular types and their applications:

Doll Type/Brand	Size	Hair Type/Texture	Skin Tone Options	Customization	Typical Age Group	Notable Features
American Girl™ Truly Me	18 inches	Long, curly synthetic	Multiple	Outfits, hair	6+ years	Diverse, accessories available
Beautiful Curly Me®	18 inches	Tight, curly synthetic	Black and brown	Outfits, books	3+ years	Empowerment focus, gifting
Hobby Lobby DIY Doll	12–18 inches	Fabric, curly or wavy	N/A (hair only)	Yes, DIY	8+ years (DIY)	For crafters, custom rerooting
Dollyhair™ Curly Saran	N/A	Saran, various curl sizes	Various	Yes, DIY	N/A (custom hair)	For rerooting, rare materials
Doll Planet Curly Nylon	N/A	Nylon, various curl sizes	Various	Yes, DIY	N/A (hair supply)	Easy to style, many colors

Types of Curly Hair Dolls

Curly hair dolls are available in several distinct categories based on intended use, presentation, and personal significance. Here are the main types you may encounter:

1. Ready-to-Play Dolls

These are standard dolls sold as complete products. Their hair is already styled into curls, with the option of different outfits and accessories. Brands like American Girl™ and Beautiful Curly Me® belong to this segment. Such dolls are ideal for immediate play and often boast durable, child-safe materials.

2. Customizable Dolls and Craft Kits

For those seeking a hands-on experience, many brands sell curly doll hair (often in synthetic materials like nylon or saran) for rerooting dolls or crafting new ones. Suppliers like Hobby Lobby, Dollyhair™, and Doll Planet offer hair in various colors and curl sizes, permitting personalized doll creation or extensive repairs.

3. Empowerment and Representation Dolls

Some dolls, notably from Beautiful Curly Me, are designed to inspire self-love, confidence, and cultural pride—particularly among Black and brown children. These dolls feature realistic curl patterns and skin tones underrepresented in the mainstream market. They may come bundled with empowering books or accessories.

4. Collectible and Artistic Dolls

Collectible curly hair dolls can be vintage, rare, artist-made, or even customized with high-end rerooted hair. Materials, finish, and the intricacies of curls are usually a step above standard play dolls.

Material Safety: What You Need to Know

Safety is paramount when selecting a curly hair doll—especially for young children or crafters who handle doll hair supplies.

Hair Materials

Synthetic Hair (Nylon, Saran, Kanekalon): Most modern curly dolls use these fibers. They are hypoallergenic, durable, soft, can be styled, and are colorfast.
- Saran hair is shiny and soft, but less heat-tolerant.
- Nylon hair is flexible, takes color well, and tolerates low heat for restyling.
Fabric/Thread (for DIY Dolls): Some dolls, especially handmade, may use yarn or fabric for curls, which is generally safe, though less durable.

Doll Body Materials

Vinyl or Plastic: Standard for most modern dolls; phthalate-free options are common among premium brands.
Cloth Body: Used for baby or toddler dolls, often with a vinyl head/hands.

Safety Certifications

Look for the following, especially if gifting to a child:
– CPSIA-compliance (for U.S. toys)
– EN71 (for Europe)
– Non-toxic dyes and coloring processes
– Safe for intended age group (check packaging for choking hazard warnings for small parts)

Maintenance and Care for Curly Hair Dolls

Keeping your doll’s curls bouncy and beautiful requires gentle maintenance:

General Hair Care

Detangling: Only use a wide-tooth comb or pick, or finger-comb the curls. Never use fine brushes as they cause frizz and breakage.
Washing: If needed, wash with a mild shampoo and cool water. Pat gently to dry—never wring or twist.
Restoring Curls: For tight curls:
- Spot fix with a damp cloth and curl around a straw or rod, letting dry fully.
- Synthetic fibers can sometimes be reset with gentle low heat (e.g., steam from a kettle at a distance). Always check the manufacturer’s instructions first!
Avoiding Frizz: Apply a drop of kid-safe leave-in conditioner to your palms before gently smoothing over curls.
Storage: Keep dolls out of direct sunlight to prevent color fade. Store sitting upright to keep curls bouncy.

Special Considerations for Rerooted/Custom Dolls

Use care with adhesives or hot tools—many synthetic fibers deform under heat.
Handle rerooted hair gently and avoid excess brushing.
When washing, support the hair at the root to prevent pull-out.

Privacy Tips for Buyers and Gift Givers

Whether you’re shopping online or gifting, consider these privacy and safety guidelines:

Select Age-Appropriate Dolls: Verify the recommended age range, especially for dolls with small parts (accessories, beads).
Secure Your Purchase: Buy from reputable stores and ensure your payment details are protected during online checkout.
Avoid Oversharing: If personalizing dolls (e.g. with custom names or likenesses), refrain from sharing unnecessary private details in public reviews or social posts.
Gift Safely: For empowerment dolls (like donation programs), double-check the organization handling your donation to ensure legitimate use of your contribution and recipient privacy.

How to Choose the Right Curly Hair Doll

To find the perfect match, keep these factors in mind:

Age of Recipient
Young children: Go for durable, easy-to-clean dolls with securely attached hair.
Older kids/teens: Can enjoy dolls with more intricate hair or even DIY kits for hair rerooting.
Hair Texture & Curl Size
Small, tight curls (3mm–6mm) look realistic and require minimal restyling.
Larger curls (10mm–20mm) offer a more dramatic appearance but may become frizzy if not handled carefully.
Cultural and Personal Representation
Opt for dolls that reflect the intended recipient’s culture, skin tone, and hair pattern for meaningful play.
Empowerment dolls add positive affirmations or educational content.
Customization
Look for rerooting supplies or dolls with replaceable wigs for creative projects.
Check material compatibility (nylon, saran, kanekalon) with your chosen styling methods.
Accessories and Outfits
American Girl™ and similar dolls have extensive wardrobes and furniture lines.
Custom dolls may require hand-sewn outfits; verify sizing before purchase.
Budget
Ready-to-play dolls with curly hair span $20–$130+ depending on size and brand.
DIY hair supplies (1oz/25g bags) start at $1.50 and up for crafters.
Charitable or empowerment dolls often include a “give one, gift one” option.

Practical Tips and Best Practices

Start Simple: If new to curly dolls, begin with a recognizable brand or a basic DIY kit before moving to more complex customization.
Maintain Regularly: Gently reshape curls after playtime to avoid matting and frizz.
Teach Care Early: Guide children on how to handle curly hair dolls—show them finger combing, smooth storage, and the importance of being gentle.
Match Accessories: Use satin bonnets and soft doll pillows to protect curls overnight.
For Crafters: Measure the head size of the doll you intend to reroot; buy enough hair for length and volume.
Repair or Refresh: Learn basic doll hair restoration (using fabric softener, curlers, or steam) to prolong your doll’s fresh look.
Store Properly: Keep curly hair dolls away from excessive humidity or direct sunlight to maintain color and curl integrity.

Technical Comparison Table: Key Product Features

Feature / Model	Material	Curl Size Options	Hair Colors Available	Typical Application	Accessories/Extras
American Girl™ Truly Me	Synthetic	Natural ringlets	Blonde, brunette, etc	Ready-to-play, collectible	Outfits, accessories
Beautiful Curly Me®	Synthetic	Tight curls	Various (black/brown)	Empowerment, gifting	Books, satin bonnets
Hobby Lobby Curly Doll Hair	Fabric	Pre-curled	Light brown, black	Craft, reroot, DIY repair	None
Dollyhair™ Curly Saran™ Doll Hair	Saran	3mm–25mm	Blonde, brown, red, etc	Customization, reroot	N/A
Doll Planet Precurled Nylon	Nylon	3mm–25mm	Extensive selection	Rerooting, custom dolls	N/A

Conclusion

Curly hair dolls are a vibrant, expressive, and versatile category—whether you’re shopping for a child who loves imaginative play, a collector seeking representation, or a crafter looking to create something unique. By understanding the types, materials, and care involved, you can select a doll (or hair replacement) that will bring joy for years to come. Keep in mind the age of the recipient, personal preferences for hair texture and color, as well as practical maintenance needs. With thoughtful selection, curly hair dolls become more than toys—they can serve as sources of empowerment, creativity, and cherished companionship.

FAQ

What types of curly hair dolls are available?
Dolls with curly hair come as ready-to-play dolls, customizable craft or reroot dolls, empowerment dolls focused on representation, and artist or collectible dolls. Some are sold with fixed hair, while others allow you to change or reroot the hair for customization.
What are the most common materials used for curly doll hair?
Curly doll hair is typically made from synthetic fibers like nylon, saran, or kanekalon, which are safe, durable, and easy to style. Some craft or art dolls may feature fabric, yarn, or thread for a different look or tactile feel.
How do I maintain a doll’s curly hair and keep it from tangling or frizzing?
Use only a wide-tooth comb, pick, or your fingers to gently separate curls. Avoid brushing. Refresh curls with a damp cloth or by loosely wrapping hair around straws and letting it air dry. Store the doll upright and avoid excessive handling for best results.
Can I wash my curly hair doll’s hair?
Yes, but do so sparingly. Use cool water and mild shampoo, then gently pat dry. Never twist or wring the hair. Always check manufacturer instructions—some synthetic hair can deform if washed or dried incorrectly.
Is curly doll hair safe for young children?
Yes, most commercial dolls use hypoallergenic, child-safe materials. For DIY hair supplies, always supervise young children and avoid hair or accessories that could pose a choking hazard.
Can I restyle or reroot my doll’s curly hair?
Absolutely. Many crafters buy precurled nylon or saran hair for rerooting, allowing new colors, textures, or even repairing old dolls. Use rerooting tools and appropriate adhesives, and always match the fiber type to your desired styling methods.
Are there curly hair dolls representing diverse cultures and skin tones?
Yes. Brands like Beautiful Curly Me®, American Girl™, and several independent creators offer dolls with a variety of skin tones, hair curl patterns, and empowering storylines for broader representation.
What should I look for in a curly hair doll for a very young child?
Choose dolls with securely attached hair, robust materials, soft bodies, and no small detachable accessories to avoid choking hazards. Pre-attached hair is ideal, and soft curls that can stand rough play are a plus.

How do I prevent my doll’s curls from losing shape?
Handle gently, reshape curls after play, avoid excessive washing, and protect hair during storage with a satin bonnet or soft cloth. If curls loosen, wrap them around a small rod and let them dry to restore bounce.
Where can I buy high-quality curly doll hair for DIY rerooting?
Specialty suppliers like Hobby Lobby, Doll Planet, and Dollyhair™ sell precurled nylon or saran hair in various curl sizes and colors for DIY projects. Always consider the curl size and hair color to ensure it matches your doll’s needs.

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Curly Hair Doll Shopping Guide: Types, Brands & Care Tips

Curly Hair Dolls: Types, Variations, and Applications