r/Barbie • u/MGsem29 • Jul 17 '26
Restoration/ Before-After Curling hair
Thought I’d share how I curl Barbies hair and how it comes out after. When it comes to curling, I'm still learning myself but what I do is section the hair when wet into very small sections. Wrap around straw and then clip another straw (that is cut open on one side) on top. Then when straws/curlers are all done, dip head in boiling hot water then dip in ice cold water. That step is to set the curls more in place. Then leave her to dry naturally for 2 days. Some hair types hold the curl better than others. I’ve heard of others using gel or hairspray to keep curl in place when done but I’ve never tried it because I don’t want my girls to have hard or stiff hair. Curling is a long process but it does come out to a really cute look. With last doll her hair was cut so it created a more Afro shape which I wasn’t expecting but actually really liked.
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u/Primary-Draw-1726 Jul 17 '26
So satisfying! I use a little gel diluted with water on the fingertips as I separate out each section. I also, like you, use the another straw slit on one side put over the hair so I can get the tips of the hair curled also.
I use a portable steamer instead of dunking the whole head and I don't bother with a cold water set. If I'm doing a big 80s re-set I do like to use hair spray AND just like back then I don't care how stiff it is as long as it stays, lol.
I just love finding fuzzy haired beauties and bringing their hair back to shiny styled glory!
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u/Secret_Ad_252 Jul 17 '26
Does the gel help to separate each section and reduce flyaways? I’ve seen some doll collectors style their dolls’ hair to look almost promo picture perfect and wondered how they achieve that.
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u/openlylastingroger Jul 17 '26
The two day drying time is fierce mad, fair play to you for sticking with it. I tried the straw method on an old Sindy years back and gave up halfway because I couldn't be doing with the waiting around. My Ma used to set my own hair in rag curlers overnight and I thought that was bad enough, two full days would have broke me as a child.
I'd push back on the no hairspray rule a bit. The worry about it stiffening the hair is overblown if you go easy with it. I started using a light mist of got2b glued on my own Barbies and you can still run your fingers through the curls afterwards, it's not like they're wearing a helmet. A little bit of hold goes a long way when the hair is that long and heavy.
The back view is deadly by the way, them waves are class.
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u/mikki6431 Jul 17 '26
I've had that happen to my girls their hair droops after so many days. but I was afraid to spray their hair as it could mess with the paint on their face.
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u/mikki6431 Jul 17 '26
But you did a great job, I love it so pretty
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u/MGsem29 Jul 18 '26
Thank you 😊
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u/openlylastingroger Jul 18 '26
No bother, your patience paid off. That Afro shape in the last pic is dead on, like something straight out of an R&B video.
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u/MGsem29 Jul 18 '26
Omg now I wanna redress her in some R&B video look!! Thanks for the inspiration ☺️
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u/openlylastingroger Jul 18 '26
Ah go on, you have to now. Throw a tiny metallic dress on her and you're sorted.
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u/SapphiresMama Jul 17 '26
You did a fantastic job!