Always warm the doll head
while rooting. This prevents plug holesMicro Rooting Hair
I always micro root my babies Hair. I believe it looks more like a real babies
Hair when done in that fashion. First I like to keep my doll Head warm for
easier rooting. I use a heating pad with the doll Head laying on the pad while
I root one area of the Head then when I turn the head to root the other areas
it is already nice and warm and soft. The needles I am most happy with using
recently are a German Forked needle of 40G. They only root 1-3 Hairs at a time
into each plug hole and leave no big plug holes to see in the vinyl. These new
needles are extremely costly but they are well worth the effort and price. I always
start at the forehead and work towards the crown of the Head, inserting the felting
needle at an extreme angle (almost level with the head) and always insert in the
direction towards the crown. This insures the Hair lies 'flat' against the Head
without the need of stockings or caps after completion of rooting
Always insert each strand of Mohair deeply into the vinyl Head.
You want significant length of Hair inside the Head to seal securely with water
resistant glues or sealant later. I use about one inch pieces of Mohair fanned
out about an inch when I micro-root. I just lay the one-inch chunks flat against
the Head & insert the Felting needle through these. I try to follow a natural Hair
pattern when rooting so the Hair always looks natural and can be combed in any
directions. I use a very small child's brush (with very few bristles) to gently comb
my Mohair as I am rooting so I can keep it tangle free. Rooting a dolls head is not
something that can be learned in a few heads of Hair. It is very time consuming
and does take great practice and care. I am getting better and better every dolls
Head I root (and that has been many). After rooting the doll Head I make sure
and use a really good waterproof glue inside the Head to prevent the Hair from
falling out after it is all finished. It can take anywhere from 20-50 hours to root a
dolls Head (for me anyway). One other thing I have learned is buy the premium
Mohair or a good grade of Mohair, it is much softer and more baby like.
That is my preference anyway!
Some Tips to Consider
Always warm the doll head
while rooting. This prevents plug holes
and makes rooting easier
I use a magnifying glass
to better see the hair I am rooting.
No more than 3 hairs per
plug for micro rooting.
Make sure and follow a
natural hair pattern with NO bald spots showing.
Use a good waterproof
glue to seal your hair inside the head.
Sit comfortably and take
breaks as your hand will get really stiff.
