Wigging Out: Comprehensive Guide to Caring for Your BJD Doll Wigs

Introduction

Explaining BJD Dolls and Their Wigs

Ball-jointed dolls, or BJD for short, are a unique type of doll that has become increasingly popular in recent years. These dolls are known for their realistic proportions, lifelike facial features, and, most importantly, their ability to be customized in countless ways. One of the key aspects of customizing a BJD is choosing the right wig for your doll.

BJD wigs come in all shapes and sizes, from long and flowing to short and spiky. They can be made from various materials, including synthetic fibres, human hair or animal hair.

The Importance of Maintaining Doll Hair

Maintaining your doll’s hair is an essential part of owning a BJD. Just like with real hair, neglecting to care for a wig can lead to tangling, frizzing or even damage, making it difficult to style or restore. Moreover, since the wigs with these dolls can be quite expensive (sometimes costing up to several hundred dollars), they require investment and attention.

Overview of Topics To Be Covered

This article will cover everything you need to know about caring for your BJD’s wig. We will start by explaining the different types of materials used in making these wigs and what factors one should consider when deciding which material best suits one’s needs. Next, we’ll cover basic maintenance techniques such as brushing and washing along with tools needed for restyling wigs should such a need arise.

With these tips and tricks, you’ll be well-equipped to keep your beloved BJD doll looking their best!

For more BJD tips and tricks, check out my Youtube channel.

Understanding BJD Wig Materials

Common wig materials used for BJD dolls

BJD wigs are made from various materials, each with its strengths and weaknesses. The most common wig materials for BJD dolls are synthetic fiber, mohair, and human hair. Synthetic fiber is the most popular material because it is affordable and easy to care for.

Mohair is a natural hair fiber prized for its softness and durability. Human hair wigs are the most expensive but offer the most realistic look.

Pros and cons of each material

Synthetic fiber wigs are great because they can be made in a wide range of colors and styles at an affordable price. They also require less maintenance than other wigs since they don’t need to be styled as often.

However, synthetic wigs can quickly become tangled or frizzy if not cared for properly. Mohair wigs have a beautiful natural sheen that looks very realistic.

They are quite durable and do not tangle easily like synthetic fibers tend to do. However, mohair can be quite expensive compared to synthetic fibers or even human hair.

Human hair wigs provide the most realistic look possible as they behave just like real hair would, but this comes with a hefty price tag. These wigs require more maintenance than synthetic fibers or mohair since they need regular washing, conditioning, and styling just like real human hair.

Tips for choosing the right wig material for your doll

When selecting a BJD wig material, consider your budget and how much time you have to devote to maintaining your doll’s wig. If you’re on a tight budget or don’t want to spend too much time maintaining your doll’s wig, synthetic fiber may be your best bet.

If you have more money to invest and want a more realistic look, then mohair or human hair may be the way to go. Ultimately, choosing the material that best suits your needs is important, as every doll owner has different preferences.

Basic Wig Maintenance

Brushing Techniques: Keeping your Wig Tangle-Free

One of the most important things you can do for your BJD wig is to brush it regularly to keep it free from tangles and knots. Using a proper brush is key to avoiding damage. Small, soft-bristled brushes are ideal for BJD wigs, such as those specifically marketed for doll hair or makeup brushes with soft bristles.

Be sure to avoid synthetic bristles or those that are too rough, as they can cause the fibers of the wig to frizz or break. When brushing, please start at the ends of the hair and work your way up, gently teasing out any knots without pulling on them.

Do not start at the top of the hair and drag the brush down, as this can create more tangles and damage the wig fibers. Brush your doll’s wig every time you play with it or change its outfit to keep it in good condition.

Washing Tips: Cleaning Your Wig Without Damage

While frequent brushing can help keep your BJD wig clean, eventually, it will need a more thorough cleaning. Too much dirt and oil buildup (from constant touching) on a wig can warp its shape or cause long-term damage if left uncleaned. Washing too often, however, may also damage your doll’s hair, so finding a balance is recommended.

When washing a BJD wig, use gentle products safe for synthetic fibers such as mild soap or specialized shampoo formulated for wigs. Avoid products like actual shampoos for humans or harsh detergents that damage fibers leaving them dry and brittle.

Make sure you rinse all soap residue thoroughly before drying. Drying techniques should also be considered when washing dolls’ wigs since heat sources like blow drying may melt fibers, especially in heads with rooted hair like vinyl dolls’ heads!

Instead place them on a towel or wig stand to air dry. Never direct heat or sunlight on your BJD wig, which could cause severe damage.

Advanced Wig Maintenance Techniques

Restyling Wigs: Breathe New Life Into Your Doll’s Hair

One of the best things about BJD dolls is their versatility. They can become entirely different characters with a few changes to their wig and outfit.

Restyling a wig is a great way to achieve that change without purchasing an entirely new one. However, you must have the right tools before diving into restyling your doll’s hair.

The following are essential tools for restyling: – A wig stand or foam head (to hold the wig while you work)

• A wide-tooth comb – Scissors (preferably small fabric scissors)
• Heat styling tools such as curling irons, flat irons, or hot rollers (only if wig is heat resistant)
• A mix of water and Elmers glue diluted to use as gel

Once you have the necessary tools in hand, follow these steps to restyle your doll’s hair: 

1. Detangle and separate hair: Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle any knots in the wig fibers gently.

Then section off your doll’s hair into smaller portions using clips. 

2. Heat styling: Use heat styling tools like curling irons or flat irons to create new styles for your doll’s hair.

3. Trim excess ends: Use scissors to trim any excess strands that may be out-of-place or damaged. 

4. Style & Finish: Once you are happy with the style of your doll’s hair, apply some styling products like a diluted Elmers glue and water solution.

By following these steps, you’ll have a beautifully colored BJD wig to make your doll stand out from the crowd!

Storing Wigs Properly

Best practices for storing BJD wigs

Proper storage of your BJD doll wigs is essential to keeping them in good condition. Here are some best practices for storing BJD wigs:

1. Keep the wig on a wig stand or in a box: Wigs should be stored on a wig stand or in their original packaging. Avoid laying them flat, as this can cause the fibers to tangle and deform.

2. Avoid direct sunlight: Direct sunlight can cause the colors of the wig to fade and weaken the fibers, making it more susceptible to breakage.

 3. Keep away from heat sources: Heat sources such as radiators, air conditioning vents, and hair dryers can damage the fibers of your doll’s wig, causing them to become brittle and break.

4. Don’t stack multiple wigs: Stacking multiple wigs on top of each other can lead to tangling and deformities in the fibers. 

5. Store in a dry place: Moisture can cause mold or mildew to form on your wig, so it is important to store your wig in a dry place with good ventilation.

Conclusion

Taking care of your BJD doll’s hair entails more than just brushing it regularly; proper maintenance is key to keeping it looking vibrant and healthy over time! Understanding what materials are used for making these types of dolls’ wigs is vital when making decisions about buying new ones – you’ll want something easy to maintain while also being durable enough not only through everyday wear but also occasional restyling if that’s desired down the road.

Remembering how best practices like storing them properly help prevent damage from direct sunlight or heat sources will keep those precious locks looking their best too! Hopefully, this guide has provided helpful information for maintaining your BJD’s hair, and you’ll be able to keep it looking great for years to come.

Learn more about where to get the best BJD wigs by watching my Youtube video.