I know many parents, grandparents & relatives are spending big $$$ on American Girl Dolls for their favorite American Girls. Here are some tips on how to keep the dolls looking good for many years of wholesome playtime fun. First, you need to make sure to purchase a set of proper hair care supplies before ever handling the doll's hair. At a minimum, the set should include the following:

• wig brush
• misting bottle
• doll-friendly rubber bands

The brush should be used ONLY on doll hair. Using a human hair wig will damage the synthetic fiber of doll hair and can also make the hair dirt-prone. Also, you must lightly mist the hair with fresh water before brushing or styling. This protectes the hair and makes it much easier to comb through. You should always start at the longest part of the hair and remove any tangles before working your way up to the base of her wig. This prevents excessive pulling and breakage. Non-snag rubber ties are also a must-have when styling the hair into ponytails, braids or up-do's. They will not snag or cause tangles and come in various colors to match the doll's hair color.You can find a good selection of brushes and other supplies at your local Sally beauty supply store. Their prices are reasonable and they have a frequent shopper program that offers nice discounts.

Here is what happened to a Kirsten doll whose hair was mistreated...YUK! Since I operate a doll hospital, I was able to restore her hair with excellent results; see second photo for that. In the upcoming weeks I'll be adding more tips on doll care, so check back each week for a new idea! If you do have a damaged doll that needs repair, I would be happy to help out with that. Visit my page at IETRADEFORYOU to read more about the services I can offer.