WHEN THE WIGS START TO LOOK BETTER ON THE DOG THAN ON THE DOLL, IT’S TIME FOR A CHANGE
or
HOW TO MAKE WIGS FROM THE SCALPS OF OTHER DOLLS
Text and Photos by Terri Gold
unless otherwise noted.
Several months ago Ann Wooley (Ann in Florida) posted pictures of her dolls wearing wigs I’d never seen before. She explained that they were made from the scalps of playline dolls.


I asked Ann to write about the process (in quotes below) and send me some photos.
“My doll ‘scalping’ experience started because I wanted a doll with dreadlocks and just didn’t have the patience to sit and make one. I had an old Brandi doll and she became the first donor. Brandi’s scalp made a great wig for Adele."
"I had started rerooting again and had several dolls whose hair had been removed and were waiting. I decided to try some wigs instead. I went through a box of dolls which was on its way to Goodwill, picked a few out and made some wigs.
I use an Exacto knife and a very small, sharp pair of scissors. I like to get as close to the hair line as possible so they can just use it as a full wig if I want. Barbie size heads fit the Fashion Royalty Modern Pompadour Dolls well but I have found that the Fashion Fever and Flava Dolls’ scalps fit formerly rooted Fashion Royalty heads better.”
Photo by Ann Wooley
Photo by Ann Wooley
Photo by Ann Wooley
I tried it myself and photographed the steps and results. If you want to try, here are the directions:

1: Select the doll and get your tools ready.

.

2.Remove the head from the body. Insert the knife close to the hairline and begin cutting.
I am saving the faces for some project I have not planned yet.




3. Continue cutting and trimming as close as possible to the hair line.
Use scissors for the final touches.



4. Try the wig on your doll. In some instances scalps can be used as full wigs. In other cases a headband must be used to cover the front of the scalp. Adjust it to sit properly and add a head band if necessary. I use small, sharp pins to hold my wigs in place.

Take lots of pictures and POST, POST, POST!

A word of caution: cut away from your hands. Sharp Exacto knives cut skin fast and deep. I can prove it.
Terri Gold
Woodstock, New York
July, 2006
http://www.goldphoto.com