Two weeks ago, when I was looking for some hair care products, I noticed that they had a table with wigs (most of which were made from human hair) for $1 each. I almost walked out without buying, but quickly turned around and bought 6 of them. One of them was a tight curly wig.
This was actually perfect, because I am on a mission to use all of the tools I have bought over the years, that are just gathering dust. Since I had the hair, I decided to start with my reroot tool.
This is a reroot tool. There are other kinds. I got this one from my hairdresser about 8 yrs ago. It was tucked away nicely, waiting for me to do something with it.
So two days ago, I gathered my hair, my tool, and a doll, whose hair had been whacked off 8 yrs ago, when I first thought about doing a reroot, and apparently changed my mind, because it never happened.
I loved the variations in color.
This was actually perfect, because I am on a mission to use all of the tools I have bought over the years, that are just gathering dust. Since I had the hair, I decided to start with my reroot tool.
I had to completely remove every piece of hair before beginning the reroot. I cut the hair as close as possible to the scalp, removed the head from the body, and used tweezers inside the head to remove the remaining hair.
After about 5 hrs of rooting, and more than 24 hrs of letting the glue inside the head dry, this is the finished product. I am not sure why it looks so green. LOL! I realize now that I should have used more of the dark brown hair and less of the gold. Lesson learned. I did the reroot in one sitting because I was afraid that I would lose the tool. At least this way, the head would be done.
So here she is, green hair and all, after I cut it.
I need to do some more cutting. It's looking a little lopsided from the back.
So, all in all, I am happy with the results. It took me 8 years to start, but only 5 hrs to finish. Imagine all the heads I could have done by now. I have my eye on a few of my kids that could use some new 'dos.
After I put the head back on the body, I noticed that this doll has a rubber tummy area. Her stomach almost looks real. I have no idea which doll this is. Back then I wasn't swapping bodies like I am now, so this head and body are original. I am sure that someone will be able to enlighten me.
When positioned just right, she actually has little belly rolls. Of course it wouldn't cooperate for picture taking.
UPDATE: Someone just informed me that this is a Jewel Girl Barbie (2000). Here is the commercial for them. Jewel Girl Barbie
I really like how she turned out! The cut looks really cute on her too. I think you gave her a lot of personality. To me, she looks like she'd be a great addition to your single ladies group. She reminds me of a friend who loves to go clubbin'. LOL.
ReplyDeleteGreat job on the reroot...and in just 5hrs!
Tracy - She does look like a clubber. However, she will not be joining any groups anytime soon. She will be sitting on top of one of my shelves. I have so many other single ladies, with articulation. I have no desire to rebody her. I want her to continue to enjoy her beautiful realistic midriff she has.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean. I'm hooked on articulation. I've placed my story on hold because I need to get a few more new bodies for a couple of ladies. :)
ReplyDeleteTres chic! It was very helpful to know how you removed all the hair from the head. The re-root tool looks sort of like a seam ripper.
ReplyDeletelimbe dolls - On the end of the reroot tool is a hook with a metal flap (for lack of a better term). You put the hair around the hook, then close the flap, and push it through the doll's scalp. The tricky part is keeping the flap closed.
ReplyDeleteYou did a great job! I've rooted a few heads in my day... back in the day. I used felting needles and a tool that I purchased from PrillyCharmin.com, which worked well for larger dolls. I have not tried re-rooting a 1/6 scale doll.
ReplyDeletedbg
DBG - Thanks. I started at the back and worked my way to the front. By the time I got to the front, where there were lots of holes, I was tired. I perservered, though. Next time I might start at the front and get the hard part out of the way. Thanks for the PrillyCharmin link. That is my first time going there. They have some tools I wouldn't mind buying. There I go again with the tools.
ReplyDeleteI am so with you. I tried my first re-root based on a tutorial that said you can take a common sewing needle, whack the end of the loop off with some wire cutters (do it at an angle) stick the needle end into a pencil eraser and GO. I actually did some - but stopped after about ten holes bc I wasn't totally serious - I am still playing around with making dreadlocks -which I am getting much closer on as well. I am very jealous of those one dollar wigs!
ReplyDeleteplaybarbies - hmmm, that needle method sounds a little challening. I also have a microroot tool that I bought when I thought I was going to do some reborning, just for me. I hope to use that tool one day. I can't wait to do another reroot. There are just so many things you can do once you master the technique. I would love to get an easier tool to work with. Those wigs were quite the bargain!
ReplyDeleteHey what was the hairdresser using the tool for? I have thought about rerooting of of my dolls for a long time have not worked myself up to it. Congrats! Your doll looks good!
ReplyDeleteMs. Leo - Thanks. I can't remember what my hairdresser was doing with the tool. I am glad that I finally did it. It took me a long time to move forward too. Now I feel empowered. You should go for it!
ReplyDeleteNow I know a little about hair, But not as much as I'd like. I have some with the frizzy stuff and don't know how to tame it! Thanks for this much. You are very creative and good at this Vanessa. Luv
ReplyDeleteLoretta - Thanks. I am just an adventurous person willing to try just about anything. I have always had a "figure it out" mentality.
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