Rooted mohair needs light handling, careful brushing and products intended for the fibre. Brush only when needed, work from the ends and never pull through a tangle.
Follow any care instructions supplied by your doll’s artist. This guide covers rooted mohair, rather than painted hair, synthetic hair or wigs.
What rooted mohair is
Mohair is a natural fibre from Angora goats. On a reborn, fine fibres are inserted into the scalp to create a hairline, crown and direction of growth. The density and length vary between dolls. Rooted does not mean the hair can withstand the brushing, washing or pulling that a person’s hair might.
Look at the crown before you start: following the way the artist rooted the fibres helps you avoid brushing against them. If the doll has painted detail beneath the fibres, it has combination hair and that painted surface needs protection too. Ask the artist before using a product near it.
What you’ll need
- A soft baby toothbrush or soft baby hairbrush.
- A product intended for rooted mohair, used according to its directions if needed.
Avoid human conditioner, baby detangler and improvised mixtures. A product intended for a baby’s hair is not automatically suitable for a reborn doll.
Keep the brush clean and use it only for the doll, so it does not carry human styling products. Check for rough or damaged bristles. Work over a soft clean surface with good light, and keep bottles closed until needed so a spill cannot wet the body.
How to brush rooted mohair
- Support the doll’s head. Keep it steady while you work so you can brush without pulling against the rooting.
- Follow the directions for any product you use. Apply only as directed and avoid soaking the hair.
- Start at the ends. Work through small sections with a soft brush, moving towards the roots as the ends become clear.
- Follow the direction of the rooting. Use light strokes rather than brushing against the way the hair lies.
- Stop if a tangle resists. Don’t tug, force the brush through or keep working at hair that is shedding.
- Let the hair dry naturally if damp. Follow the product’s instructions and avoid hairdryers or other heat.
Using a mohair conditioning mist
Moon & Milk’s mohair conditioning mists come in Baby powder and Baby shampoo. Both are scented conditioning products for suitable mohair, not fabric scent sprays. Follow your doll’s artist’s care advice and the directions on your bottle.
Shake gently. Mist the mohair or a soft baby brush lightly, then comb gently in downward strokes. Use sparingly, avoid vinyl and painted areas, and do not over-wet the hair.
Test a hidden section first and let it dry before continuing. Do not wash the hair or use heat.
There is no need to brush every day simply because you have a hair mist. Base your routine on the condition of the hair and your artist’s instructions.
Conditioning dry or tangled mohair
Use a conditioner intended for reborn mohair according to its own directions. Don’t assume that different hair products have the same application method.
If you have an older bottle, follow its own label rather than assuming that the current mist’s directions apply. Test a hidden section first, avoid soaking the hair and keep the product away from vinyl and painted areas.
Keep products away from the eyes, children and pets. Stop using a product if you notice a reaction on the doll’s surface.
If the hair remains tangled, keeps shedding or shows signs of damage, stop brushing and ask the doll’s artist for advice. If they are unavailable, look for a reborn artist with relevant repair experience.
Reducing friction and tangles
Pay attention to how the hair sits against clothing, blankets and display surfaces. Repeated rubbing can disturb it, especially during outfit changes or storage.
Handle the hair as little as necessary. If it already sits neatly, leave it alone rather than repeatedly brushing it into place.
Common questions
Can I wash a reborn doll’s hair?
Do not wash rooted mohair in a sink or soak the doll’s head. Follow the artist’s instructions and the directions for any mohair product you use.
Can I use an ordinary hairbrush?
Choose a soft baby brush or toothbrush. An ordinary hairbrush can catch and pull the fine hair.
How often should I brush it?
Only when it needs tidying or detangling. Daily brushing is not a requirement.
What should I do if the hair becomes frizzy?
Avoid repeated brushing or adding more product without checking its directions. If suitable conditioning and light brushing do not help, ask the artist before trying another treatment.
What if the hair is coming out?
Stop brushing if shedding continues. Ask the artist to assess it rather than trying to fix the rooting with more product.
Products for rooted mohair
