Painted hair gives a reborn a fixed hairstyle with no fibres to brush. Rooted hair adds real fibres and texture, with more care needed to prevent tangling and pulling. The choice is about the look you like and the maintenance you want to do.
What the descriptions mean
- Painted hair is created with paint on the scalp. The visible strokes can suggest fine newborn hair and a crown without adding fibres.
- Rooted mohair uses fine fibres inserted into the scalp. Other rooted hair materials also exist, so check the listing rather than assuming all rooted hair is mohair.
- Combination hair uses both a painted base and rooted fibres. Both parts need appropriate care.
Living with painted hair
Painted hair does not need styling, detangling or conditioner. Dust it only when needed with a soft, dry brush or lint-free cloth. Do not use water, wipes, oils, cleaning products or hair products on it.
The hairstyle is fixed, but the painted finish can still scuff or become shiny through rubbing. Take care with hats, rough blankets and clothing pulled over the head. Painted hair is lower maintenance, not damage-proof.
Living with rooted mohair
Rooted mohair offers texture that you can feel and arrange lightly. It also needs careful handling. Friction from hats, bedding and outfit changes can flatten or tangle it, and pulling can remove fibres.
Use a soft baby brush or toothbrush and brush only when needed. Support the head, work from the ends of tangles and follow the direction of rooting. Never force a tangle, wash the hair or use heat tools.
Use a product only if it is suitable for rooted mohair and follow its directions. The rooted mohair care guide explains the brushing, mist and leave-in conditioner methods. Do not substitute human conditioner or baby detangler.
Choosing between them
Choose painted hair if you prefer a finished hairstyle that needs little attention beyond careful handling and dusting. Choose rooted hair if the fibre texture matters to you and you are comfortable with its care requirements.
Before buying, look at close photographs of the crown, hairline and back of the head. For a pre-owned rooted doll, ask about shedding, tangles and any thinning areas. For painted hair, ask about shine, rubbing or repairs. Neither description by itself tells you the quality or condition of the work.
Caring for combination hair
A doll with combination hair has a painted surface beneath or alongside the fibres. Follow the artist’s instructions before applying any hair product, and do not assume a method for fully rooted hair suits the painted areas.
When to stop grooming
Stop if hair continues to shed, a tangle resists light brushing or the painted surface looks damaged. Ask the artist for advice before adding more product or trying a stronger treatment. Photographs and the names of anything already used will help explain the problem.
For every hair type, keep the doll away from direct heat and sunlight and avoid prolonged rubbing during display and storage.
Products for rooted mohair
