Use only mild cleansers like baby shampoo or fabric softener on doll hair. Harsher products could be too abrasive and cause breakage. Always rinse thoroughly after washing. For easier brushing, braid the hair after playtime and undo the braid later — this can keep hair smoother between washes. Maintain brushing routinely to prevent excessive tangling. Detangle hair gently, starting at the bottom and working up. Never force a brush through knots or it may pull out hair. Undo bigger tangles carefully with your fingers first.

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below. When washing a doll with moving eyes, wrap plastic around the head to keep water away from the eyes. Getting the mechanisms wet can cause rusting or other damage.