Barbie Basics: Collection 003 – Simply Sunsational (Model 14 Fuchsia Swimsuit) /2011 W3333 (Rebodied Articulated)

Description

*NOTE ABOUT HAIR. Some Mattel dolls from 2010-2014 may, over time, develop a case of glue-head, while other dolls never have this problem. It may depend on play activity, storage conditions, or type of glue used to secure hair plugs in the specific factory where the doll was made.

This doll’s hair close to the scalp has a slight gummy feel, but the hair is not clumpy or stringy, and overall appearance of the hair is not diminished in any way. The ponytail portion is not affected, and as long as the doll’s hair style is not disturbed near the scalp, there should be no problems displaying or using her as a clothing-photo-diorama model. However, if the new owner of this doll wishes to attempt de-gluing, listed below are two successful methods we have used to restore doll hair.

FIXING GLUE-HEAD. We have successfully mitigated or removed glue-head from several dolls using a variety of treatments. The first method listed is easier than the second, more intense method. Apply these methods at your own discretion/risk.

1. Baking Soda or Powder Method. Try this method if the glue-head case afflicting the doll is not really serious where the hair is not terribly stringing and sticky and impossible to brush, only on dolls that don’t have intricate hairstyles (otherwise the style may need to be taken out and redone after treatment). Note that this method is best used on light-haired dolls, as it may dull the natural shine of the hair, but will also work on dark-haired dolls, with dulling possibly more noticeable.
• Sprinkle baking soda or talc/baby/shower powder onto the hair and massage it into the hair thoroughly. Concentrate on areas close to the scalp where glue seeps out of hair-plug holes.
• Once coated, brush hair thoroughly to distribute powder particles to individual hair fibers. It may take a lot of brushing or repeated treatments to restore natural softness and movement to the hair fibers.
• Optional – Rinsing hair in warm water or even shampooing and conditioning doll’s hair after treatment may restore some of the original hair luster, but this also may encourage more glue leakage, so rinse/wash after treatment at your own discretion.
• Take care NOT to inhale powdery particles. Wearing a face mask is recommended – as well as gloves if you have sensitivity to any of these products.
2. Soaking Method (Oxiclean). For really serious glue-head, or for dolls with dark hair that you want to restore to original luster, the hot-water soak solution is recommended. However, whatever hair style the doll has may need to be dismantled and restyled after successful treatment. Also, this method works best with the doll’s head removed, so that coagulated/dried glue clumps can be removed from the neck hole. In the process of employing this method, some hair shedding or loss may occur, so be judiciously careful with combing/brushing. This is a serious in-depth treatment method that is time and labor intensive and should not be attempted unless you are accustomed to modifying dolls and switching heads, etc., as possible irreparable damage to the neck peg could occur. Not recommended for very old dolls with brittle necks, unless you know what you are doing, or are planning to rebody the doll head on a different body.
   • Select a treatment container – a cup or small bowl that’s impervious to heat, that is won’t tarnish when chemicals are added, and is able to accommodate easily the head and hair of the number of dolls to be treated.
   • Add recommended de-gluing ingredient – Oxiclean. Oxiclean powder (or any generic non-brand-name substitute) is highly recommended as a necessary ingredient. One tablespoon is the minimum recommended amount – add more if you are treating several dolls at the same time.
   • Optional – Add preferred additional de-gluing agents. Other chemical solutions may also be added – Dawn dish liquid, Goof-Off, Glue-Gone, and even Acetone (very small quantity, as it could dissolve hair or remove face paint). We have used equal amounts of Oxiclean and tri-sodium phosphate with very good results, but TSP tends to dry the hair, so conditioning is a must after treatment soak.
   • Pour boiled water into treatment container and stir de-gluing ingredients to dissolve.
   • Immediately immerse doll heads into hot-water solution and stir with a spoon to swish hair and heads around in solution. Take care not to burn your hands or fingers. (If head is still attached to body, prop body in bowl so mostly head and hair are immersed – avoid getting water/solution inside body and joints.) Let soak for at least an hour, preferably longer. Gently comb wet hair with a large-tooth comb or similar wide-tooth grooming item to detangle hair and distribute soaking material through hair fibers.
   • Rinse heads and hair in warm water.
   • Fill clean container with boiled water and dissolve a generous squirt of any brand hair conditioner. (Some people use liquid fabric softener, but we had a bad experience with that and don’t use it). Comb hair gently and keep dunking in conditioner water until hair combs easily and appears smooth.
   • Rinse hair with warm tap water if desired, then style and let air-dry.
   • If hair still feels clumpy or sticky, repeat process as needed.