How to Care for an American Girl Doll

Styling American Girl Doll Hair

• 1

  Place the doll in a doll stand to keep her upright and still. It is important to keep the doll still while you brush her hair to avoid pulling hair out of her head.

• 2

  Divide the doll's hair into four sections. Take a spray bottle filled with water and lightly spray each section of hair. If the doll's hair is a little dry or frizzy, add a small amount of light leave-in conditioner.

• 3

  Use a wire wig brush on straight hair. Brush or comb in sections. Pick up the brush and begin brushing at the ends of the hair. Work the brush up to the roots. Once the tangles are out, run the brush down the hair from roots to ends. Repeat on each section.

• 4

  Use a pick on curly hair. Comb the hair from the roots to the ends. Repeat on each section. Once all tangles are eliminated, divide the hair into smaller sections. Take a small section of hair and spray on a little more water. Run your finger down the hair from roots to ends to smooth it and curl it around your finger. Repeat on each small section until all hair is curled.

• 5

  Style your doll's hair as desired.

Washing American Girl Doll Hair

• 6

  Wash the doll's hair at a sink. Undress the doll. Put a hand towel over her cloth body and place a washcloth over her face to keep her dry. Make certain not to let water get in the doll's eyes because they can rust. The hand towel and washcloth should remain in place throughout the washing process.

• 7

  Turn the faucet on and let the water run to a lukewarm temperature. Carefully place the doll's hair under the running water to wet her hair. (The doll should be face-up to prevent water running into her eyes.) Set her down on the towel.

• 8

  Apply a small amount of mild shampoo to your hands and rub hands together to form a lather. Gently smooth the shampoo into the doll's hair from roots to ends. Rinse the doll's hair thoroughly.

• 9

  Lay the doll face-up on a towel; wrap the towel edges around the doll's hair to absorb the excess water. Do not wring or rub the hair.

• 10

  Stand the doll up and let the hair hang loose. Leave it to air dry overnight. A doll stand may be helpful to keep the doll upright.

Washing the Doll

• 11

  Undress the doll and lightly dust it off with a dry washcloth.

• 12

  Make a cleaning solution with a mild soap and water in a small pail. Take a clean washcloth and wet the cloth. Wring the cloth until it is not dripping. Carefully wipe the doll's face, arms and legs with the damp cloth until clean. Some stains such as ink may take longer to remove. Rub gently.

• 13

  Dip the cloth into the soap mixture again and squeeze out the extra water. Spot-clean any dirt marks off the doll's cloth body.

• 14

  Pour clear water into a second pail. Wet a clean cloth and wring out the excess water. Wipe away any soap residue.

• 15

  Place the doll on a towel and dry her. Stand the doll up to air dry for a few hours before dressing her to ensure there is no trace of moisture.