How to Root/Reroot hair

[TheDollCollector]

Hello everyone,

I am planning on taking a doll that has plastic hair and modifying it to root nylon hair, and was wondering if anyone has done this process before.

I normally collect Hot Toys 1/6 scale action figures. I'd like to learn to root those Headsculpts as well and wonder if the process is similar.

the doll I want to root is one of the 1984 Michael Jackson dolls. he had molded /plastic hair that doesn't look too good and I thought about maybe dremmeling off the top layer and root some nylon hair. (the face looks a lot like him)

I am doing this for practice but I would also like to be successful at this. I'm not sure if my idea will work.

what do you think?

 

[hanky panky]

cool project and drilling tiny holes and inserting strands can totally work, but be careful when dremeling off the plastic hair so that you don't damage the scalp underneath, while the process for Hot Toys headsculpts should be pretty similar, the materials can be more delicate, so gentle drilling is key

 

[Chuckyyy]

I've done something similar on a vintage doll with molded hair...dremeled off the textured layer, drilled tiny holes, then rooted nylon strands. It worked, but patience is key. Hot Toys heads are harder resin, so extra care's needed not to crack them.

 

[m.anne.queen]

Hello everyone,

I am planning on taking a doll that has plastic hair and modifying it to root nylon hair, and was wondering if anyone has done this process before.

I normally collect Hot Toys 1/6 scale action figures. I'd like to learn to root those Headsculpts as well and wonder if the process is similar.

the doll I want to root is one of the 1984 Michael Jackson dolls. he had molded /plastic hair that doesn't look too good and I thought about maybe dremmeling off the top layer and root some nylon hair. (the face looks a lot like him)

I am doing this for practice but I would also like to be successful at this. I'm not sure if my idea will work.

what do you think?

That's a great project idea and definitely doable to go from molded plastic to rooted hair!!
Your plan to use a Dremel is a great start, but just be sure to use a low speed so you don't damage the face.
Since the plastic on those older dolls can be brittle, take your time to get the surface as smooth as possible before you start rooting.
The process of rooting is generally the same across most dolls, but the vinyl or plastic of a Hot Toys head is very different from that of a vintage playline doll, like what the others here are saying.
The rooting tool might poke through more easily, so be extra gentle to avoid warping the sculpt.
The holes might need to be smaller to hold the hair securely.
I'd recommend practicing on a cheaper doll first!!

 

[suniclay]

Agree with Chuckyyy and hanky panky

Why not start by drilling some small starter holes in that hair pattern? It can help you get better control, way more than just grinding away at it. Think of those holes as your little guides, they'll point you in the right direction and make the whole process a lot easier.