How to Curl Barbie Hair

Co-authored by Raymond Chiu

Last Updated: December 18, 2024

It can be a fun project to curl your Barbie doll's hair if it's straight. You'll need to have some patience, as the process requires leaving the hair overnight after applying pipe cleaners or twist ties. However, once done your Barbie will have a whole new look.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Giving Barbie a Perm

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1
Gather your supplies. Before you can curl Barbie's hair, you'll need to gather certain supplies. You should be able to use basic household supplies but you may have to run to a craft store for certain products.
- In addition to your Barbie doll, you will need pipe cleaners. If you don't have pipe cleaners, you can usually find them it at a local craft store. ^{[1]
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  Research source} If you cannot find pipe cleaners, any thin, twistable device works. You could try gathering twist ties from bread bags, for example.
- You will also need a pair of scissors.
- If you're considering washing your doll's hair before or after curling it, you should have have a comb, gentle shampoo, and conditioner.
Cut the pipe cleaners or twist ties in half using the scissors. Then, fold the pipe cleaners or twist ties into a v-shape. ^{[2]
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Research source} Twist ties are generally shorter than pipe cleaners. You may not need to cut them in half, depending on their length.

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Once your supplies are prepared, you can begin working with Barbie's hair. Gather one small section of Barbie's hair. Then, take your pipe cleaner and place the bended end on the doll's scalp. Pull the hair in a straight line along the twist tie or pipe cleaner.
Take the section of twirled hair and wrap it over and under each side of the pipe cleaner or twist tie. Do this until you reach the end of the strand of hair. Then, twist the ends of the pipe cleaner or twist tie together to prevent the hair from unraveling. ^{[3]
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Take another section of Barbie's hair and repeat the process above. Keep repeating until all of Barbie's hair is curled into pipe cleaners or twist ties. ^{[4]
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Research source} How many curls you have depends on how curly you want your Barbie's hair. Thinner strands will result in frizzier, tighter curls while thicker strands will result in wavier curls.
Once all the pipe cleaners are in, boil a pot of water. Dunk Barbie's head in the water and hold for a count of ten. ^{[5]
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After counting to ten, remove Barbie's head from the water. Gently blot the doll's hair dry with a clean paper towel.
For best results, leave the doll's hair alone overnight. This will give the hair time to fully dry, allowing the curls to set in completely. ^{[6]
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In the morning, unravel all of the twists in Barbie's hair. Work slowly as to not tangle the hair in the process. Separate the curls and gently fluff Barbie's hair, using your fingers or a small brush. If you notice any loose ends, gently snip them off with scissors. ^{[7]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Giving Barbie an Afro

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1
Gather your supplies. If you would rather give Barbie an afro, you follow a similar process. Before beginning, gather the supplies you'll need.
- You will need end papers, which are sold at beauty supplies shops.
- In addition to end papers, you'll need pipe cleaners or twist ties, scissors, and boiling water. ^{[8]
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Get your supplies read before beginning the process. As with the above method, you'll need to cut the pipe cleaners or twist ties in half and fold them into a v-shape. ^{[9]
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Research source} Once again, as twist ties are shorter it may not be necessary to cut them in half before use.
Before you begin, section off a piece of Barbie's hair. Use smaller sections of hair for tighter curls. The smaller your sections, the more Barbie's hair will resemble an afro.
Once you've sectioned off a small section of hair, twist that hair into a tight spiral. Then, use your end papers to wrap up the spiral.
Place the bended end of your pipe cleaner or twist tie on Barbie's scalp. Tightly zig-zag the doll's hair around the pipe cleaner or twist tie until you reach the end of the strand. ^{[10]
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Once you've zig-zagged the doll's hair to the end of the twist tie or spiral, you'll need to make sure it stays secure. This is important as you'll be leaving it in overnight. Twist the ends of the pipe cleaner or twist tie around the lock to secure. ^{[11]
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Repeat the above process until all of Barbie's hair is in twist ties or pipe cleaners. This can take a long time. To make an afro, the strands of hair you use will be smaller. The smaller the strands, the frizzier and bigger the afro. ^{[12]
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Once all the pipe cleaners or twist ties are in, dip Barbie's head in boiling water. Hold for 10 seconds.
Try your best to get Barbie's hair as dry as possible. You should blot dry the exterior of the doll's hair with a towel. Try to get it dry enough that it's no longer dripping wet. ^{[13]
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You'll need to let the doll's hair dry overnight for best results. Set the doll aside and leave the twist ties or pipe cleaners in until the following morning.
11
Remove the twist ties or pipe cleaners. After letting Barbie's hair dry overnight, remove the pipe cleaners. Using your fingers, separate the curls. Comb the curls out, back combing as needed, to create fluffy, afro-style hair for Barbie. ^{[14]
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- If you notice any loose ends on Barbie's hair, simply snip these away with a pair of scissors. ^{[15]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Maintaining Barbie Hair

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You should wash your Barbie's hair regularly to maintain it, especially if you frequently curl or otherwise tamper with the doll's hair. Before washing, gently brush Barbie's hair. Try to remove any snags or tangles prior to washing. ^{[16]
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Once Barbie's hair is brushed out, get it wet. Run lukewarm water over Barbie's hair until it's wet throughout. Then, you can start applying shampoo and conditioner.
You should use a gentle brand of shampoo and conditioner on Barbie's hair. Consider baby shampoo. When you add shampoo, work it in gently to remove any dirt or grime.
When you're done applying product, rinse out all shampoo and conditioner under running water. Make sure all products are removed completely. Leaving product in can cause damage to the doll's hair. Keep rinsing until you no longer notice suds or residue leaving Barbie's hair. ^{[17]
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Take a clean paper or bathroom towel. Gently pat the hair dry, removing as much excess water as you can.
Put leave-in conditioner in a small spray bottle. Gently spritz Barbie's hair with the conditioner. This will prevent the hair from drying out. ^{[18]
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Warnings

Ask a parent for help if you're unsure how to boil water. You don't want to cause damage to yourself or your Barbie doll.

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How to Curl Barbie Hair

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Giving Barbie a Perm

Giving Barbie an Afro

Maintaining Barbie Hair

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