How to re-root my little pony

Here’s a simple, step by step tutorial showing you how to re-root a my little pony. You could also use the same technique for any doll that can be re-rooted (blythe, some barbie, fashion doll).  If you have any question feel free to email me or leave a comment!

What you will need:

• scissors
• needle nose pliers
• acetone (not always needed)
• doll hair!
• doll needle / embroidery needle
• time & patience

The first thing you need to do is get rid of the original hair. Cut it down as close as possible and use needle nose pliers to pull the hair out from the inside. Sometimes the glue is a little thick – acetone works well to shift it or you can soak it in hot water if you want something a little less harsh. When using acetone please please please remember to use gloves – 100% acetone can cause liver damage when absorbed through the skin (in large quantities but better safe than sick).

For information on the best way to remove a ponys head check out my previous tutorial here.

First take a strand of the doll hair and make a knot in the middle. It shouldn’t be too wide or too narrow – trial and error is the way to go on this one until you figure out how you like it best. The strand will be doubled over so make sure it’s not too small length wise either. You can always trim it but you can’t add to it once it’s on!

Lonely little hair strand

Next simply double it over to thread onto the needle. Pinch it tightly to thread on – you want to thread all the strands through the eye.

Must let fingernails grow...

Once it’s threaded onto the needle pull the knot away from the needle eye – this will make it easier to pull out once it’s in place on the pony’s head.

I can thread a needle me

Once you’ve got the needle a little way in use a steady base like a desk or a hardback book. Push down on the end of the needle – trust me it’s much much easier this way!

Save your fingers, use a desk

Push down as far as you can and then pull out from the other side. Don’t be too enthusiastic with the pulling – you want to keep the knot on the inside. Sometimes you may have to use pliers to get the needle out but it tends to just slide out most of the time.

Don't use a needle that's too large or you'll rip the holes

Yay! One strand in, about a hundred or so to go! Work your way from the front of the head down the neck. It’s also easier to see where the needle should go if you have a lamp in front of you.

If you're adding clay to the head re-root after it's baked/dry.

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