My name is Kathy Gray and I have always been interested in doll restoration. In 1999 before I started offering KatSilk doll hair the only thing available was very low quality hair or someone would use a donor doll to take its hair. I am glad we are a long way past that situation. My background is fine arts and I love restoration. 
I can't tell you the joy that a doll that I can now proudly display was once a dirty stored in the attic victim.

Here are some frequent asked questions I will answer for you.

IMPORTANT BEFORE YOU START:

What is the first thing I do with the Katsilk® hair packages?

The first thing I do is inspect the package before I open it. I look to see if any stray hairs are stuck in the seal. If it is I cut through the seal to open the package. I then get a small box, like a shoe box and place the hair in it. I cut the skein at one place and remove the bands. I place the hair in the box and pull a small amount out from the edge. From there I will let my reroot instructions take over. I take about 6-8 strands, cut the ends even with a good pair of small scissors; I moisten the ends and thread them. Use a very good light to sit by and I also wear stronger glasses that I buy at the drug store. I hope this helps you get started.

How do I get the bangs to lie down?

Here is how I do it. I do not cut the bangs until I have done this process. I set the bangs before I curl the hair. Before I get ready for the hot water set or perm, I do the bangs. Boil the water on the stove and have a small bowl large enough to stick the dolls head in it. When doing just the bangs, you only have to get that part wet. After dividing the hair. I comb it into straight pieces that I can keep in place with netting and a tie. I use coated wire ties that won't dye onto the doll or hair. I do not use rubber bands because they crease the hair and are hard to get off. Make sure the netting is a light or better yet white color. Test the netting in hot water to make sure the color does not run. I highly suggest white. Pull the bangs down over the face. Secure the netting over the bangs and part and secure it with the wire tie.

You can secure the wire tie around the neck or shoulders. Put the boiling water into the bowl and make it deep enough for the bangs and part to be submerged.  Stick the head into the water and leave for several minutes.

Take the head out and blot it dry with a clean towel.  You can now take off the netting and the bangs should be set.

 How do I do a boil perm?

Wet the hair to make it easier to work with. I use perm rod papers to wrap the ends.
Use small perm rods or the smallest curlers you can find. The smaller the curler, the tighter the curl will be. I use different plastic straws for small dolls, and stainless steel sewing pins to keep them in place. 
Boil some water and when it comes to a boil, remove the water from the heat (I pour it into a bowl) and immerse the doll's head for about 10 seconds. Be very careful not to burn yourself!
Carefully blot the excess water out of the hair with a towel. Leave the hair to dry overnight then remove the rollers very carefully. If you do not want it too curly you can remove the roller right away.
The doll hair will be as soft and silky as it was before the perm. Now you can style it as you wish and it will stay in this style.

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