How-To Restore a Garage/Yard Sale Doll
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If you are an avid doll collector, or even a casual one, you will find it difficult to pass up a doll just because it might not be in top condition. And nevermind about passing up a doll that one of your daughters wants, despite its 'played with' condition. If you are a collector or just someone who 
loves a deal than it is worth it to you to consider doll restoration. You can spend a great deal of money professionally for this (and you should if it is a genuinely antique doll), but why waste the cash on something you can fix up with just some fabric softener and nail polish remover?
Restoring Barbies
Barbie dolls might be the most popular fashion doll, but this category includes Bratz dolls and My Scene dolls that are similar in size and construction. Here are some tips in beautifying your garage sale Barbie.
Taming Unruly Hair
The hair is probably the most tragic part of a played with Barbie because of its handling appeal for little girls. If you found a great fashion doll with matted hair, don't despair-it can be manageable again! Using a small bowl or tub, mix hot tap water with some mild soap or fabric softener (you only need a few drops). Place Barbie's hairs into the water, making sure that her body isn't also submerged, and let her soak for a few hours to overnight (depending on the severity). Remove her from the water and brush through with a small comb (a child's size comb works best because the bristles are close together to get at tangles). Don't worry if some of the hair comes out while you do this; it is normal to lose some of the synthetic hair when getting out the tangles. Her hair should be now be softened and easier to manage. If it is still in terrible condition or it is cut, than your other option is to re-root the hair.
Restoring Barbies
Barbie dolls might be the most popular fashion doll, but this category includes Bratz dolls and My Scene dolls that are similar in size and construction. Here are some tips in beautifying your garage sale Barbie.
Taming Unruly Hair
The hair is probably the most tragic part of a played with Barbie because of its handling appeal for little girls. If you found a great fashion doll with matted hair, don't despair-it can be manageable again! Using a small bowl or tub, mix hot tap water with some mild soap or fabric softener (you only need a few drops). Place Barbie's hairs into the water, making sure that her body isn't also submerged, and let her soak for a few hours to overnight (depending on the severity). Remove her from the water and brush through with a small comb (a child's size comb works best because the bristles are close together to get at tangles). Don't worry if some of the hair comes out while you do this; it is normal to lose some of the synthetic hair when getting out the tangles. Her hair should be now be softened and easier to manage. If it is still in terrible condition or it is cut, than your other option is to re-root the hair.