Rooted? Bald? Opinions and Tips

[Blissful_Babies]

Since I am in the beginnings of learning how to reborn, I have not even attempted rooting. I am so scared that I will mess up a baby after I spent days working hard to paint it. SO I am just wondering how your first rooting experience went and if you have any tips on beginning? What needles and hair do you use? (I prefer the look of micro rooting, I think, if that makes a difference)

And also what kits do you thing look good bald? Just so I have some more babies to paint before learning to root!

Thanks for your help!

[LindaBforbabies]

Good luck... I am no help... I don't reborn...
do you have any practice pieces you could practice on?

[erin1958]

You can buy single pieces of kits on Bountifulbaby.com.
I suggest getting 1 or 2 and practice a LOT before rooting one that’s painted.

[chelle77]

My first rooting job was appalling

If you practice you will get it...look for tutorials (well worth it) and ask questions.
You can always pull the hair out if you root a bit and then want to start over~it is less frustrating to practice on a cheap blank kit head tho
I use 46 g needles and good quality yearling / kid mohair but maybe start with a 4o g needle until you are comfortable
Look at photos and see how the hair pattern / swirl looks on a newborn

I paint hair a lot more now only because my thumb and wrist are pretty trashed after rooting for 10 years

[hookedoncrochet]

there are some good rooting DVD's about my suggestion is to buy one of these to see how its done, it will be money well spent. Rooting
takes so much time and shoulders will be aching for a good while. I use yearling from Susan Nagal, so nice to root with

[KekeLeo]

I've always wondered how much hair per head. I see it sold in 1/2 oz increments and the length is a lot longer than a newborn would normally have. Do you cut it in half before rooting or use as is and cut after?

[avigrace96]

In regards to bald babies, I think realborn kits make sweet bald babies. Also Bonnie Brown and Cassie Brace kits.

[Debbie@TNGUN]

I've always wondered how much hair per head. I see it sold in 1/2 oz increments and the length is a lot longer than a newborn would normally have. Do you cut it in half before rooting or use as is and cut after?

It is "safe" to have 1/2 ounce for a newborn sized head, but most people may get 2 heads from 1/2 ounce. It all depends on rooting style and thickness.

Yes, you can cut the hair (I always do) but ALWAYS keep track of the cut end of the lock...weather you cut it yourself or you start at the cut end fresh from the package. It is very important to root with the cut end(s) into your head. To help me keep track, I always package my hair with the cut end of the locks to the right (I have a card in each package stating what the hair is...that I keep in front of the hair so as I look at it, the cut end of the lock is to the right) and when I cut a lock, I keep the cut end of the lock to the right when I set the hair down during rooting. This way, I never have to try to figure it out. Does this make sense?

[nanaslilblossoms]

Oh, this I can be happy to answer. Read, watch and practice. Doll shows usually have a hands on rooting class you can buy into. 1/2 oz. is more than enough for a newborn head but only if you know what you are doing. LOL!
The length is long but then it all depends what length or amount of thickness you want. Doing it thin takes lots of practice to not make it look not rooted. Practice rows of rooting as that is usually the best way to make a head look complete.

We are all willing to critic and offer help where we can. That takes photos so figure out how to do that too. Close as can be is terrific for others and especially customers. It can make or break a sale.

I use Delta Dawns Premium Mohair but there are many excellent mohair sellers out there.

We are a large and not shy group here so just ask away. Most of us can root.
Above all, enjoy, have fun and laugh at yourself. We do!!!

Enjoy,
Nancy J. Breese

[KekeLeo]

Thanks Debbie and Nancy, super helpful. Great post!

[tuckerk]

I love rooted babies but some of our ladies do such a wonderful job painting the hair...........it looks so real................Hugs, Kathy

[Brendas Babies]

I love both. I root many of my babies but Nikki paints hair so well that a lot of times I very them painted. Makes for a more newborn look too.