Materials: Pliers, donor hair, needle, needle threader, Tacky Glue, cotton swab, thimble

After customizing a pony, you may get brave enough to try rerooting a pony’s hair. The process is not very difficult, but it is time-consuming. I’ve read many different methods of rerooting, and I honestly think many customizers go through too much trouble. This is a simple method I’ve devised that can save a lot of time (hey, if it weren’t easy, I wouldn’t do it!).

Finding Donor Hair

Finding donor hair is very easy. The most common source is a pony with an abused body and good hair. This guarantees a perfect hair match. Another good source is a Fairy Tail bird, also made by Hasbro. Fairy Tail hair is identical to MLP hair, right down to the colors used.

If neither of these are an option, the next best thing is hair from a knock-off pony or other cheap toy. Some knock-offs, like recent Lanard ponies, have very nice hair. Regular doll hair, from craft stores or right off a doll’s head, is also an option, and some brands can be dyed. This should be done with caution, however, since dye can come off the hair an onto the pony’s body.

Prep the hair by gathering double-length strands, called plugs, and tying a knot in the middle of each one. I recommend tying knots in the middle to keep them from untying. Plugs with knots tied on one end often come loose and the plug falls out.

Rerooting the Mane

Rerooting hair requires sturdy materials. The biggest challenge is to find a good needle. It must be fairly thick, and the eye must be long and open, but without making the needle too wide. It also helps if the needle is long. I use a canvas needle, but many tapestry needles are good, and some companies (like Singer) make needles especially for doll making. You will also need a hook-style needle threader. The wire threaders break easily.

After you’ve prepared a pile of hair, thread the first plug into the needle using the needle threader. The goal is to get all the loose ends through, leaving the ends on one side, and the knot on the other.

Once threaded, stick the needle through the first hole in the pony’s mane. It’s best to work from the forelock to the neck. Push the needle through with the thimble. If it’s difficult to pull out, grab it with the pliers and pull it out with a slight twist. If the needle comes out but the ends of the hair are still inside (making a loop), pull out the hair gently. Move on to the next plug, threading until you have a complete mane. Don’t worry about stretching out the holes in the mane. These shrink back in a day or two.

This method creates a very sturdy mane, which can be combed and washed like any other mane. If, however, you don’t feel confident in your handiwork, coat the knots inside the pony’s head with glue. I apply a thick layer of Tacky Glue with a cotton swab, working it into the knots well and letting it dry before replacing the head on the body. If you’re going to heat-set the hair, do this before you apply glue.

New Tails

New tails, thankfully, are a much easier affair. I use a regular MLP tail whenever possible. The tail clip pushes through the tail hole with a little effort, and can then be pulled through the neck hole. Once out the neck hole, you can slide the washer over the clip and pull the tail back out, securing the tail.

If you must make your own tail, try finding a clasp from a cropped tail, opening it up with needle nose pliers, and clamping it around new donor hair. If you can’t find a clasp, trying tying a knot in the middle of the tail or wrapping the middle with yarn. Coat the knot or yarn with glue and let it dry, then pull it through the tail hole from the inside out with a paper clip opened up to look like a hook.

Setting the Hair

New hair tends to be a little wild, and it’s necessary to set it. This can be done using boiling water. Set the hair in the desired fashion, using metal curlers and clips only, prepare some boiling water, and submerse the hair for ten to fifteen seconds. Let it dry thoroughly before removing clips.

Customizing 101 Intro :: Anatomy of a Pony :: Dismantling the Pony

Changing Body Color :: Painting your Pony :: New Hair :: Special Effects

Finishing Up :: Problem Solving :: Custom Pony Links

Dava’s Customs :: Back to Main Page