First custom barbie is in the works, advice?

[xSexyWafflesx]

I'd LOVE some tips and advice for someone doing their first barbie custom.  It's gonna be a surprise for the little girl next door.  I hope she has extra barbie clothes, cuz I have none! 

[DoomBunnies]

Repaint the scalp to match the hair color, so she doesn't look bald under her hair, and use a reroot tool- needle and thread is painful with dolls.

[Flutterswirl]

How extensive is the custom? Minor repaint, restyle, reroot, ?

[MsGatamon]

Prepare to spend time on the hair.  I would recomend using the knoting method or my own special technique because you are giving this to a little girl.  The easier reroot method may not be secure enough.  She will be played with and who doesnt like to brush Barbie's hair.  Painting the scalp is a must, and learning to thatch the hair.  But I too would like to know the extent of your customizing.

[Kalavista]

Actually my best advice is to post in the Dollhouse, LOL... that's where the doll experts live, and they are very good at what they do!

[xSexyWafflesx]

I didn't realize we had a dollhouse!   

I'm doing the whole shebang!  Lol.  Since when do I start small?  My first custom pony was a fbr!  Lol.  I like to go all out.    I'm doing her hair in a blonde, that's more dimensional than her old hair, so I think the scalp will be ok.

[DoomBunnies]

Which if you good with, cool. Just try and make it color match, because otherwise it does look odd after the hair is in. I learned that with my first MH doll, when I didn't paint the scalp.

[xSexyWafflesx]

I think I might try to mix up a paint, but with a blend, I think it might be hard.

[SourdoughStomper]

I'll move it for you.

[xSexyWafflesx]

Thanks hun!    <3