While the head and hands will be vinyl - you have a choice of two different types of body - one is referred to as Cortex and the other as Vinyl. Both body types are pre-built. The wig is one of the most complex components we produce. Unlike apparel or the Smart Doll body—both of which are crafted using molds or cutters—our wigs are shaped entirely by hand, guided by style rather than a fixed form. This results in subtle variations from one wig to the next, making each one unique and highly dependent on the skill of the stylist.
As part of our ongoing commitment to transparency, we want to be upfront about the fact that wigs are also the component we receive the most feedback on—often related to perceived quality. We understand and empathize with how certain characteristics might be interpreted as flaws, even when they fall within our intended design and production standards. That’s why we do our best to highlight key points in advance, so you can make a well-informed decision before buying.
Common Characteristics of Smart Doll Wigs
- Image 1 – Once attached, Smart Doll wigs may appear thin or have a slightly “balding” look. This is usually resolved by gently fluffing the hair with your fingers, helping it fall more naturally and cover sparse-looking areas. However, depending on how the hair is styled or the angle at which the doll is held in relation to gravity, some thinner spots may remain visible.
- Image 2 – Although styles like “Parting Straight” are shown with a smooth, straight finish in photos, all wigs are curled up in a bag for protection during transit. As a result, they may retain some curl when unpacked, which may not fully relax.
- Image 3 – Most of our wigs have visible wig cap edges by design, which may be noticeable even when attached. Wefting threads are left uncut to reduce fraying, but if pulled or tugged, fraying may still occur and loose strands may be seen. If this happens, you can reattach the weft using a needle and thread.
- Image 4 – Each wig contains tens of thousands of individual fibers—estimated to be around 30,000—stitched onto wefts to form its structure. It’s normal for some strands to shed in small bunches when first opened, and occasional shedding may continue with regular use.
- Image 5 – The bottom edges of our wigs are not intentionally cut to be perfectly symmetrical or horizontal. Due to the natural variation in fiber lengths, hand-styling, and layering, the bottom may appear uneven—and in some styles, one side or the back may look longer than the others. This is especially noticeable in shorter styles, such as bob cuts, and is a natural outcome of the handmade process.
Any further unevenness can also result from a combination of other natural variables. These include the stylist’s technique, the angle at which the wig is attached, and even how the doll is being held or posed. Synthetic fibers often retain a temporary shape memory from packaging, which gradually relaxes over time once the wig is removed from the bag.
Environmental factors can also play a role. High humidity or moisture can alter fiber tension, cause frizzing, and affect how the wig falls—especially for heat-set fibers. A slight shift in how the hair wefts are sewn or tensioned on the wig cap may also influence the fiber alignment. Additionally, longer or heavier wigs may shift subtly under their own weight, particularly if the fit is loose or the doll is positioned dynamically.
These variations are a natural part of working with hand-crafted wigs made from synthetic fibers. - Image 6 – The styling oil used during production may sometimes permeate the wig cap, resulting in a residue on the vinyl head. This residue can feel slightly sticky and may appear dark, though it is typically oil rather than a stain. In most cases, it can be removed with a small amount of paint thinner applied carefully with a cotton bud.
- Image 7 – Like any tight-fitting accessory, wigs can leave indentations on the vinyl. In some cases, these marks are permanent. As the head was designed to be covered with a wig, we believe this outcome is by design—but we also understand and respect that it may be bothersome for some users.
- Image 8 – Wig caps are constructed by overlapping fabric to form a dome shape, which can create some raised or uneven areas. This is more noticeable on smaller heads. Wig fit may also vary slightly between styles; some may feel tighter or looser depending on the doll’s head sculpt. In some cases, a looser fit may result in subtle gaps or areas where the cap doesn’t sit flush.
- Image 9 – Our wigs are designed to fit tightly so they stay securely in place—after all, no one wants a wig flying off into someone’s ice cream. However, this tightness can make initial attachment a bit tricky.
- If you have arthritis, a similar condition, or are helping a child, you can request pre-attached wigs when ordering by leaving a note. We use double-sided tape for this purpose, though it may leave a sticky residue if removed later. If a wig feels too loose out of the box or becomes looser over time, tape can also be used to improve the fit.
- Image 10 – We generally use light-colored wig caps to reduce the risk of staining the vinyl head. However, for braided black wigs, a black cap is used to prevent lighter-colored caps from showing through larger weft gaps.
- Over time, there is a possibility that darker wig caps—such as those used in braided wigs—may transfer color onto the vinyl. While any staining is typically hidden as long as the wig remains attached, we understand that some customers may prefer to avoid dolls that come with this type of wig.
- Image 11 – Wig caps are intentionally not filled to the brim with fibers in order to maintain a silhouette that complements the proportions of the body. This prevents the wig from appearing overly bulky. As a result, the cap may be visible from certain angles.
- Image 12 – To prevent fraying, each braided fiber is individually heat-sealed—typically using a heat gun. This slightly melts the ends, resulting in a sealed tip that may appear irregular or rounded. Some stray fibers may remain visible after sealing. These can be easily trimmed for a cleaner look, though they don’t affect the integrity of the braid.
- It’s also worth noting that wigs may differ not only from our product photos, but also from images shared by other customers. Factors such as how the wig is positioned, how it’s been fluffed or styled, the camera angle, and lighting conditions can all influence how the wig appears in photos.
Wig Story
About twenty years ago—back when I still had hair—I used to visit the same stylist for nearly a decade. A few years after launching Smart Doll, we reached a point where we could offer a position to our very first wig stylist: Kouda-sensei. With years of experience in the human hair industry, she’s been leading the styling direction of our wigs ever since.
About twenty years ago—back when I still had hair—I used to visit the same stylist for nearly a decade. A few years after launching Smart Doll, we reached a point where we could offer a position to our very first wig stylist: Kouda-sensei. With years of experience in the human hair industry, she’s been leading the styling direction of our wigs ever since.
Thanks to her deep knowledge and technical skill, we’ve been able to craft wigs that complement the aesthetic of Smart Doll in both shape and personality.
But hiring Kouda-sensei came with a small personal cost—she no longer had time to cut what little hair I had left! So I started seeing another stylist. Later, as demand for Smart Doll increased, we brought Kudo-sensei on board. He now splits his time between working with us and styling human hair.
So for now, I still have someone to cut my hair… at least until I go full Picard.