If your child is showing a special interest in keeping Barbie's hair perfect but is getting too big for dolls, a styling head doll could be the next great toy for their toybox.
Styling doll toys are all the rage at the moment, a great way for children to practice styling and hair dos without the drama of you coming home to a fringe-less or eyebrow-less child.
There are so many styling heads available, ranging from Disney princesses to lifelike heads that will have your child ready to open a salon in no time.
There are a few important things to consider when choosing your child's styling doll. Firstly, the size of the doll is important as it will determine how much your child can achieve with his or her doll.
Doll heads that are too small will make intricate hairstyles and makeup difficult but can be a great portable option to keep your child entertained on the go.
Secondly, you should consider what look you want your toy to have.
While there are a lot of styling dolls on offer, many of these dolls have a classic Barbie look and this might not be something your child can relate to. For this reason, we've included a range of different looks for our styling dolls to make sure there's a good fit for every child.
Our final tip is to look for styling heads that come with a large number of accessories (or to buy your own additional accessories) in order to make sure your child has plenty of styling options and can let their creativity and passion for styling run wild.
We know your kids will have loads of fun with a new styling doll however if you're looking for other hands-on activities to keep them busy, read our list of the best slime kits or mud kitchens for kids.
Kidadl's Top Pick
While all the styling heads on our list are highly recommended, if you're short on time, here's our top pick based on price, size and accessories.
1. Theo Klein 5240 Princess Coralie Make-Up and Hairdressing Head
It is hard to look past this best-seller from Theo Klein. At 23.5cm high, it is packed with features to let your little one make all her styling fantasies a reality.
The doll has washable hair and includes a range of hairstyling accessories and a dermatologically tested make-up kit. This one will keep your stylist entertained for hours at a very affordable price.
This affordable option from Chad Valley comes with a huge number of accessories (100) that will keep your child busy for hours without breaking the bank. This beauty is 25cm tall, a good size for little hands doing braids, and includes a pink hairdryer that makes lifelike sounds and will have your little hairdresser feeling like the real deal.
The all-time favourite, Barbie, have done a great job creating a range of super fun styling dolls. This Rainbow Sparkle Deluxe Barbie styling head is one of the best on the market.
This doll has rainbow highlights, lips and nails that change colour and customisable hair clips. She is perfect for creative children wanting a little more possibility from their toy and includes a bunch of accessories that will let your child's creativity flow in any direction.
If you're looking for something more realistic for your child, this doll from Neverland is the one for you. This toy will have your daughter or son ready to open their own salon in no time.
Your child can practice straightening and perming as well as basic hair styling thanks to this doll's temperature resistant fibres. While we like how realistic this doll is, it is definitely a more advanced option and should be used by older kids or under parent supervision.
Main Features
Price: £24.99
Includes: 1 training head, 1 free table clamp, 1 hair braid tool set
5. JP Disney Styling 12902 Frozen Elsa Styling Head
As expected, Disney makes some of the best styling toys that will have your child feeling like a fairy godmother while they style their favourite princess. With 13 accessories, including a tiara, your child can give Elsa the perfect new hair do for every occasion and we're sure there will be lots of fun singing along the way.
This Dreamtopia Unicorn from Barbie is a magical alternative to the traditional styling doll, great for parents looking for something unique for their little stylist. At 32cm, the head is a great size for practising lots of fun styles.
Your child will be a braiding King or Queen before you know it, plus, its long eyelashes, sparkly gold horn and rainbow hair will give your child endless styling fun.
Play-Doh has done a great job with this Rapunzel style head, a different take on the traditional styling heads that is perfect for younger children who love the ease of Play-Doh.
This beauty includes many different moulds for styling and accessorising such as a hair curling Pascal and a sparkle compound to help your child give Rapunzel that extra shine.
Main Features
Price: £14.99
Includes: 4 tubs of Play-Doh, hair accessories, styling head
This Moana styling doll is on the smaller side at 22cm but is still a great toy for your little Disney prince or princess. With a brush and 12 hair accessories included, your child's fantasies will become a reality as they give Moana whatever magical hairstyle they can imagine.
It would be wrong to make this list of styling head toys without including this new take from the all-time classic styling head doll makers, Girl's World. While this head is a bit more expensive, it comes with 25 accessories and pink hair that really grows.
We really like that is comes in a carry case, making it portable and easy to bring along to keep little boys and girls entertained wherever you go.
10. My Little Pony Style And Groom Rainbow Dash Pony
The best option for My Little Pony fans, this toy is smaller at 21.5cm high but will nonetheless keep your child busy as they groom and accessorise the pony's rainbow locks. This toy comes with hair beads, bobbles, stickers, gems and mane grips, giving your little one lots of new style options for the pony.
Kidadl Best Buys selects the top parent-recommended products across the web for families of all ages. If you liked our suggestions for styling heads and want more creative options for your child then why not read our list of the best diverse dolls or the best easels.
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Bachelor of Communication specializing in Media Arts Production, Communication, and Media Studies
Hannah BowyerBachelor of Communication specializing in Media Arts Production, Communication, and Media Studies
A fitness enthusiast with a passion for helping people find their best selves, Hannah is a qualified personal trainer who is currently training to be a yoga instructor. She is also knowledgeable about mindfulness and meditation. Hannah has lived and worked in many different countries across Asia and the Americas over the last four years, and loves to write about her travels. Her dynamic nature is reflected in her love for running, whether it's towards a plane or a personal best.
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