But if You Do Put Barbies in the Dryer . . .

. . . a strong-toothed comb works wonders. I stayed up late last night combing out the solid mats of fuzz that were once doll hair. The Barbies ended up with hair that looks like the "before picture" in a conditioner commercial, but it at least looked like hair. When Katie woke up this morning, I was prepared for much sadness. When she looked at her dolls I explained that the dryer made their hair fuzzy and I apologized sincerely.

She said "I don't care. I don't like it when the dryer makes it look like it's not hair, but I don't mind this." (She has some experience with what the dryer can do to stuffed animals.)

How nice to be surprised by my child's sensible reaction!