Best method to remove an old hard headcap?

Hey y'all, I've got another question for here. I just recently got a Yoko Littner Dollfie in my possession, and she is adorable. Just love her to bits, even if her default outfit has pretty much withered away (RIP 14 year old pleather). However, I've run into a bit of an issue. I'm wanting to change her default eyes and just cannot get this head cap off. Didn't wanna scuff her face by being a goof or anything, so I just gave up trying after a minute or two. All of my previous dolls have been newer Dollfies with soft vinyl head caps, so I've never struggled to get theirs off. When I heard people refer to 'older head caps', I didn't figure that they were significantly different. I had no idea lol, this head feels like a solid brick in comparison.

Sooo.. what is considered the best approach to getting these off nowadays? Has it not changed at all? I looked back on this site and saw some people mention things about cutting notches into the cap and using hairdriers to soften the head. Since those comments are about 10+ years old, I wanted to ask here again to see if the methods have changed any since then. If I still need to consider cutting notches, where exactly do they need to be/are there any pics to show me what that looks like?

Thanks for any answers in advance !

Congratulations on adopting Yoko! I can't take or peovide you with any pictures at the moment, but I'll try to explain; it's easy to remove once you get a hold of it

First, you need to put a small bowl or cup of water in the microwave and heat it to about coffee-making temperature. Then, after you've removed Yoko's head and wig, you have to submerge her upside down into the water just up to the headcap line, and let the heat work for a few minutes. You don't even need to hold her if you don't want to, just use less water and let it sit in it for a few minutes. Then it'll be ready to remove with more ease. If you need to, you can gently pry it off with the back side of a plastic or metal knife or similar tool.

I prefer this method over using a hairdryer because you have more control over the water temperature, and you're not unnecessarily heating the whole of the head. Hope this helps.

Regarding the notches, sorry I don't have photos, but it's basically making one or up to four V-shaped cuts on the inner edge of the headcap. It makes it a lot easier to remove if you'll be doing it regularly. I'll look for some pictures online and post them here.

Edit:

Adding this image i found online. In this case they made four notches but even one will work. (Credits to image owner)

 

Edited May 28, 2024 by puxlavoix

4 hours ago, puxlavoix said:

put a small bowl or cup of water in the microwave and heat it to about coffee-making temperature

I definitely prefer the sounds of the warm water over using the hair dryer! Was worried it would be too much heat focused in one area. Thank you for all the detailed advice. I can imagine what you are describing about the notches too with how you put it, was super confused by the idea of them at first not gonna lie. And no worries if you can find any pics to show how exactly they look! Fingers crossed I'll be able to get in her head now lol!