From the Toysit archive
Magic Hair Dora
Explore Magic Hair Dora’s butterfly wand, lighted jewel and length-changing hair, then create a fairytale styling sketchbook.
The play at a glance
A butterfly wand begins a fairytale transformation
Dora wears a yellow princess dress and a tall, decorated hat, with a necklace at her collar and dark hair beside her face. In the photograph, a child holds a butterfly wand against the hat’s jewel. Magic Hair Dora makes that little gesture the center of a styling scene, as the hair grows longer and the jewel lights up.
The large jewel controls the hair
The guide directs the center of the butterfly wand to the large jewel on Dora’s crown. Contact makes the hair extend; after full extension, lifting the wand away and touching again starts shortening. The jewel lights and Dora talks during the change.
The same large jewel can be pressed to operate the hair. A smaller jewel starts speech on its own. Those two controls give the player a styling action and a separate way to hear the character.
Styling follows the transformation
A brush and barrettes turn the longer hair into something to arrange. Before using the growing mechanism again, the guide calls for smooth brushed hair with accessories removed and small objects kept clear of the hair tube. The preparation keeps the length-changing action and the decorating part of play in a useful sequence.
Imagine Dora getting ready to visit a garden celebration. A player could choose a hairstyle, describe the occasion and invent a greeting for the host. The destination and conversation come from the player’s story.
A hairstyle can suggest the day’s adventure
Try drawing two versions of a fairytale character: one ready for a quiet visit and another dressed for a party. Add a place beside each drawing. Perhaps the first character is taking a message to a treehouse, while the second is bringing a new song to a palace gathering.
Give each outing one small event. A friend might ask for help choosing a decoration, or an invitation could lead to a surprise guest. The hairstyle becomes the beginning of a story that continues beyond the dressing scene.
Start a fairytale styling sketchbook
- Draw a character and choose a hairstyle.
- Add a destination and an invitation to visit it.
- Choose one object the character will bring along.
- Draw a friend waiting at the destination.
- Tell what happens during the visit and sketch the next day’s look.
This original activity works with Magic Hair Dora, another styling doll or pencil drawings. Players invent the clothes, destinations and dialogue.
The historical record
Original Toysit coverage
The original product account and broader discussion are preserved below as historical coverage.
Fairy tale princess explorer doll can say phrases, sing a song, and her hair magically grows while her crown twinkles
Now Dora the Explorer is a beautiful princess with fairytale hair that grows. Girls can use the butterfly wand to magically grow or shorten Princess Dora's hair. She also says phrases, sings a fairy tale song as lights on her crown twinkle. A brush and two barrettes are included for additional doll hair play.
Dora the Explorer has won the hearts of millions of children worldwide with her unwavering optimism, adventurous spirit, and educational escapades. Dora embodies the best traits of childhood: curiosity, a thirst for discovery, and an inherent kindness toward others. Her bilingualism adds a cultural richness to her character, subtly teaching kids the value of diversity and language skills. The show's interactive format is another reason why it is so endearing; Dora frequently breaks the fourth wall to engage directly with her young audience, asking questions and encouraging them to participate in her adventures. This involvement makes kids feel like they're part of the journey, solving problems and exploring new places right alongside her. Characters like Boots the Monkey and Swiper add layers of friendship and gentle conflict-resolution lessons, making the storyline relatable and rounded. In a world where children are often hurried to grow up, Dora provides a wonderful space for them to be curious, brave, and, most importantly, to be kids.
Sources and editorial notes
Mattel’s B8078 Magic Hair Fairytale Dora record and complete B8078-0920 guide were reviewed. The manufacturer photograph matches the original play image. The guide documents wand contact, lengthening/shortening, separate jewel controls and keeping styling accessories clear of the hair mechanism. Follow the matching guide for preparation and care. The sketchbook activity is original; no physical testing was performed.
- Mattel: Magic Hair Dora, B8078 — Manufacturer product description and photograph reviewed.
- Fisher-Price: Magic Hair Dora instruction sheet — Complete guide visually reviewed; model B8078.
Images and descriptions are retained as historical material. How Toysit covers toys.
Created for Toysit by Tabbloza — the artwork in our header.