AVA MARIA LENDMAN AND HER DOLL, ELLA

5, kindergarten student

Style strategy: "Whatever is easy as long as it's quick to brush, quick to wash. I'm not one to braid her hair," says Ava's mom, Marsha.

Ava's verdict on a salon visit: "It's boring!"

Cost at human hair salon: Cut, $15, every six to seven weeks; $4 bangs trim every four weeks

Cost at doll hair salon: 2 braids redo at American Girl store, $15

September 6, 2011