Maya Ellison
Ken dolls are known for their plastic hair, which has become an iconic feature of the doll. Interestingly, Ken's hair was not always made of plastic. When the doll was first introduced, it had felt hair, but this was replaced with plastic moulded hair when the creators realised that the felt hair fell off when wet. This change ensured the hair would stay firmly in place, even when the doll was played with in water. The plastic hair of Ken dolls has become a notable aspect, with some people even attempting to remove or restyle it to create custom looks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for plastic hair | Ken's hair was initially made of felt but was replaced with plastic when the creators realized that the felt hair fell off when wet |
| First appearance | 1961 |
| Creator | Mattel |
| Material | Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene plastic |
| Latest update | 15 new looks with different skin tones, body shapes, and hairstyles announced in 2021 |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Ken's hair was originally made of felt, but it fell off when wet
- Plastic hair is moulded to the head, making it difficult to remove
- The doll's hair is part of its head, which is hollow inside
- Mattel replaced felt hair with plastic to avoid hair falling out
- Ken's hair is made of the same plastic used in refrigerators
Ken's hair was originally made of felt, but it fell off when wet
In 2011, Mattel introduced Japan Ken, the first Ken doll to be included in the "Dolls of the World" collection. In 2021, Mattel announced 15 new looks for Ken, including different skin tones, body shapes, and hairstyles. Barbie underwent a similar makeover in 2020.
Collectors value vintage Ken dolls, with some rare editions fetching high prices. For example, the Lucky Charm Ken Doll, exclusive to the Madrid Barbie Convention, features genuine leather shoes. Another rare Ken doll from the 1990s features a loud-coloured windbreaker jacket, baggy lavender pants, and a 90s shag hairstyle.
The latest Ken dolls have more diverse features, with Mattel introducing new skin tones, body shapes, and hairstyles to reflect a wider range of people. Ken's body is made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene plastic, the same sturdy material used in most refrigerators. Ken's hair is now made of plastic, with some Fashionista Kens featuring moulded hair that can be removed.
Slippery Plastics: What Makes Them So Slick?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Plastic hair is moulded to the head, making it difficult to remove
Ken dolls have plastic hair because, initially, the dolls had felt hair, but it would fall off when wet. The plastic hair is moulded to the head, making it difficult to remove. This is because the hair is part of the actual head, and it's all one piece. The doll's head is hollow inside, and one would need to make the doll a new scalp, as the head will be cut open.
Some Ken dolls have moulded hair that can be removed, such as the Fashionista Kens (#153, #184 and #203). However, their heads might require filler work to smooth and round out the top before rooting the hair. The newest Ken doll has a removable scalp.
One way to work around this issue is to cover the doll's hair with a wig. Another option is to find a Ken doll with rooted hair or one with shaved hair.
The plastic hair of Ken dolls has been described as iconic and fulfilling. Despite the challenges of removing the moulded hair, customisation options are available through creative solutions, such as using wigs or seeking out specific doll variants.
Eco-Friendly Bin Liners: Plastic-Free Solutions for Trash Cans
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The doll's hair is part of its head, which is hollow inside
Ken dolls have plastic hair because, initially, their hair was made of felt, but it fell off when wet. The manufacturer then replaced the felt hair with a plastic, moulded hairstyle. Ken's hair is part of his head, which is hollow inside. The hair is not a separate piece that can be removed or replaced with a wig. The doll's head will have to be cut open to give it a new scalp. Some newer versions of the Ken doll, however, do have moulded hair that can be removed.
The doll's hair is made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene plastic, the same sturdy material used on the inside of most refrigerators. The plastic hair is also a safety feature, as it prevents children from pulling out the doll's hair and putting it in their mouths.
Collectors refer to the first Ken dolls with felt hair as the "flocked" hair Ken. The plastic hair versions of Ken were introduced in the 1990s, with his iconic 90s shag, loud-coloured windbreaker jacket, and baggy lavender pants.
Calcite's Transformation: Plasticity at High Temperatures
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Mattel replaced felt hair with plastic to avoid hair falling out
In 1961, Mattel introduced the world to Barbie's boyfriend, Ken. Named after the son of Barbie's creator, Ruth Handler, Ken was introduced as the male counterpart to Barbie. Ken's hair was made of felt in his first year, known to collectors as the "flocked" hair Ken. However, Mattel soon realised that the felt hair fell off when wet. To avoid this issue, they replaced the felt hair with a plastic, moulded hairstyle. This change ensured that Ken's hair remained intact and gave him the iconic look that we know today.
The decision to switch from felt to plastic hair was a practical one, addressing the problem of hair falling out. However, it also contributed to the durability and longevity of the doll. Plastic hair, being more resistant to moisture and wear and tear, extended the lifespan of the toy, making it more likely to withstand the rigours of playtime and remain a beloved companion for children.
The evolution of Ken's hair reflects Mattel's commitment to innovation and responsiveness to customer needs. By addressing the hair issue, Mattel demonstrated its attention to detail and willingness to make improvements. This proactive approach to design has characterised Ken's journey over the years, with Mattel continuously refining and diversifying the doll to keep up with the times.
In recent years, Mattel has taken significant steps to modernise the Ken doll, offering a broader range of skin tones, body shapes, and hairstyles. This evolution goes beyond physical appearances, as Mattel has also sought to give Ken more depth and complexity as a character. By expanding his interests, personalities, and lifestyles, Mattel is creating a more inclusive and representative doll that better reflects the diverse world we live in.
While the early years of Ken's hair presented a challenge, Mattel's decision to switch to plastic hair proved to be a successful solution. This change not only ensured the hair's durability but also contributed to the overall improvement and longevity of the Ken doll as a beloved toy for generations to come.
The Future of Plastic: Virally Engineered Solutions
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Ken's hair is made of the same plastic used in refrigerators
Ken's hair is made of plastic because, initially, his hair was made of felt, but it would fall off when wet. The plastic used for Ken's hair is likely one of the plastics used in refrigerators, given that a wide range of plastics are used for this purpose. The main plastics used in refrigerator production include polyurethane (PU), polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), styrene-butadiene-acrylonitrile copolymer (ABS), and polyethylene (PE). These five major types of plastics cover almost 90% of the plastic parts used in refrigerators. Polyurethane is widely used in the insulation layer of refrigerator doors and boxes due to its low thermal conductivity and good processing performance. Polystyrene is the most used plastic variety in refrigerator production, accounting for more than 60% of total refrigerator plastic consumption. It is used for injection molding to create transparent and hard parts such as food boxes and bottle holders. Polypropylene has excellent mechanical properties and is used to manufacture refrigerator drawers. ABS is used for processing appearance parts such as door handles and decorative strips, while polyethylene is commonly used in refrigerator piping and tubing.
Other plastics used in refrigerators include polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is used for flexible door seals, polycarbonate for lampshades and display panels, polyoxymethylene (POM) for hinges and mechanical components, and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) for transparent display panels. Ken dolls have been through several changes since their introduction in 1961, with new looks, skin tones, body shapes, and hairstyles being introduced in 2021. The dolls have also been the subject of various controversies, and their unrealistic body proportions have been connected to some eating disorders in children.
The Evolution of Plastic: A Comprehensive Definition
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Ken's hair was originally made of felt, but when the creators realized that the hair fell off when wet, they replaced it with plastic, molded hair.
Yes, but it is a difficult process. The hair is part of the doll's head, so you would need to cut open the head and make a new scalp. It is recommended to buy a Ken doll with rooted hair or one with shaved hair.
No, the plastic hair on Ken dolls is molded into a specific style and cannot be changed.
Yes, the newest version of the Ken doll has a removable scalp, allowing you to style the hair or add a wig.
Ken's hair was changed to plastic to prevent it from falling out, and this material has been used for most versions of the doll since then. Some Barbie dolls also have plastic hair, depending on the specific model.
