Skip to Content

It took about five decades, but Ken has finally undergone a makeover.

Ken Doll, that is, the long-time boyfriend of Barbie who has looked relatively the same ever since he came into existence over 50 years ago.

But Mattel has now announced a new line of the characters, one that includes a trio of body types (slim, broad and original), skin tones, eye colors and hairstyles.

And it’s the latter change that has the Internet aflutter at the moment.

“Evolving Ken was a natural evolution for the brand and allows girls to further personalize the role they want him to play in Barbie’s world,” says Lisa McKnight, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Barbie.

This is perfectly fine and fair.

But one version of Ken now has a man bun. And social media simply cannot handle it…