Mattel Released Its New Ken Dolls, One of Them Has a Man Bun, and Twitter Has Feels

ByHeather Spohr June 22, 2017

After the success of Mattel’s re-imagined Barbie line, where the classic doll was re-released in a variety of shapes and colors that were far more inclusive, many people wondered if Mattel would bother to give Barbie’s perennial boyfriend, Ken, a makeover. The answer was yes, and yesterday Mattel announced the new lineup of Ken dolls. The new Kens (fifteen in all) come in a variety of different body types and races, and even have varying hairstyles ”” including the much-maligned man bun.

Yes, finally, men with man buns will have a doll that looks like them.

In a press release, Lisa McKnight, Mattel’s Senior Vice President and General Manager, Barbie, said, “By continuing to expand our product line, we are redefining what a Barbie or Ken doll looks like to this generation. 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.”

The new Ken dolls are available in three body types, seven skin tones, eight hair colors, nine hairstyles and “modernized fashions.” The body types are “original, slim, and broad,” because calling Ken “husky” gave delicate mens too many flashbacks. The hairstyles are more diverse, with Ken’s classic blond hair now coming in a variety of colors, textures, and styles, including cornrows.