#41: Ken’s Hair Evolution Was a Journey of Its Own

Just like Barbie went through multiple style transformations, her iconic counterpart, Ken, evolved right alongside her. The original Ken debuted in 1961, two years after Barbie first hit the shelves. But in 1973, Mattel decided to take things up a notch with a quirky update called “Mod Hair Ken.”

This version came with rooted hair — a big deal at the time — and a hilarious set of peel-and-stick facial hair pieces. You could give him a mustache, sideburns, or even a full beard depending on his vibe for the day. Honestly, with how creative toy designers have become, we wouldn’t be surprised if someone eventually releases a “Star-Burns Ken,” inspired by the cult-favorite character from Community. If Mattel is reading this… you’re welcome.

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