Ken doll gets cornrows, man-bun and skin tones in new makeover

On Tuesday, Mattel announced that Barbie's boyfriend, Ken, would be getting a makeover.

On Tuesday, Mattel announced that Barbie’s boyfriend, Ken, would be getting a makeover.

The iconic Ken doll will now come in a variety of body types: slim, broad, and original. The doll will also come in different skin tones and with different eye colors. Even the hair styles are different, from man buns to cornrows.

This marks the first time in 56 years that Ken has gotten a major makeover like this.

The dolls, which will be widely available on July 8, are part of a larger push by Mattel for more diversity, after they made moves last year to make Barbie herself more diverse, with different skin tones and body types available.

The updated looks are also part of a push to make the toys more interesting to a generation of children growing up with technology more than old-fashioned toys.

“By continuing to expand our product line, we are redefining what a Barbie or Ken doll looks like to this generation,” said Lisa McKnight, senior vice president and general manager of Barbie.

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