Ken gets a makeover: Cornrows, man buns, dad bods and new skin tones

MATTEL has given Ken a major makeover, unveiling a diverse line of new dolls. Social media users have had a field day.

HE’S been overshadowed by Barbie for decades, but now Ken is finally getting some attention.

Mattel is introducing 15 new looks for the male doll, giving him different skin tones, body shapes and hair styles.

The makeover is part of the toy company’s plan to make its dolls more diverse and appeal to today’s kids. Barbie received a similar overhaul more than a year ago.

Our new Fashionistas feature even more skin tones, eye colors, and hairstyles. 💯 https://t.co/aZAerR32nU #TheDollEvolves pic.twitter.com/axw26k12Ch

— Barbie (@Barbie) June 20, 2017

Ken will be sold in three body shapes: “slim,” “broad” and “original.” Some have dubbed one of the sizes as “dad bod”.

He’ll have modern hairdos, such as cornrows and man buns, and come in seven different skin tones.

This is a broad body-style Ken doll. Picture: Mattel via AP

This is an original body-style Ken doll. Picture: Mattel via AP

Mattel is also aiming to introduce modern fashion trends and styles for a younger generation, with styles described as “Cactus Cooler,” “Camo Comeback,” “Preppy Check” and “Hyped on Stripes.”

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

“Evolving Ken was a natural evolution for the brand and allows girls to further personalise the role they want him to play in Barbie’s world.”

Mattel has unveiled some new-look Ken dolls, including one with a man bun (right). Picture: Mattel via AP

Ken hasn’t changed much since he was first introduced 56 years ago as Barbie’s blue-eyed, chiselled boyfriend.

Since Ken’s release, the company has launched more than 100 different looks for the doll.

This is how Ken and Barbie looked in 1961. Courtesy of Mattel via AP

Ten of the latest Ken dolls are already available online and five more will be released in US stores within the next few months.

Natually, social media users have had a field day with Ken’s new look.

New Ken doll has a man-bun. Climbing back into bed. pic.twitter.com/AiuPUxS7hM

— Zach Braff (@zachbraff) June 20, 2017

The new "Man Bun" Ken doll comes with shirt, shoes, and keys to Barbie's car that he's driving until he "gets back on his feet again." pic.twitter.com/gYmXwR9WEc

— Benjamin Siemon (@BenjaminJS) June 20, 2017

Man Bun Ken comes with an acoustic guitar, a pack of cigarettes, and a book of love poems.

— María (@mbruin95) June 20, 2017

There's a new Ken doll with a Man Bun. He's paired with Very Sad And Embarrassed Barbie. https://t.co/FDZKGtMWOC

— Josh Mankiewicz (@JoshMankiewicz) June 20, 2017

Man Bun Ken is totally a Breatharian. https://t.co/kbX3f1mT21

— ameliamagritte (@xoamelia) June 20, 2017

I don't even own Mattel's new man bun Ken Doll but he already told me the dangers of processed food and how Bernie would have beaten Trump. pic.twitter.com/rjxQQFiEfI

— Sully Sullivan (@Mikey_Sul) June 20, 2017

Originally published as Ken gets a makeover: Cornrows, man buns, dad bods and new skin tones