Have you ever asked yourself if the Totally Hair Barbie had the same make up in every production place around the world? If your answer is no, then you are right. There are many different make ups depending on the production place. Here are some of them as examples.
Thanks to Christian Felipe Silva for the permission to use his pics.
In the world of toys, Barbie has always reigned supreme, captivating the hearts of millions of girls around the globe. For those of us who grew up in the 90s, Barbie dolls were an essential part of our childhood. The excitement of unboxing a new Barbie and immersing ourselves in imaginative play was unparalleled. Little did we know, however, that behind the scenes, a team of talented designers were meticulously crafting these iconic dolls. Today, we delve into a captivating YouTube video that offers a glimpse into the enchanting world of Barbie doll design in the 1990s.
The Video – a lost treasure from the marvelous world of Barbie doll design in the 1990s:
The YouTube video in question takes us on a journey through the behind-the-scenes process of designing Barbie dolls and their fashions during the 90s. From concept creation to meticulous detailing, the video showcases the immense effort and creativity that went into bringing these dolls to life. As the video unfolds, we are introduced to the designers who passionately share their insights and techniques, giving us a rare glimpse into their world.
Designing Marvels in the Barbie doll world of the 1990s:
During the 1990s, Barbie dolls underwent a series of transformations, reflecting the ever-evolving fashion trends and societal shifts. The video reveals how designers drew inspiration from various sources, such as runway fashion shows, historical eras, and even pop culture icons. Witnessing these influences come to fruition in the design process is truly fascinating.
From selecting the perfect fabric to crafting intricate accessories, the attention to detail in Barbie doll design is awe-inspiring. We see designers meticulously sketching out outfits, experimenting with different color palettes, and ensuring that every aspect of the doll’s appearance is meticulously considered. The dedication and passion of these designers shine through their work, making each Barbie doll a masterpiece in its own right.
Glimpsing into the Past:
As we watch this YouTube video, a wave of nostalgia washes over us, transporting us back to our childhood. We can’t help but feel a sense of wonder and appreciation for the dolls that brought us so much joy. The video allows us to reflect on the impact Barbie had on our lives, fostering creativity, imagination, and empowerment.
Conclusion:
The YouTube video showcasing the behind-the-scenes process of Barbie doll design in the 1990s is a true gem for those who grew up in that era. It offers a captivating glimpse into the world of Barbie doll creation, revealing the dedication, creativity, and passion that went into designing these iconic toys. As we watch the video, we can’t help but marvel at the intricate details and the lasting impact Barbie had on our childhoods. Although we may have missed witnessing this process as children, we can now appreciate the marvelous artistry that brought our beloved Barbie dolls to life.
Have you ever asked yourself what kind of material they used for Barbie hair? I did ask myself this question years ago and I found the answer. The answer is not so easy to explain. The material changed within the years. I’m not 100% sure but I think the early Barbie( 1959 – 1984?) dolls had Saran hair only. Some of the early Barbie dolls and their friends have the problem that the hair feeling is similar to straw. Maybe they changed the composition of materials within the decades?
Anyway, nowadays you can buy Saran hair, Nylon hair and Kanekalon hair ( used from the late 1980s on ).
You can see Saran on the right and Nylon on the left. Nylon hair was used for the Rockers and Rockstar series in the mid 1980s. I assume there are more Barbie dolls with Nylon hair but I don’t have all of them so that I can look it up. Nylon hair is much shinier than Saran hair. Saran hair is available in natural colours like blond, brunette, titian and black. The main difference is the effort to style it. Nylon hair is easy to style. Just one hot water treatment and the job is done. For Saran you need more effort. It’s not so easy to bring it in any form you want it to. It has a kind own character.
The third material is Kanekalon hair. Kanekalon was first seen in the late 1980s and has a feeling like wadding. It’s also called wadding hair among collectors. It was mainly used for the 1990s dolls with massive amounts of hair like Totally Hair Barbie or Jewel Hair Barbie. I assume the reason they used it is the price. Saran is more expensive. Hollywood Hair on the other hand has Saran hair. Kanekalon hair tends to tangles. You think you have all tangles out and bang new ones are in. No problems for collectors but for children a real nightmare.
Kanekalon was widely used for Barbie dolls in the 1990s. Ski Fun Barbie & Midge, Paint n Dazzle Barbie and many more had Kanekalon hair. There are a few exceptions like the Strolling Fun Barbie & Kelly.
The Totally Hair Barbie family has captured the hearts of doll collectors and enthusiasts worldwide. This diverse collection consists of Totally Hair Barbie in three different versions – blonde, brunette, and Afro-American. In addition, there is Totally Hair Whitney with the Steffi Face, Totally Hair Ken, and two exclusive dolls, Totally Hair Courtney and Totally Hair Skipper, which were only available at Toys “R” Us. Let’s take a closer look at each member of this iconic doll family.
Totally Hair Barbie (Blonde):
The blonde version of Totally Hair Barbie is perhaps the most recognizable member of the family. With her long, flowing hair that reaches down to her ankles, she has become a symbol of glamour and beauty. This Barbie doll embodies the essence of the 90s with her vibrant fashion choices and confident demeanor.
Totally Hair Barbie (Brunette):
The brunette version of Totally Hair Barbie offers a refreshing twist to the collection. With her stunning brown locks cascading down her back, she exudes elegance and sophistication. This doll showcases the versatility and beauty of different hair colors, appealing to a wider audience of Barbie enthusiasts.
Totally Hair Barbie (Afro-American Version):
Celebrating diversity, the Afro-American version of Totally Hair Barbie is a true representation of inclusivity. With her gorgeous curly hair, she celebrates and embraces natural beauty. This doll signifies the importance of representation and empowers young girls of color to embrace their unique features and heritage. Of course the Afro-American version was not available in Europe. She has a more metallic make up than her sisters with green and yellow instead of blue and lilac eye shadow. I really like the idea.
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Totally Hair Whitney (Steffi Face):
Totally Hair Whitney stands out with her unique Steffi Face mold. This doll brings a touch of sophistication to the collection, with her elegant features and stylish outfits. Her long hair perfectly matches her fashionable sense of style, making her a must-have for collectors and fashion enthusiasts alike. Totally Hair Whitney was only available in Europe and Canada and is the most expensive doll of this series.
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Totally Hair Ken:
Completing the family is Totally Hair Ken, the perfect companion for the Barbie dolls. With his suave looks and trendsetting hairstyles, he adds a touch of masculinity to the collection. This Ken doll proves that hair care and grooming are not limited to just the females, encouraging boys to express themselves through fashion and style.
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Totally Hair Courtney and Totally Hair Skipper (Toys “R” Us Exclusives):
Two special members of the family, Totally Hair Courtney and Totally Hair Skipper, were exclusive to Toys “R” Us . These dolls were highly sought after by collectors due to their limited availability. Their unique features and fashionable outfits made them a must-have for passionate Barbie enthusiasts. I have found no evidence that these dolls were exclusively sold in the US.
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Conclusion:
The Totally Hair Barbie family, consisting of Totally Hair Barbie in various hair colors, Totally Hair Whitney with the Steffi Face, Totally Hair Ken, and the exclusive dolls Totally Hair Courtney and Totally Hair Skipper, has left an indelible mark on the world of dolls. By embracing diversity and celebrating different hair types and styles, this collection has empowered generations of young girls and boys to express themselves and embrace their unique identities. The Totally Hair Barbie family truly embodies the spirit of inclusivity and fashion-forwardness, making them beloved icons in the Barbie universe.
My special relationship to this Totally Hair Barbie family
After several years of searching I have now the whole family and I’m really happy that I own them. I had the Totally Hair Barbie when I was a child and she was the Barbie that I had to wait for her three whole weeks. The demand for her was big when I was little. I was so happy that I found out the American name of the doll since she was called here in Europe “Ultra Hair Barbie” and I learned that I had the luck that the demand was not as high as it is at the moment. It’s a real good feeling that I have the whole family and that I have the blonde version nrfb now. Unfortunately the of my doll was after serveral years not as thick as it has been at the begin and the plastic of the nrfb doll has become yellow in the meantime. I always felt a little worried about the fact although I was not the one who played with the dolls every day. I more often used them as models and only redressed them.