When you think of Barbie, one of the first things that comes to mind is likely her signature ponytail. The iconic hairstyle has been a staple of the Barbie brand since the doll's debut in 1959, and has undergone many variations over the years. In this post, we'll take a look back at the history of the Barbie ponytail and offer some fun activities for kids to enjoy.
A Brief History of the Barbie Ponytail
The original Barbie doll, created by Ruth Handler, had a blonde ponytail that was tightly curled at the ends. This hairstyle was inspired by the popular "bubble cut" hairstyle of the time, and was meant to appeal to young girls who were starting to experiment with their own hairstyles.
Over the years, the Barbie ponytail has undergone many changes. In the 1960s, Barbie's hair became longer and straighter, reflecting the changing trends of the time. In the 1970s, Barbie's hair became more voluminous and feathered, in keeping with the popular "Farrah Fawcett" look of the era.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Barbie's hair became even bigger and more extravagant, with styles like crimping, perms, and high-volume curls. In recent years, Barbie's hair has become more natural and realistic, with a variety of lengths, textures, and colors available.
Here are some fun activities for kids that celebrate the iconic Barbie ponytail:
Create a Barbie Hair Salon: Set up a hair salon for your child's Barbie dolls, complete with styling tools like combs, brushes, and hair clips. Encourage your child to experiment with different hairstyles and see what looks they can come up with.
Make Barbie Hair Accessories: Use materials like ribbons, beads, and felt to create custom hair accessories for Barbie's ponytail. Your child can create everything from bows and flowers to headbands and scrunchies.
Design Your Own Barbie: Encourage your child to design their own version of Barbie, complete with a signature hairstyle. They can draw or paint their design, and even create a mini ponytail using yarn or fabric.
Create a Barbie Fashion Show: Gather a group of friends and host a Barbie fashion show, complete with custom outfits and hairstyles. Encourage your child to come up with creative and unique looks for their dolls.
In conclusion, the Barbie ponytail has been a beloved part of the Barbie brand for over 60 years. Its evolution over time reflects changing trends in hair and fashion, but the spirit of fun and creativity remains the same. So let's celebrate the power of play and encourage kids to experiment with their own hairstyles – just like Barbie.
