Does America need a Bald Barbie?

I haven't purchased a doll in such a long time! But, I do know there are many options out there for young girls to choose from. You have Bratz dolls (ironically named), Princess Diana dolls, and now maybe even Kardashian dolls. Little girls love to have a doll that resembles who they want to become, or someone they love and admire. Why else would a little girl buy a Cinderella or a Kardashian Barbie? You can find brunette dolls, blonde dolls, ethnic dolls, movie-themed dolls, career-influenced dolls, and so many more. When I was younger, every mother wanted to buy her daughter the doctor barbie, or some sort of career barbie with hopes that their daughter could begin imagining themselves in that path.


Recently, there has been a push for Mattel to create a bald Barbie doll. When reading this, I'm sure most of you are thinking- what an amazing idea! Why wouldn't they create it??? My thought was, why would anyone be opposed to this?


To my surprise, there are people out there who have shared a few negative points on the internet. I firmly believe everyone has a right to their own opinion, and I would never force my opinion upon someone else. But, I hope that giving a little insight into both sides of the field, will help people better understand the need for a bald Barbie, or lack thereof.


On the down side, some people believe it makes light of the severity that is behind most hair-loss-inducing conditions. Another point- will this bald Barbie theoretically be undergoing chemotherapy? Does she have Alopecia Totalis? Is she Britney Spears on an off day? People want clarity.

The biggest worry is that a company will reap the benefits of this beautiful symbol and that it will be created in vain. But, if they opt to create this doll, and then donate the proceeds to a worthy cause- will people be disappointed if the money goes to cancer research rather than a children's hospital,  or to Alopecia research instead of Trichotillomania support? My thought is that any money raised and donated to a worthy cause is completely worth the while.


I think the greatest gift that this Barbie could offer will be acceptance. For a young girl to own a bald Barbie, and see her as beautiful, would be a huge step. And the young girl whose mother is undergoing chemotherapy treatments could see that a bald head should not invoke fear. This doll could be a sense of hope and comfort. And for the girl who lost her hair from Alopecia Universalis to see that she can be beautiful and happy, just like this Barbie, may set the tone for her own outlook on the rest of her life.


Mattel has been notified of the "Bald Barbie Movement" and responded to the LA Times by saying,

"Mattel appreciates and respects the passion that has been built up for the request for a bald Barbie doll. As you might imagine, we receive hundreds of passionate requests for various dolls to be added to our collection. We take all of them seriously and are constantly exploring new and different dolls to be added to our line. "

I say, now is the perfect time for a beautiful, bald doll! Every child at the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, every child at the National Alopecia Areata Foundation's Conference and every woman who has lost her hair from one condition or another would never forget this gesture of showing America that even the most iconic representative of perfect beauty can be bald, too.

What do you think? Is it time for a bald Barbie? Or would trouble lay ahead? Comment on the Facebook Group, Kayla's Corner for Women & Kids with Hair Loss or Tweet me @MissDelaware10!