Time passes. And it's passage is not without effects. For example, hair falls off. And in the world of dolls, hair determines much of the visual impact that a model may have. All too often, an out-of-scale do kills the well-meaning doll. But that is the subject for another entry. In the realm of male dolls, vintage Ken to be exact, it is the absence - full or partial - of the doll's original flocking that turns the handsome lad into an undesirable. The truth is that vanity reigns and ideals of beauty and youth determine who gets to model inside the cabinet. Vintage Ken had several outfits that featured hats and caps, but the number was not extensive enough to cover the heads of all the vintage first issue Ken dolls that survived playtime in the early 1960s.
What to do? Reflock them with materials used for creating the effect of vegetation around model trains? Wash and paint the heads with acrylic? Possibilities, these are. Yet, if the desire is to restore the doll to it's original concept, then the professionals are needed. If vintage Barbie's hair can be beautifully refreshed by
Pink Bubble Spa, why can't Ken take off his hat and show off a full head of flocked hair? Enter Ray Cairo of
Flock Concepts. Mr. Cairo is the expert in electromagnetic flocking services for the G.I. Joe community as well as for Ken and even
Mel Odom's Trent.
For this Dolldom entry, three vintage Ken dolls demonstrate what professional hair restoration can achieve.
Flock Concepts expert selection of perfectly scaled fibers along with its electromagnetic application yield magnificent results. For the DIY set,
Flock Concepts also provides re-flocking and flocking repair kits. Flock concepts even offers free video tutorials at the bottom of the site's main page.
You wish to see proof? Here we go!
Candid Commuter Ken Carson
His brunet flocking is lush and complete. He stops traffic.
In his grey suit, he's ready for the work week.
Just as if he had come out of the Japanese factory in 1961!
Do blonds have more fun?
No one knows for sure. What is known though, is that Ken was issued as both a blond and a brunet. And seeing him with this perfect crew cut in soft mustard blond is a real treat. A High Color American Girl Barbie doll is entranced by the vigor that blond Ken exudes.
Off to a lack tie affair with a full head of hair.
Back to being the blond boy that Ruth Handler intended Ken to be.
The fashion "Dreamboat" allows many Ken dolls to hide their imperfections. And most Barbie dolls know this. Under that hat - "Oh, no!" - there is a mangy looking head full of bald spots.
But surprise! Not on this Ken!
A Titian Ken! Why not? There were Titian Barbie dolls! This dreamboat is not only perfectly groomed but he also expands the possibilities of what Mr. Carson can be.
All this said and shown, Dolldom wishes to emphasize the utter need for honesty and integrity when re-flocking or restoring a vintage doll. Full disclosure of professional services should accompany the doll as he or she passes hands. It's part of their provenance and history.
Dolldom thanks Ray Cairo and
Flock Concepts once again for offering the very best re-flocking services in the USA.
