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Mattel has introduced a new addition to its Brave Barbie program: a bald Ken doll designed to support children undergoing cancer treatment. Distributed free of charge through CureSearch for Children’s Cancer, the “Brave Ken” joins the bald Barbie dolls already given to young patients. The doll was officially launched in September 2025 to coincide with Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. This initiative aims to help children feel represented while they cope with the visible effects of therapy.
With their meaningful new look and expansion to a Brave Ken doll, these dolls continue to embody courage and compassion. Placing these dolls into the hands of families and seeing the light they bring during life’s hardest moments is profoundly humbling and a privilege we hold close to our hearts.
Nancy Molenda, Mattel's vice president of global corporate events and philanthropy
Hair loss is one of the most recognized side effects of cancer therapy. Chemotherapy drugs work by targeting rapidly dividing cells, which include not only cancer cells but also healthy cells in the hair follicles. This leads to a sudden type of hair loss called anagen effluvium, which often begins within weeks of treatment. [1]
Radiation therapy, especially when directed to the scalp or head, can further damage follicle stem cells. In many children, hair grows back a few months after treatment ends, but it may return thinner, curlier, or a different color than before. In some cases—particularly following high-dose chemotherapy, radiation, or bone marrow transplantation—hair may not fully return, resulting in long-term or permanent alopecia. [1]
For children, losing their hair can be more than a cosmetic issue. It may draw unwanted attention, affect self-confidence, and make them feel different from peers.
Parents and healthcare providers often work together to prepare children for this change, but the emotional toll can remain significant. Having a toy that mirrors their experience—like a doll without hair—can provide comfort, spark conversations, and help normalize what they are going through.
Chase Carter, who serves as director of community engagement at CureSearch for Children’s Cancer, collaborated in the development of the Brave Ken doll as part of the nonprofit’s mission to advance childhood cancer research and support.
It was important to me that Brave Ken carry the same message that Brave Barbie has given kids for years, that they are seen, valued, and strong even in their toughest battles. These dolls are far more than toys, they are symbols of courage and companions in the fight.
Chase Carter, a Childhood Cancer Survivor, Director of Community Engagement at CureSearch for Children’s Cancer
The Brave Barbie program began years ago with bald Barbie dolls made available at no cost to families. The dolls were never sold in stores; instead, they were distributed through hospitals and clinics in partnership with CureSearch. According to CureSearch, distribution has so far reached thousands of children across the United States, and the program is expected to expand to more regions globally. The new Brave Ken responds to feedback from families and clinicians who wanted a male option.
By offering both Barbie and Ken dolls without hair, Mattel broadens the reach of this program. The goal is simple: to give children role models that look like them during treatment and recovery. Representation of both genders ensures more children feel included and understood.
While a toy cannot prevent hair loss, it can play a small but meaningful role in easing its emotional impact. Healthcare providers can use such tools alongside medical counseling to support children and families. Open discussions about temporary versus permanent alopecia, supportive care options, and coping strategies remain crucial parts of care.
Health experts emphasize, however, that while dolls like Brave Ken provide comfort, they are not substitutes for professional psychological support. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reminded caregivers that psychosocial care, counseling, and medical guidance remain essential parts of treatment, with such tools serving only as supportive companions.
Brave Ken may not change medical outcomes, but it represents progress in recognizing that cancer treatment affects not only the body but also a child’s sense of self and wellbeing.
References
1. Kessler, S., A. Marzooq, A. Sood, K. Beebe, A. Walsh, L. Montoya, and H. Price. “Alopecia in Children Undergoing Chemotherapy, Radiation, and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Scoping Review and Approach to Management.” Pediatric Dermatology 39, no. 3 (2022): 354–62.
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