Kanekalon is a modacrylic fiber often used for doll hair in the mid 1990s to the mid 2010s. Its use in commercial doll construction was discontinued in 2015, though it continues to be used in human-grade wigs. Its name comes from its manufacturer, Kaneka Corporation.
Doll-grade kanekalon is characterized by its extremely light, fluffy texture similar to a cotton ball. Individual hair strands are commonly very thin and prone to breaking if not handled with care. It has high heat tolerance, making it relatively easier to style compared to other hair fibers like nylon. Kanekalon is typically used for hair styles that are slicked straight or lightly wavy. Styles like ringlets or tight braids are often harder to achieve with kanekalon, as the material is so fine it often fails to hold. For the same reason, kanekalon dolls are also prone to flyaway hairs.
See also: Caring for kanekalon.
Examples of dolls with kanekalon hair:
- Several Monster High Generation 1 characters, such as Ghoulia Yelps, Spectra Vondergeist, and Venus McFlytrap
- Most Barbies from the mid 90s to 2015, such as Tropical Splash Barbie and Fairytopia Magical Mermaid Barbie
- My Scene
- American Girl prior to 2014