From the Toysit archive
Barbie Style Salon
Explore Barbie Style Salon’s pink vanity, wash basin, chair and water reservoir, then draw a three-scene salon visit.
The play at a glance
A wash basin at the heart of the salon
A bright pink vanity gathers the salon around one small wash basin. A mirror hangs beside it, while the chair places Barbie close to the counter and its little bottles and tools. Barbie Style Salon turns a hairstyle into a sequence of places and actions: choose a look, work at the basin and admire the result.
Follow the water through the station
The illustrated guide shows a round water reservoir connected to the shower hose. With Barbie reclining at the sink, the player pumps the reservoir to rinse her hair. A separate tank at the back of the basin collects the used water.
The original kit's hair-color applicator, foaming solution, poncho and towel give the styling scene its sequence. The poncho goes around the doll before work begins; the chair brings her hair over the basin. These small arrangements make the set feel like a miniature appointment.
For an adult helping set up a surviving set, use the matching guide, a protected washable surface and fresh water. Empty the collection tank as it fills, then rinse and dry the equipment before storage. Check the condition and labeling of any supplies before use.
A mirror gives the story its final moment
The mirror and counter create a place to show the finished hairstyle. Imagine a guest describing a look for a party, then turning toward the mirror while the stylist explains the result. A second doll could be waiting with a different occasion in mind.
Try making a paper display of possible styles beside the vanity. One drawing might show a ribbon, another a high ponytail and a third a colorful strand. The drawings become choices the characters can discuss before their appointments.
Draw a three-scene salon visit
- Divide a sheet of paper into three panels.
- In the first, draw the guest choosing a look.
- In the second, draw the stylist working beside the salon counter.
- In the third, show the finished hairstyle in a mirror.
- Add one speech bubble to each scene and tell the visit aloud.
This original storyboard can accompany the toy or stand on its own as a comic. Change the guest's occasion and make a second visit with a new ending.
The historical record
Original Toysit coverage
The original toy description and broader play discussion are preserved below as historical coverage.
Barbie Style Salon playset with hair color and shampoo
Play out all the fun of star stylist and a day at the salon with Barbie doll at her style salon. Wash Barbie dolls hair in the real working glitter sink and pink stylist's vanity, add color streaks and create glam hairstyles with fun hair styling tools. Includes salon chair, hair detangler, logo poncho, towel, and salon Barbie doll.
The Fun of a Style Salon Playset
A style salon playset can be a delightful toy for children, offering a blend of creativity, role-playing, and hands-on tactile fun. These playsets often simulate the experience of running or visiting a beauty salon, with various tools and accessories to enhance the play. Here's a breakdown of why they're so enjoyable:
- Creative Expression: Style salon playsets allow kids to experiment with different hairstyles, colors, and looks. Whether it's braiding, curling, or creating up-dos, children can freely use their imagination to design unique hairstyles, fostering their artistic skills.
- Role-Playing: Children can step into various roles, such as a hairstylist, a customer, or even a salon manager. Role-playing helps develop empathy, as children put themselves in another's shoes, and it also builds communication and social skills.
- Tactile Engagement: Using various tools like brushes, hairdryers, or clips gives kids a chance to enhance their fine motor skills. The hands-on nature of the playset is great for kinesthetic learners who thrive on touch and movement.
- Real-Life Simulation: Playsets offer a safe environment for kids to mimic adult activities. It can be fascinating for them to emulate the experience of visiting a salon, something they might have seen or experienced in real life.
- Social Play: Style salon playsets can be more fun with friends or siblings. Group play encourages children to collaborate, share ideas, and work together, building teamwork and cooperative skills.
- Boosting Self-Esteem: Successfully creating a hairstyle or look can offer a sense of achievement. This can be a confidence booster, allowing children to be proud of their creations.
A style salon playset offers a holistic play experience that caters to various aspects of a child's development, from creativity and cognition to motor skills and social interaction.
Sources and editorial notes
Both illustrated pages of Mattel’s N6889-0522 guide, also marked P5992, were reviewed. Its basin, vanity, chair and round reservoir match the arrangement in Toysit’s image. The guide supplies the water-system and accessory details; the complete earlier account is preserved below. Historical hair-color and foaming materials are described as original contents. The storyboard is an original activity; no physical testing was performed.
- Mattel N6889 Style Salon support record — Manufacturer record linking the matching illustrated guide.
- Barbie Style Salon instructions (PDF) — Both pages reviewed: assembly, styling accessories, water flow and cleanup.
- Original Toysit coverage — Original salon photograph and description retained.
Images and descriptions are retained as historical material. How Toysit covers toys.
Created for Toysit by Tabbloza — the artwork in our header.