A popular term for the unnatural appearance of larger hair grafts which were typical of the early days (1970s) of hair transplantation, as part of the so-called scalp-lifting procedure, in which 4–5-m punch grafts were used to cover excessively large bald patches, resulting in a 'pluggy' appearance fancifully likened to the hair on inexpensive plastic dolls; such grafts are separated by hairless ‘valleys’ imparting a patchy or ‘checkerboard appearance
After taking part in a beauty competition, she gained worldwide attention for her Barbie doll appearance. She took part in several photo shoots and the pictures went viral.