1976 Mego 12-Inch Cher Doll (Growing Hair, NRFB)

In the mid-1970s, Cher was everywhere. Her variety show "The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour" pulled in tens of millions of viewers each week, her fashion sensibility defined an era, and her face was on the cover of every major magazine. Mego Corporation, the undisputed king of celebrity dolls in the 1970s, recognized the opportunity and released a line of Cher fashion dolls that captured the star at the height of her cultural power.

The 1976 Mego 12-inch Cher Growing Hair doll is now one of the most sought-after examples from Mego's celebrity doll line, especially when found Never Removed From Box (NRFB). It represents a perfect convergence of pop culture history, vintage toy nostalgia, and the Mego collecting craze that has intensified over the past two decades.

The Mego Celebrity Doll Legacy

Mego Corporation, founded in New York in 1954, became famous in the 1970s for its 8-inch World's Greatest Super Heroes figures, but the company's 12-inch celebrity line was equally impressive. The roster included Cher, Diana Ross, Farrah Fawcett, and even figures of Sonny Bono. Mego's Cher line was particularly extensive, featuring multiple versions of the star in different costumes and configurations.

The Growing Hair feature was introduced as a premium play feature. A mechanism inside the doll's head allowed the long dark hair to be extended using a knob or button, mimicking Cher's signature long locks and giving children an interactive styling experience. This feature, combined with the doll's poseable construction and detailed facial likeness, made it stand out from competitors.

What Makes the NRFB Version Special

NRFB (Never Removed From Box) status transforms any vintage toy from a collectible into a time capsule. For the 1976 Cher Growing Hair doll, an NRFB example retains several key elements that significantly enhance both value and appeal:

The Original Box: The colorful Mego box artwork features Cher in her signature Bob Mackie-inspired styling, with bold graphics typical of 1970s toy packaging. Box condition matters enormously. Look for sharp corners, bright colors without fading, and an intact cellophane window.

The Hair Protector: Many NRFB examples retain the original clear plastic hair protector that kept Cher's hair neatly in place during shipping and retail display. The presence of this protector signals the doll has truly never been opened or handled.

The Styling Bracelet: The Growing Hair version included a small styling bracelet accessory. Examples with this accessory still attached to the cardboard insert command higher prices.

The Instruction Sheet: Original instructions for the growing hair mechanism may be present in some versions.

Mego released two different box versions of the Growing Hair Cher doll, and one is significantly harder to find than the other. The rarer box variation fetches noticeably higher prices among advanced Mego collectors.

Values and Condition Grades

The market for NRFB 1970s celebrity dolls has strengthened considerably since the early 2010s, driven by nostalgia from Gen X collectors who grew up with these toys and Mego's successful brand revival.

Completed eBay sales and specialty auction results from venues like Hake's Americana and Morphy Auctions show NRFB examples in excellent box condition regularly selling in the $400-$800 range, with exceptional examples pushing into four figures.

What Collectors Examine

When evaluating a 1976 Mego Cher Growing Hair doll, the checklist includes:

Hair Condition: The growing hair mechanism uses synthetic fiber hair. Check that the hair is intact, not tangled or cut. The hair should be the full original length with the clear protector present if NRFB.

Facial Paint: Mego doll face paint can fade, scratch, or develop "zit" marks from improper storage. The doll's face should be crisp with no paint loss on lips or eye detail.

Box Seals: Were the box seams ever opened? Look at the bottom flaps and side tape. Some examples were sealed with factory tape that remains intact. Any evidence of opening reduces the NRFB premium.

Plastic Condition: The cellophane window can yellow or crack. Ideally it should be clear and fully intact. Check the doll's vinyl for any discoloration or sticky texture, which can indicate chemical breakdown.

Completeness: Is the styling bracelet still on the insert? Are any promotional inserts or instruction sheets present?

The Mego Collector Community

The Mego Museum (megomuseum.com) is the central hub for Mego collectors worldwide, with extensive photo documentation of variants, box variations, and production differences. The community is enthusiastic and deeply knowledgeable. Before purchasing a high-end example, consulting the Mego Museum photo archives for comparison is worthwhile.

Specialty dealers who focus on Mego figures include several eBay power sellers and a handful of dedicated vintage toy dealers at major toy shows. The Great Lakes Toy Show, Spring Antique Toy Show, and similar events often have Mego specialists.

Cultural Context and Long-Term Outlook

Cher's cultural relevance has never faded. Her longevity as an entertainer means that new generations of fans continue to discover her catalog, sustaining interest in memorabilia from her 1970s peak. Mego collecting has also benefited from the company's revival, with Mego Corporation relaunching in 2018 and releasing new figures under the classic brand name. This revival brought renewed attention to original 1970s production, pushing prices for NRFB examples upward.

For the long-term collector, NRFB celebrity dolls from major manufacturers like Mego represent a finite supply with steady or growing demand. As surviving examples in box-excellent condition become rarer over time, values for the best-preserved specimens should continue to appreciate.

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