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When it comes to inclusivity and representation, the beauty industry has made incredible strides (see: Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty and her 40-shade foundation, or Deepica Mutyala’s Live Tinted and her versatile Huesticks that work on all skin tones in 2017) in the fields Cosmetics, hair care and skin care. Despite how frustrating (and painfully slow) change can be, the industry is indeed moving in a direction that is more responsive to different skin tones, hair textures, genders, ages, ethics and budgets. But even in beauty there are still many weaknesses, especially in the representation of the disabled.
Shelby Lynch, a 25-year-old model, influencer and disability activist from the UK, experiences this on a daily basis, especially when it comes to hair. “As a disabled POC, it is very difficult for me [create] different styles with my natural hair because I can’t do it myself,” she tells Refinery29. Lynch was born with type 2 spinal muscular atrophy, a neuromuscular disorder that causes muscle weakness and breathing problems. (Lynch uses a ventilator and an electric wheelchair.)
“There’s a stigma [in beauty] about disabled people – we don’t like looking pretty or attractive, for example – when in reality that’s far from the truth,” she says. “People with disabilities also like to take care of their appearance and packaging would be so much easier [and products] were more approachable.” For now, Lynch chooses to wear her hair in braids for convenience and takes them out to wash her hair with a moisture-restoring shampoo and coconut-scented conditioner when needed.
In addition to accessible packaging and products, representing disabled people in marketing (particularly beauty campaigns) is critical, says Lynch. “[It’s not about] But only with the inclusion of the “model disabled” – we also need people with disabilities of all intersections. So if there’s a hair care ad on TV, it would be amazing to see a disabled POC as an example who is bisexual.” And that’s Lynch’s goal as a beauty and fashion influencer who has nearly half a million followers on TikTok and has nearly 40,000 on Instagram. “I hope to represent those who don’t feel represented.”
With support from Ulta Beauty, Lynch has compiled a list of their favorite accessible hair care products, from ergonomic brushes and quick-heating styling tools to travel-size shampoos and conditioners that get the job done without exhausting their muscles. See (and shop) her favorite hair picks below.
This article originally appeared on Refinery29.com
#1 A wave of hair that heats up in less than a minute
Curling your hair can feel labor intensive and physically demanding, especially when muscles are weak and mobility is limited. So Lynch opts for a styling tool that heats up pretty quickly — and gets the job done — like this three-barrel ceramic waver from Bed Head. “This gets your hair frizzy super fast,” she says, “which is great for those who want to use less energy.” Not only does this tool reach up to 410 degrees in 30 seconds, but it also has a cool tip for easy handling and styling clamps sections of hair for a few seconds.
Bed Head Wave Affair Jumbo 3 Barrel Ceramic Hair Waver, $54.99, available at Ulta Beauty.
#2 A cleverly designed (and multitasking) scalp scrub
Lynch points to this brush (which doubles as a scalp scrub) as an essential tool for quick, painless detangling and smoothing. “Tangle Teezers are very small and light, which means you can quickly brush through hair without feeling any muscle or bone pain,” she says. The innovative winged design works for all hand sizes and won’t slip, while the long and short bristles stimulate the scalp and seamlessly (and painlessly) brush through wet or dry strands with a single stroke.
Tangle Teezer The Scalp Exfoliator & Massager, $10.00, available at Ulta Beauty.
#3 A set of lightweight shower essentials
To avoid energy wastage and muscle fatigue, Lynch loves Pattern’s on-the-go kit, which includes three cult favorites from Tracee Ellis Ross’ three-year-old haircare line. The Hydration Shampoo, Heavy Conditioner, and Leave-In Conditioner (all specially formulated for curly textures) each weigh just three fluid ounces. “They are quite small. So if you don’t have a lot of strength in your hands or you’re feeling weak that day, these bottles aren’t heavy,” says Lynch. Also, “You use less energy with the leave-in conditioner because you don’t have to wash it out.”
Pattern On-the-Go Kit, $24.00, available from Ulta Beauty.
#4 A shampoo brush you won’t drop
While Lynch likes the Tangle Teezer for detangling strands, she calls out this handy shampoo massage brush for an extra deep (and extra soothing) cleanse in the shower. The best part? “You can attach the strap to your wrist [while using it], so you don’t drop it. It makes life so much easier,” she notes. Soft enough to use every day, with or without your favorite shampoo, the soft silicone teeth remove buildup and penetrate the scalp for a deep clean.
Diane Black Shampoo Massage Brush, $7.99, available at Ulta Beauty.
#5 A hair straightener that’s small but powerful
Instead of a straightener that feels heavy, unwieldy and tiring, Lynch calls the mini version of the BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium straightener. “Because it’s a travel-size straightener, it’s a lot easier to get a better grip — and it feels a lot lighter,” she says. At half an inch wide, this tool is slimmer and more portable than other options out there, but it doesn’t skimp on functionality and quickly heats up to 430 degrees.
BaBylissPRO Mini Straightener with Travel Case, $34.99, available at Ulta Beauty.
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