The beauty industry has made remarkable strides towards inclusivity and representation, with brands like Fenty Beauty revolutionizing the market with its extensive 40-shade foundation range and Deepica Mutyala’s Live Tinted offering versatile Huesticks for all skin tones since 2017. There has been a noticeable shift towards embracing a diverse array of skin tones, hair textures, genders, ages, and budgets. However, significant gaps remain, particularly in the area of disability representation, which is often overlooked in beauty narratives. This ongoing challenge highlights the need for further progress and awareness in the beauty sector.
Shelby Lynch, a 25-year-old model, influencer, and disability activist from the U.K., encounters these challenges daily, especially regarding her hair care. “As a disabled POC, I find it very difficult to create different styles with my natural hair because I’m unable to do it myself,” she shares with Refinery29. Born with spinal muscular atrophy type 2, a neuromuscular disorder affecting muscle strength and breathing, Lynch utilizes both a ventilator and an electric wheelchair, which complicates her ability to engage in traditional hair styling methods.
Lynch notes a prevalent stigma surrounding disability in the beauty realm, which suggests that disabled individuals do not prioritize their appearance. “There’s a stigma [in beauty] about disabled people — we don’t like to look pretty or attractive, for example — when, in reality, that’s far from the truth,” she emphasizes. “Disabled people like to look after their appearance as well, and it would be so much easier if packaging [and products] were more accessible.” To simplify her routine, Lynch opts for braids, removing them only for washing with a moisture-restoring shampoo and coconut-scented conditioner when necessary.
Beyond accessible packaging and products, Lynch stresses the importance of authentic disability representation in marketing campaigns. “[It’s not about] just including the ‘token disabled person,’ though — we also need disabled people of all intersectionalities. For instance, if there’s a hair-care advert on TV, it would be amazing to see a disabled POC who is bisexual, as an example.” As a beauty and fashion influencer with nearly half a million followers on TikTok and almost 40,000 on Instagram, Lynch aims to amplify the voices of those who feel marginalized or unrepresented in the beauty space.
With the support of Ulta Beauty, Lynch has curated a selection of her favorite accessible hair-care products. This list includes ergonomic brushes, fast-heating styling tools, and travel-sized shampoos and conditioners that effectively meet her needs without exhausting her limited energy. Explore her top hair care picks below to discover how you can enhance your beauty routine with products designed for accessibility.
Quick-Heating Hair Waver for Effortless Styling
Curling your hair can feel labor-intensive and physically taxing, especially when muscle weakness and limited mobility are factors. Therefore, Lynch prefers a styling tool that heats up rapidly and efficiently, such as this three-barrel ceramic waver from Bed Head. “This curls your hair super quickly,” she says, “which is great for those who’d like to use less energy.” This innovative tool not only reaches up to 410 degrees in just 30 seconds, but it also features a cool tip for easy handling, allowing users to clamp sections of hair for optimal styling results.
Bed Head Wave Affair Jumbo 3 Barrel Ceramic Hair Waver, $, available at Ulta Beauty
Multipurpose Scalp Exfoliator and Detangler
Lynch identifies this brush, which also functions as a scalp exfoliator, as an essential tool for achieving quick, pain-free detangling and smoothing. “Tangle Teezers are very small and light, which means you’re able to quickly brush through hair without experiencing any aches or pains on muscles or bones,” she explains. The innovative winged design accommodates all hand sizes and prevents slipping, while the combination of long and short bristles effectively stimulates the scalp, effortlessly brushing through both wet and dry strands in a single motion.
Tangle Teezer The Scalp Exfoliator & Massager, $, available at Ulta Beauty
Lightweight Shower Essentials for Easy Use
To conserve energy and prevent muscle fatigue, Lynch relies on Pattern’s On-the-Go Kit, which includes three popular products from Tracee Ellis Ross’ hair-care line. The Hydration Shampoo, Heavy Conditioner, and Leave-In Conditioner are specifically formulated for curly textures and are conveniently sized at three fluid ounces each. “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,” Lynch explains. Additionally, “the Leave-In Conditioner allows you to exert less energy, as you don’t need to wash it out,” making it an excellent choice for those seeking efficiency in their hair care routine.
Pattern On-the-Go Kit, $, available at Ulta Beauty
![<h2>A shampoo brush you won't drop</h2><br><br>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 won't drop it. It makes life so much easier," she notes. The soft silicone teeth, which remove build-up and penetrate the scalp for a deep clean, are gentle enough to use everyday — with our without your favorite shampoo.<br><br><br><strong>Diane</strong> Black Shampoo Massage Brush, $, available at](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Bvi3swTQKysI_x6uru65nw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTExNTI-/https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/IEkHZ4g_wJZl.5Aa9mxaeg--~B/aD0yNDAwO3c9MjAwMDthcHBpZD15dGFjaHlvbg--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/refinery29_778/b88f5ff01e07d4e8e042e64d39898c85)
Ergonomic Shampoo Brush for Convenient Use
While Lynch appreciates the Tangle Teezer for detangling her hair, she also highlights this innovative shampoo massage brush for achieving an extra deep and soothing cleanse in the shower. One of its standout features is the wrist strap, allowing users to secure the brush while using it, preventing accidental drops. “It makes life so much easier,” she explains. The soft silicone teeth effectively remove product build-up and penetrate the scalp, providing a thorough cleansing experience. This brush is gentle enough for daily use, with or without your favorite shampoo, making it a versatile addition to any hair care routine.
Diane Black Shampoo Massage Brush, $, available at Ulta Beauty
Compact and Powerful Mini Straightening Iron
Instead of struggling with a heavy, cumbersome straightener, Lynch recommends the mini version of the BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium straightening iron. “Because it’s a travel-sized straightener, it’s much easier to get a better grip — and it feels a lot lighter,” she explains. Measuring at half an inch wide, this sleek tool
Sienna Blake is a licensed aesthetic consultant and beauty writer specializing in cosmetic surgery advancements and non-invasive treatments. With a background in dermatology and over eight years of industry experience, Sienna is passionate about helping people achieve confidence through informed beauty decisions. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Health Sciences and regularly collaborates with top plastic surgeons to stay at the forefront of aesthetic innovations. Outside of her work, Sienna enjoys traveling, skincare research, and practicing Pilates.
