New Hair Tool Reduced Breakage and Styling Time

A new device designed for textured hair aims to cut styling time and reduce shedding for users.

Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Beauty

New Hair Tool Reduced Breakage and Styling Time

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Do you believe the beauty industry currently provides adequate tools for all hair types?

Founder Dawn Myers has launched the Mint hair tool through Ulta after five years of development. The device is designed to detangle, condition, and style textured hair using integrated warming technology and refillable product pods.

Why it matters

The tool addresses a historical lack of hardware specifically engineered for natural hair textures, which have often been overlooked by devices focused solely on straightening. This development offers a new approach to managing textured hair by combining multiple steps into a single stroke.

Internal company research indicates that the Mint hair tool can reduce hair shedding and breakage by up to 70% compared to standard styling. The device, which took five years to develop, cuts the styling process for textured hair to between seven and 10 minutes.

The players

Dawn Myers

The entrepreneur and founder of Richualist who developed the Mint hair tool.

Richualist

A startup company focused on creating innovative hardware solutions for textured hair.

Ulta

A national beauty retailer that carries the Mint hair tool.

Dow

A materials science company that provided engineering and manufacturing guidance for the product.

Mark Cuban

An entrepreneur and investor who provided venture funding for the company.

The details

The Mint hair tool utilizes warming technology and a system of refillable product pods to detangle, condition, and gel hair simultaneously. Developed with engineering and manufacturing guidance from the materials science company Dow, the device is designed to handle the specific needs of natural hair textures. It streamlines the routine by performing in one stroke what typically requires multiple manual steps.

2018: Dawn Myers began sketching the initial business idea.
2022: Founder diagnosed with stage three colorectal cancer.
2023: Founder applied to Shark Tank.
2024: Shark Tank episode featuring the company aired.
October 2026: Startup attended the TechCrunch Disrupt conference.

Health Landscape

This device marks a departure from the historical focus of the beauty hardware industry on hair-straightening tools by prioritizing the needs of natural textures. It represents a shift toward specialized engineering in consumer hair care.

If you have textured hair, this device may offer a faster way to style your hair while potentially reducing breakage. Because hair health needs vary by individual, it is worth discussing your specific hair care routine and any breakage concerns with your stylist or dermatologist.

The takeaway

This tool highlights the move toward more inclusive hair care technology that aims to reduce physical trauma to the hair. Individuals with textured hair can monitor their hair breakage and shedding levels to see if changing their styling tools makes a noticeable difference in their hair health.