Introduction

Dawn Myers recognized a significant gap in the beauty hardware market when it came to textured hair care. After years of enduring lengthy wash days and noticing how few tools were designed for naturally curly hair, she set out to redesign the experience from the ground up.

What Happened

Myers' journey began after watching a Shark Tank pitch that sparked her curiosity about why so few products addressed textured hair needs. She sketched a prototype on a legal pad, combined everyday ingredients at Ace Hardware and CVS, and eventually launched Richualist with its flagship product, Mint. The tool integrates refillable pods, warming technology, and a multi-tasking formula that detangles, conditions, and styles in a single stroke. After years of development, including a collaboration with materials science leader Dow, she secured funding, appeared on Shark Tank, and secured a deal with Mark Cuban and Emma Grede, leading to a Ulta marketplace launch.

Why This Matters

The lack of specialized tools for textured hair has long been overlooked, particularly in the beauty tech sector. Myers' work highlights both a consumer demand and a broader industry blind spot. By reducing wash time, minimizing breakage, and centering textured hair needs, Mint represents a shift toward inclusive product design. Her story also underscores the challenges faced by underrepresented founders in hardware, especially those navigating health battles while building a brand.

Key Takeaways

  • Mint delivers detangling, conditioning, and styling in one stroke using refillable pods and gentle warming tech.
  • Wash time drops from over an hour to 7–10 minutes, with up to 70% less shedding and breakage.
  • The product was developed in partnership with Dow's textured hair care unit, leveraging materials science expertise.
  • Myers faced significant funding hurdles as a Black woman founder in hardware, even liquidating personal assets to get started.
  • A Shark Tank appearance and deal with Cuban and Grede helped scale the brand to Ulta's online platform.

Conclusion

Dawn Myers turned a personal frustration into a breakthrough beauty tech solution that could redefine how textured hair is cared for. With Mint, she's not just shortening wash days—she's challenging decades of industry neglect. As Richualist expands beyond Ulta, the conversation around inclusive hair tech is only just beginning.