WashU Student Launches “TheHairVault” Vending Machine for Textured Hair Products
Washington University fashion design senior Zariah Taylor has opened "TheHairVault," a vending machine on the WashU campus offering a variety of hair products specifically for students with textured hair, addressing a personal necessity and an unmet need.
St. Louis, MO, September 18, 2026 —
St. Louis, MO – A new vending machine, named “TheHairVault,” has been launched on the Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) campus, aiming to provide essential hair care products tailored for students with textured hair. The initiative was spearheaded by Zariah Taylor, a senior in the university’s fashion design program.
TheHairVault offers a range of hair products specifically curated to meet the needs of students who often face challenges finding suitable options on campus. Taylor identified this venture as a response to both a personal necessity and an unmet need within the student community.
The establishment of TheHairVault addresses a gap in accessible and appropriate hair care resources for students with textured hair, a demographic that has historically encountered limited availability of specialized products in mainstream retail settings. By placing the vending machine directly on campus, Taylor aims to ensure convenience and availability for students.
The specific location of TheHairVault on campus was not provided. Details regarding the exact types of hair products available or the timeline for the vending machine’s operation were also not immediately available. The initiative represents a student-led effort to foster inclusivity and provide practical solutions for everyday needs within the university environment.
Story summarized from the original created by Andrea Y. Henderson on www.stlpr.org, see more information here.
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