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I’m known in my circle of friends as being somewhat of an overly image-conscious gal (it’s not a bad thing, mind you; just the truth). So when I broke my neck at age 14 and experienced three years of depression afterwards, (literally halting my desire to look good in any capacity), my friends and family didn’t recognize me.

Thankfully, the cloud of depression eventually lifted and by the time I hit age 18, I was once again the fashion diva, makeup-loving gal of yore. I had come back into my own, if you will. But everything was harder in my new world of making my outward appearance look good. I realized it took a lot more effort and patience to do everything, from putting on jeans to getting my hair cut and colored at my favorite salon. It was harder, and it wasn’t fair.

So, since I was a C6 quad and unable to move in and out of my wheelchair on my own, I had to develop a way of getting my hair washed (which I either did at home before I went into the salon, or brought an aide with me who could lift me into the shampoo chair) to do the essential step in getting one’s hair colored: the post hair-coloring shampoo and conditioner rinse.

I always wished an accessible, adjustable shampoo bowl would be invented and mass-produced so salons nationwide would have at least one bowl that I could just back up to, lean my head back, and voilà, get my hair washed without any hassle, directly from my wheelchair. It was a dream I thought I’d never see until last month.

Dave Shusterich, the president of Adjust-a-Sink, e-mailed me after seeing an article about my blog in a local newspaper. He knew I used a wheelchair and cared about how I looked, and he wanted me to try out his product: an adjustable, wheelchair-accessible shampoo bowl. I was astounded that such a thing existed! Of course I agreed and visited an area salon to see if this bowl was not only functional, but comfortable and something I’d recommend. I fell in love. It was the coolest invention I’ve come across in years that was specifically intended to make the life of a wheelchair-user easier.

How It Works

• The sink has a black, sleek design and pretty much looks like any other shampoo bowl, except that it sits a bit higher on the wall.
• The stylist controls the height of the sink with an easy, hydraulic-controlled, foot-pedal; all the stylist needs to do is lightly pump with one foot to raise the sink or lower it to the desired level, offering a 12-inch variable in height change. (Editor’s Note: this change needs to be checked with the author. I didn’t understand her 3½ ?? “radius” reference; the website said 12 inches height adjustability; therefore I inserted that info instead.).
• At the front and center of the sink is a cut-out for the neck; once the sink is perfectly situated under your neck (which can take a few minutes, because getting the proper placement is key), all that’s left to do is arch your head back and enjoy the shampoo.

I talked with the stylist during the shampooing, and he commented how awesome the sink was for the stylist as well. Instead of being hunched over, he could now stand almost upright while doing the wash. The new sink is a huge boon to both the client and the stylist! If the stylist isn’t experiencing back pain, you’re much more likely to get a better and longer shampoo.

Lastly, and perhaps the most important factor is anyone can use it. It’s not just for wheelchair users. A regular chair can just as easily be pulled up in front of it.

For more information, visit www.adjustasink.com.

Want to read more about adjustable and accessible sinks? See Accessible Bathrooms: Sinks, Counters, and Controls.