🦁 Her hair can’t be combed — literally. 10-year-old Shyla from Australia has a rare condition that gives her a wild, fluffy “lion’s mane,” and it’s made her an Instagram sensation 😲 With only about 100 known cases in the world, her look is one in a million. See the latest photos in the article below 👇
Ten-year-old Shyla Calvert-Yin from Australia has already become an Instagram star. Her fame comes from a very rare genetic condition that affects her hair, making it dry, straight, and nearly impossible to comb or style.
Experts say that the “uncombable hair syndrome” often starts showing signs in early childhood and may improve or even disappear by the time a child reaches puberty. So far, only around one hundred confirmed cases of this condition have been recorded worldwide. However, researchers believe it could be more common—just not everyone realizes they have it. Interestingly, this hair issue is found only in people with very light-colored hair.
Shyla’s Instagram account is run by her parents. They regularly share pictures of her, along with helpful tips and personal stories about how they manage her unique hair, which they lovingly call her “lion’s mane.”
The changes in Shyla’s hair didn’t show up right away. She was born with dark hair, but within weeks, strange, stiff, pale-colored strands started growing. These hairs stuck out in all directions and couldn’t be brushed down. Eventually, they replaced her baby hair completely, making her look like a fluffy dandelion. It’s worth noting that this wild hair only grew until she was about two years old—since then, the length hasn’t changed. While doctors say it’s a genetic condition, Shyla’s parents say no one in their family has ever had anything like it.
Shyla has known her hair is special since she was four years old, when other children started pointing it out. But with lots of love and support from her parents, she never felt embarrassed or different in a bad way. Instead, she sees herself as one-of-a-kind—just like a magical unicorn.
The only thing that bothers the family is when strangers act too curious. Sometimes people walk right up to Shyla on the street, ask questions, or even try to touch her hair without asking.
Luckily, her parents have learned to stay calm and kind in these situations. They take the time to explain the condition so more people can understand what it is.
Every morning, Shyla’s parents work together to take care of her hair. The routine takes about 20 minutes. They use gentle hair products, a wide-tooth comb, and a hair dryer. Her dad usually helps style her big, fluffy hair.
Her parents started her Instagram account mainly to help Shyla feel confident. Thanks to the support and interaction she gets online, she knows she’s not alone in dealing with daily hair care or the curious reactions from others.
