My Top Hair & Makeup Hacks to help make life easier for disabled beauty lovers!
I absolutely adore doing my hair and makeup, but as someone with a disability, it can sometimes be a struggle. Over the years, I’ve discovered a range of tools and techniques that make styling my hair and applying makeup a bit easier and more accessible. In this blog post, I’m sharing my favorite hair and makeup hacks. Hopefully, they’ll help make your beauty routine more manageable too!
Accessible Hair Hacks
Styling hair can be challenging when mobility, strength, or grip are limited. Here are some of my go-to tools and methods:
- Hair Dryer Stand: This was one of the first adaptations I made after becoming disabled. A hair dryer stand holds the dryer for you, so you don’t need to lift or hold it while drying your hair. It allows me to dry my hair independently and is a total game-changer! I had my first one for 5 or 6 years but have recently upgraded to one that clips to my dressing table which was actually made for dog groomers but it’s actually even better!
- Heatless Curls: Heatless curling methods save me so much time and energy compared to using a traditional curling iron. My two favorite techniques are:
- The Sock Method: Grab yourself some fluffy socks and clip them into the lengths of your hair near your scalp. Take the hair from underneath the sock and wrap it round and round. Once you get to the bottom open the sock and cover your hair with the remaining length of it and secure with a hair band and remove the clip.
- Heatless Curler: A fantastic option for creating beautiful curls overnight without the heat damage or the pain of holding a curling iron. I use one from Rehab Your Hair and I love it!
- Spray Can Trigger Tool: Originally designed for painting, this tool makes spray cans (like hairspray, deodorant, or sunscreen) much easier to use. The trigger provides a better grip and reduces strain on your hands. I leave mine attached to my hairspray for easy access. Check out my stories and bio for the link.
Makeup Hacks for Accessibility
Finding accessible makeup tools and techniques has been a journey, but these items make a big difference:
- Cuboid-Shaped Products: Simply designing makeup products to be cuboid in shape makes a huge difference. They don’t roll away when dropped, which is helpful for people with limited mobility or coordination issues.
- Grip Toggles: These fit onto most makeup brushes and hair tools, making them easier to hold and control. They’re perfect for anyone with grip difficulties. You’ll find these linked in my stories and bio.
- Human Beauty: This incredible disabled-owned beauty brand designs products with accessibility in mind. You can use code Jenni10 for 10% off. Some of my favourite products include:
- Lip Scrub and Mask: These come with built-in applicators, making them much easier to use.
- Mascara Wand: Designed to be used in any direction, perfect for people with limited mobility or grip.
- Quickie Stickies by Kohl Kreatives: These stencils make creating makeup looks much easier. They’re especially helpful for applying contour, eyeliner, or even fun shapes, which might otherwise be tricky to achieve independently.
Final Thoughts
These hacks and tools have made such a difference in my ability to enjoy hair and makeup without unnecessary strain or frustration. Accessibility in beauty isn’t just a convenience; it’s empowering. I’d love to hear about your own hair and beauty hacks. Let’s keep sharing and supporting one another to make beauty routines more inclusive for everyone.
