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Literally throwing in the towel, I returned home from the gym to my drawing board a.k.a.
Chloe Toscano
Born with naturally rebellious hair, I rarely found styling easy even with two arms.
TheFrench braidsI used to rely on became impossible for me to do on my own.
As hairstylistMichael RockafellowtellsAllure, developing skills in the one-armed hairstyling arena is more than possible.
My residual limb is just long enough so that I can hold the attachment of the Dyson Airwrap under my armpit while I release the base with my right hand.
The St. Louis-based stylist, born with one arm, pursued his passion of becoming a hairstylist.
That [thought] kicked my confidence down," shares Rockafellow.
But despite being told it wouldn’t be possible, he has overcome most obstacles with practice and adaptations.
Unable to grip with her left hand, Porter utilizes a wall to secure her hair while braiding.
Search for products that make showering hassle-free.
For me, accessibility shouldn’t come at the cost of quality.
If you like using your feet or knees as an aid.
…and smaller towels.
Instead, seek out smaller towels that are made specifically for drying hair.
Kitsch
Kitsch Quick Dry Hair Towel
Opt for multi-use heat styling tools.
That’s whymulti-use toolscan be so helpful.
Porter also recommends theChi Volumizer 4-in-1 Blowout Brushas another option.
My residual limb is just long enough so that I can hold the attachment of the Dyson Airwrap under my armpit while I release the base with my right hand.
My personal favorites combine form with function.
TheDyson Airwrapcomes with attachments foreverything(curling,straightening, drying,round brushes, etc.)
and unlike some tools with interchangeable attachments, these are very easy to swap out.
Courtesy of Chloe Toscano
Experiment with accessories that mix form and function.
Making my hair look “special” was another aspect that I grappled with post-accident.
Hair clips were one of my first and forever saviors.
I don’t care if I wind up with 20 colorful clips at any given time!
I takethis multi-packwith me everywhere I go.
It’s like bobby pins, but more fun.
I love theSlip Silk Scrunchiesbecause they offer a lot of stretch and come in a variety of thicknesses.
Oversize scrunchies are also a really accessible option: the KitschBrunchorDinnerscrunchies are two of my favorites.
But I came up with a masterful solution to this: using a couch for leverage.
I can use its arm as a substitute for my missing arm while I work to gather my hair.
Check out thispostfor the full video tutorial and see how I like to use some of my favorite productshere.
Rest assured: you’ll find what works best for you.
Courtesy of Chloe Toscano
If the couch isn’t working out, try it with a wall or the edge of a bed.
In the end, any adaptation that works foryouis an adaptation that works.
You’ve got this!
Chloe Toscano
More on accessibility and inclusion in beauty:
Now, watch Molly Burke review beauty product packaging:
