Do-It-Yourself Adaptations

for Easier Living with Physical Challenges

Make Up, Polish and More!!
By:
Barb Zerbee & Danielle Karhut
Increasing ability to grasp
Increasing ability to grasp
 Make - Up
Modifications for make-up are as
diverse as the cosmetics themselves

Use of build-ups and non-skid

materials work best to open screw
top products and hold brushes.

Velcro straps can be used to

manage/keep hard-to-open
compacts closed
Make - Up
Make – Up
 Make - Up
Binder clip attached to Paper clip attached to
flip the lid open flip the lid open
 Make -Up

Loop attached to lid to

assist w/ opening
 Make - Up
Actual foam make up sponge Therapy 'Foam' carved as make
up sponges

Paper clip attached to

flip the lid open
 Make – Up / Skin Care
Skinning make up brush Various net sponge styles
attached to typing aide
 Make – Up / Skincare
Net loofah sponge Motorized face scrubber

Paddle handle
net sponge
 Nail Care
Nail File w/ foam Nail file w/ binder
clip

Polish holders
 Grooming/ Oral Care

Flip lids, non-skid surfaces, binder clips, cups with lid/

straw for mouthwash or water
 Grooming – Oral Care

Groove cut into therapy sponge to

hold toothbrush
Electric Toothbrush
Electric Toothbrush
Grooming - Flosser Assist
Shaving
Things to think about
• Cervical precautions
• Neck braces
• Blood thinners

By the time the precautions are

discontinued, functional grasp might
be strong enough
 Hair Dryer Assist

Hair Dryer Stands

Floor or Table Stands or Suction

Dryer Assist
Hairbrush Assist
 Hair Care Assist
Easy hold brushes vs long handled
styles (heavier)
Wide handled hair brushes

Palm hold brushes (pet brushes)

Flat, wide hair brushes
 Be Creative!
• Use resources
– YouTube keywords "grooming," "make up,"
"C 4/5/6 quad", "arthritis", "MS," "limited hand function"
– Other clinicians
– Ask your patient (often they are the best resourceJ)

• Think outside the box (Find your inner MacGyver)

• Trial and error: persistence

 Testimonials

“Being able to do it not only makes you feel

better about yourself but it’s an accomplishment
at the same time”
 Testimonials

“For me it’s what still gives me quality of life,

control and helping me still feel like myself in at
least having that be something I used to do
before and still can since my SCI”
 Testimonials

“It’s insane what having freshly washed

and blow dried hair and makeup can do for the
paralyzed (or any really) soul”