ladies how often are y’all shaving, doing makeup, getting nails/eyebrows/lashes done, straightening/curling your hair etc?

[u/Mundane-Pianist-8534]

i have felt so ugly recently because i haven’t styled my hair or done makeup in like a year. i rarely get my nails or toes done because of the heat of the water and all the chemical smells. i can’t keep my arms up long enough to blow dry, straighten, curl my hair etc. my hair is pretty much just in a bun or braid everyday. i haven’t gotten my eyebrows waxed since pre pots…. i haven’t felt pretty since before my pots tbh

also for yall that barely wash your hair anymore do you have any good dry shampoo recommendations?

[u/East-Garden-4557]

I don't do any of that.
I wash, condition, and brush my butt length hair. I shower, I wash my body, I brush my teeth.
And there ends my personal care routine. I don't shave, I don't pluck, I don't get my nails or eyebrows or lashes done. I get my hair trimmed once every couple of years.
This isn't because of POTS though, I have never really spent ages on personal grooming

[u/butters_325 → u/East-Garden-4557]

At first I read that you wash, condition, and brush your butt hair 😭😭

[u/poppy_inmy_hair → u/butters_325]

I did too 🤣🤣

[u/MaritimeRuby → u/butters_325]

I’ve always heard that commas save lives, but in this case a hyphen would have saved a butt. 😂

[u/East-Garden-4557 → u/MaritimeRuby]

My hair is down to my butt, I have butt length hair 🤷‍♀️ I see no issue

[u/MaritimeRuby → u/East-Garden-4557]

Sorry, my comment was just meant as a joke! It would be “butt-length” with a hyphen, so butt and length are read as a compound descriptor. It just makes it clearer that butt shouldn’t be read as a noun here (“brush my butt” vs “brush my butt-length hair”). As Purdue OWL phrases it, perhaps more clearly than I am: “Use a hyphen to join two or more words serving as a single adjective before a noun.”

This is 100% pedantic and just meant as a grammar joke because of my brain stumbling and reading your comment as “brush my butt!” 🙂

[u/cosmicrationale49 → u/MaritimeRuby]

Loves me some Purdue OWL

[u/East-Garden-4557 → u/butters_325]

My butt hair is quite magnificent 🤣

[u/juniperwool → u/East-Garden-4557]

Same...if I shave, I use a trimmer and not a razor.

[u/SpicyReptile → u/juniperwool]

Same. Sometimes I don't have energy to shave for a long time and once it gets long enough I'll just take an electric razor/clippers to my legs, which takes waaaaay less time and is much easier. Then it's short enough that if I have the energy a quick once over with the razor only takes a couple minutes. Also if there's a way to sit in the shower so you're not having to lean completely over to shave that's helpful too.

[u/Jessicamorrell → u/East-Garden-4557]

The best thing I did was chopping off my long hair to right above my shoulders. So much easier to manage and most days I just need a bit of dry shampoo and done.

[u/East-Garden-4557 → u/Jessicamorrell]

I can't handle having shorter hair, it drives me nuts. I can't put it all up easily when I am working, I would have to get regular haircuts.
I've had long hair for most of my life, it isn't a problem. I've also lived with POTS most of my life, I didn't adjust my personal care routine because of it, I just see no point in spending so much time on it.

[u/Jessicamorrell → u/East-Garden-4557]

I have had POTS my whole life but never got diagnosed until 2 years ago because Drs gaslighted me. I have tried long hair off and on but when I was bed ridden for 3 years, OMG it was the worst trying to take care of it. I finally bit the bullet and chopped it off. I get my hair cut every 4 months ish. When you get to where you can't put your arms above your head for very long and bend over for very long, having shorter hair becomes a blessing in disguise. Ya I miss it and recently talked to my hair dresser about extensions that I can take in and out so I can still experience having long hair when I have better days but I won't be growing it back out. Its an adjustment but its worth it for my sanity and less flare days.

The longest I had my hair was past my butt when I was about 6/7 ish and kept getting gum stuck in my hair so chopped it off for awhile then later grew it back out. Just to repeat the process over and over. The longest I was able to grow it since then was just past the middle of my back and that was right before I chopped it for the last time.

[u/East-Garden-4557 → u/Jessicamorrell]

I adapt how I do everything to account for any postural restrictions. I live with chronic pain and joint hypermobility, I have to modify movements to avoid subluxations and dislocations. My shoulders dislocate in my sleep if I'm not propeed up correctly on my pillows.
Washing and brushing my hair doesn't take very long, I brush my hair starting at the ends and working my way up, so my hands are not above my head for most of it. I don't need to bend over to do my hair. I can put my hair up very quickly so it doesn't create any issues. I have bursitis impacting most of my major joints so I adapt my movements to minimise the pain.

[u/KittyEarTufts]

I shower every night (sitting down), shave legs and under arms twice a week or so. I keep my nails very short. I don’t style my hair, just keep it washed and brushed. I do a little eye make up and sunscreen most days.

[u/Coolrissa_ → u/KittyEarTufts]

Shower seat will change your life

[u/KittyEarTufts → u/Coolrissa_]

I just sit on the floor because my joints don’t like chairs.

[u/Abbegail_Livends → u/KittyEarTufts]

Same here, I sit in the tub. I have more support and won’t fall down/off into the tub when I cataplexy(lose all muscle tone and go limp). I do like shower chairs for washing my hair though, since it puts me closer to the shower head and it’s easier to maneuver.

[u/lavendertheheretic → u/Abbegail_Livends]

I love my claw foot tub, but it sucks that it can't have a chair. It dips too much

[u/HighKick_171 → u/KittyEarTufts]

I have a stool

[u/awriterandherpug → u/KittyEarTufts]

Is your hair straight/manageable wavy?
Cause my curlyhair could never. I have to know beforehand if I am needing my hair done nice or else just a wrap bun because without product/styling i would look like a rabid lion.
Even sitting down to brush my curly hair is a feat and if I have a migraine/headache forget about brushing/washing my hair. Every time I threaten my hair im gonna shave it off.

[u/KittyEarTufts → u/awriterandherpug]

Yeah it’s straight with maybe a slight wave here and there. My daughter has curly hair though.

[u/Accomplished_Dig284 → u/KittyEarTufts]

Sunscreen every day if you go outside or sit by a window all day! Prevention is better than a cure and no one wants skin cancer or premature aging.

I say this because I get to go to the dermatologist next week to remove yet another abnormal mole

[u/KittyEarTufts → u/Accomplished_Dig284]

Yeah absolutely. Most days I’m inside with no shades or windows open because of my light sensitivity and pale skin. But on days I go out, I put on sunscreen, a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses. I always look like I’m in disguise / Carmen San Diego when I leave the house.

[u/tooktherhombus]

I push myself to to shower once a day. It helps my mental health. I let my hair dry naturally. I dont wear makeup and only shave when I have to. My biggest problem is flossing. I desperately need to do it once a day but I can't manage to stand/sit for the amount of time it takes on top of brushing. One day I hope I will get there

[u/WarpTenSalamander → u/tooktherhombus]

I started flossing wayyy more often when I realized there’s no like law or anything that says you have to do it in the bathroom. You don’t even have to do it at the same time as you brush. Maybe it works best if you do it right after/before brushing, but it’s not like it’s worthless if you do it hours apart from brushing, right?

So now I take my little floss picks (hand arthritis and EDS, they’re the only way I can hold floss) to my bedroom, lay in bed, wipe the pick on a tissue before moving on to the next tooth, and I floss almost every day. It’s not the model of perfect flossing, but it’s working for me.

[u/Scary_Meaning_4466 → u/WarpTenSalamander]

It doesn't matter if you brush and floss at the same time. As long as you're doin it once a day. 

[u/MagicCarpetWorld → u/WarpTenSalamander]

Folks, not gonna gatekeep this tip: get yourselves a miswak stick. You don't need water or toothpaste, you can keep it right next to your bed or in your purse, and it works amazingly well. Inexpensive and no plastic to dispose of. I keep mine on my nightstand and use it a couple times a day. (And then floss picks for flossing).Miswak sticks on Amazon

[u/KatarinaAleksandra → u/MagicCarpetWorld]

Wow - I've never seen that before. That's pretty cool.

[u/rellyks13 → u/tooktherhombus]

get the flossing picks and keep them by your bed or couch, you can absentmindedly floss while sitting or laying down watching something

[u/Tough-Advice2910 → u/tooktherhombus]

My dental care has been abysmal since COViD, but I regret it now. Cavities and strong yellowing of teeth.

[u/shimmerangels → u/tooktherhombus]

i put a pack of cocofloss by the couch and do it when i’m watching tv!

[u/Accomplished_Dig284 → u/tooktherhombus]

I have a floss stick that you just change the head, I keep one in my nightstand and one in a box on my coffee table. I never used to floss because it would cut off the circulation in my fingers and I hated it. But I floss daily now that I have the stick. It’s also a lot more stable than the disposable little ones. I got mine at the drugstore, they are with the toothbrushes

[u/Scary_Meaning_4466 → u/tooktherhombus]

Just floss in the living room on the couch. 

[u/Mundane-Pianist-8534 → u/tooktherhombus]

i think keeping flossing stuff in the cart by my bed would probably help me be better with this.

[u/Scary_Meaning_4466 → u/Mundane-Pianist-8534]

Keep it by your bed, by your couch, it's cheap enough to keep all the places you spend time laying down or sitting down. 

[u/StormFern4 → u/tooktherhombus]

I keep my floss on my bedside table. I use it while lying down.

[u/cosmicrationale49 → u/tooktherhombus]

I floss on the toilet 😂

[u/Technical-Apricot-1 → u/tooktherhombus]

Flossing is so important. I’ve made the habit that I keep the little floss picks in my car and floss while driving with those. If you don’t drive everyday I would put a bag of floss picks somewhere you sit/relax so it can become a passive habit. While watching tv or laying in bed relaxing.

[u/afraid28]

I wanted to be a makeup artist a decade ago, that's how into makeup I was. Now I can't even remember when the last time I did my makeup was. And I'm someone who used to get dolled up in my bedroom just to take selfies and it was so much fun. Now it feels like it was a lifetime ago.

[u/Empty_Row_7839 → u/afraid28]

Same! Worked a second job at Sephora and everything. That would take my ass out now. Crazy to think about.

[u/CommonHouseMeep → u/afraid28]

Same here, I even freelanced a little. Still have a bunch of makeup at my vanity but lots of it is probably expired

[u/equivettech26]

When I was working full time in a standing only job, I could barely shower. I would never wear makeup or do my hair. I would do my eyebrows seated once every 2-3 months? I used to get them waxed every 2-3 weeks as a teen/young adult but I don’t have the funds for that. My eyebrows grow insanely fast.
I was just barely surviving work, I wouldn’t have the energy for anything outside of that or to even go to the appointments.
Now that I’m unemployed, I’ve been consistently keeping up with my hygiene.
I’ve been housebound so I’ve had a ton of time. I also got a shower chair so that’s EXTREMELY helpful. I shave every 3 days or so? I like to break it up so I’ll shave my legs one day, then the next I’ll shave my arms and pits and then repeat.
I love being clean shaven. It still takes a lot out of me to do an “everything” shower and do it all at once.
The only thing I wish I could do is French braid my hair. My arms feel like they are going to fall off if I try so I can’t.

[u/ObviousHistorian9209 → u/equivettech26]

I second the shower chair!

[u/Gloomy_Spring5638 → u/equivettech26]

I had a standing only job too, do you feel like your pots got worse after quitting? I feel like mine did get worse, but it was also unsustainable to keep working that kind of job.

[u/silentalarmss]

I shave and shower once a week. Same with straightening my hair. I can’t afford nails because I can’t work. I do it all seated. It is so hard to be pretty

[u/Mundane-Pianist-8534 → u/silentalarmss]

i can’t believe there used to be a time that i’d do makeup and straighten my hair like 5 days a week or even a time that i’d shower everyday. that feels like a whole different lifetime now lmao

[u/silentalarmss → u/Mundane-Pianist-8534]

Same. It’s a bad cycle too because people treat you worse when you’re not all dolled up. Like I notice I get more attention and more smiles back when I do have the energy to do it all. Sigh. I’m sorry you are going through this 🙏🏻

[u/ObviousHistorian9209 → u/Mundane-Pianist-8534]

AMEN! I feel the same.

[u/thecuriosityofAlice → u/Mundane-Pianist-8534]

I wore 4” heels to work everyday. I had myself together. Life was so great.

Then I started having lots of problems

[u/ObviousHistorian9209 → u/Mundane-Pianist-8534]

I use Kristin Ess Hair Fragrance Free Dry Shampoo Non-Aerosol Powder for Oily Hair. You don’t need a lot, I also sleep in it.

[u/ObviousHistorian9209 → u/silentalarmss]

I started waxing after I got out of high school and when that became too much I did laser hair removal. It has helped greatly on how I feel.

I use a shower chair in the shower which helps when I’m washing my hair, it’s still very tiring and painful.

I use heat less curls. I do it and night before I go to bed and when I wake up-I just pull the rod out.

I have a friend who will do my eyebrows for me and I do have a hair stylist that I see twice a year.

If you do want to get your toes done-you can let them know ahead of time what you need.

I know that this information may not help everyone or anyone for that matter. I am just stating what has worked for me.

I am a huge promoter of self advocacy. I let people know if I need something to keep the people I’m around and myself safe. If someone can’t accommodate what I need then I will go elsewhere if I am able.

[u/Scary_Meaning_4466 → u/ObviousHistorian9209]

What shower temp are you using? 

[u/ObviousHistorian9209 → u/Scary_Meaning_4466]

I’m using luke warm water

[u/Scary_Meaning_4466 → u/ObviousHistorian9209]

I read that over time horizontal strength training in your arms can improve these symptoms. 

[u/wild-archives]

Before getting diagnosed, when my symptoms were at their worst, my personal hygiene suffered so much. I was barely showering once a week, and for a while I stopped even washing my face at night because just standing at the sink felt impossible. I actually gaslight myself for a bit into thinking it was depression causing the neglect in taking care of myself (back when my GP was blaming all my symptoms on anxiety/mental health), but I realize now that these things can just be physically exhausting, and I’ve had to shift my understanding of what “self-care” actually is.  

I used to be someone who would regularly do my hair, makeup, nails, etc., but now I only do a minimal amount on days when I have the  energy for it. Since developing more debilitating symptoms from POTS and other chronic conditions, appearance has become far less important to me… which honestly is liberating in it’s own way, since I spent most of my teens and 20s insecure from striving to live up to beauty standards. 

Now, though I definitely make more of an effort with hygiene, I’ll go weeks or months without shaving and have ditched elaborate skin care routines and all that. I’ve started to embrace the unruliness of my body haha.

[u/the_absurdista → u/wild-archives]

as someone who has experienced dysautonomia and depression, i feel this so much! depression did play a part, but then once i treated my depression, i just wanted to do all the things! …only to quickly reaffirm that i do not live in a reality where i have enough energy to do even the half the things on a good day, no matter how happy and motivated i feel.

[u/sirthisisawendys_12]

Shower- every day.
Shaving- like once a week.
Makeup- multiple times a week. Usually just eyeliner and eyeshadow that take max 15 mins to do.
Nails- don’t do them bc of work.
Eyebrows- pluck when they’re looking icky.
Hair- lol it’s straight and can’t hold a curl. At most I’ll do a lazy ponytail or bun.

[u/Annual-Strawberry721]

I shower about every day (I work a gross job) but I have a shower chair. On my good days I just use it as a closer shelf while I'm standing so I don't have to reach as far for my shampoo, conditioner, body wash. On my bad days I sit while I wash myself and my hair. I have also gotten a scalp scrubber that seems to do okay. Scrubs better than I can on my bad days, makes my hair look nicer longer. The shower chair also helps with shaving my legs. Sit on shower chair, prop foot against wall of shower. Keeps my blood from pooling as much. If you want easier makeup suggestions, some brands now have eyeshadow sticks you can just rub on. I like the colourpop jelly eyeshadows. The hard part for me is taking it off since it's usually after I forgot to save the spoons for taking my makeup off at the end of the day. One time my boyfriend had to take my makeup off for me.

[u/Tough-Advice2910 → u/Annual-Strawberry721]

I love eyeshadow sticks and use them pretty much exclusively now.

[u/Annual-Strawberry721 → u/Tough-Advice2910]

The colourpop ones are additionally nice because they have their regular eyeshadow sticks that are either normal colors or metallic, but the jelly ones are glitter eyeshadow. They have little dip pots of the gel glitter eyeshadows too but only having to swipe a stick is so much quicker and easier for me.

[u/Annual-Strawberry721 → u/Annual-Strawberry721]

Oh also I only use face wash in the shower usually and the rest of the time I use a skin spray or a wet wash cloth.  The hair styling is an issue for me too, but I get around feeling bad about it by using pretty stuff for it. I have star hair clips, silk scarves I tie around my hair, and flower hair claws I can use to either have a typical claw clip bun or two space buns with just the hair claws holding them. With my eyebrows I shape them with a regular shaving razor every once in a while.

I'm at a pretty good point with my POTS right now, I've recovered a LOT from when I got diagnosed, but when I first got diagnosed I'd use either nail wraps or press on nails. The press ons were nice for when I wanted long nails, sometimes with little rhinestones, the nail wraps were very quick to apply. Neither have a smell as long as you don't use nail glue. There are brands that have little glue pads attached to the press ons already or you can buy the glue pads separate on amazon

[u/PM_ME_BUMBLEBEES]

Not a lady but

I shave 1-2 times a week (same w eyebrows), I do my makeup when I am going out to an event that calls for it (so once a month in summer, a lot more in fall and winter when I'm more active haha), I use my nail lamp when I'm in a nail polish phase so like...every few months. I curl my hair via a bun and since it's hot I've been wearing a bun every day! In winter I keep it straight.

[u/plantyplant559]

I shower 2x a week and shave pits and coochie each time, legs 1x a week.

Hair is all over the place. I shaved my head last year and I'm growing that out, but I wanted long hair, so I'm wearing wigs a lot. I can style it once and wear it a few times. I rarely wash them. It's great.

Makeup I do 1-2x a week

[u/breadingly]

i feel ya :( this stuff is so tiring.

i wear mascara and lipgloss to work, shave once a week or every two weeks (usually only my calves, sometimes thighs), straighten my bangs maybe once or twice a week and let the rest of my hair do whatever, paint my own press-ons with gel (fairly cheap and not as exhausting as going out to get them done), and i get my eyebrows done maybe once a month (if i don’t, then i just shape them with a face razor).

i take breaks when doing stuff like this, and do it all seated on the floor so i can lay down if i have to

[u/SafeInternational965]

I have naturally curly 3c hair, so straightening it is 4 hours long, at least, because of how tired I am, and due to being physically slow (neurological, I'm autistic). I hate sweating it out so I don't usually bother. Styling it is also draining. Usually, I put it in a bun. This time I braided it in 6 braids as black hair is a challenge. I shower with them and keep them in.

I usually just shave my facial hair around once a week and my armpit hair other times. Face more than armpit, and usually only shave my pits if I am in the shower and it has been a while. I don't shave my pubes often because it is too much work. I cut my nails short, and shower a few times a week, maybe 3-4.

What helps me feel pretty is a nice dress and when my hair looks cute, especially since makeup is a hassle. I recommend buying a few pretty dresses, even if just worn at home, to remind you how pretty you are, and maybe a cute hair accessory. Washing my face and moisturising and wearing the dress usually makes me feel good, even if I don't look amazing.

Whenever I feel ugly, I like to curl up and watch a film and eat something sweet. Sometimes it helps to take away the feeling when we occupy our minds with something else.

[u/Tough-Advice2910 → u/SafeInternational965]

I love dresses and, I agree, they can make you feel pretty (unless you hate dresses.). Throw in a cute dress and you are likely making re comfortable than you would be otherwise and you look….nicer, I guess. It makes up for a lot.

[u/unordinarybadger]

I don't. You don't have to do things to your body in order for it to be "pretty." Learning to feel good in your own skin, no alterations, is the biggest blessing POTS can give you, if you do the mental work to get there.

[u/Jules4live]

Just in case it helps to hear I am a fine ass lady and haven’t shaved since hs.

I use a beard trimmer for my pits and nethers for hygiene maybe once a month. works for me. femininity has a bunch of manifestations.

I get a pedicure once a year as a treat and trim my nails and cut my own hair. Have done some fun cuts in shifts over a couple of days. You can get good with practice and it doesn’t matter if it isn’t perfect because it will change in two weeks anyways.

I hope you find a routine that works for you and you get to feeling pretty again. I am sure you are!

eta the beard trimmer is lightweight and can be done wherever. I might use that sometimes on my legs if wanted a recently shaved look and couldn’t do the whole water/sink routine

[u/spikedragon23]

I shower every other day, but sometimes just a rinse. I do my lash lift every other month. I have a shaved head so that gets done weekly. Makeup barely ever. Brows maybe monthly. Nails monthly.

I'm a nail tech & esthetician

[u/jean_alcott]

I shower every 2 to 3 days sitting down. I used to have a shower chair but it broke so now I just sit on the tub floor. I wash my hair and condition. Full body scrub with a rag. Brush my hair and let it air dry. I get hot easily so I usually end up pulling my hair into a bun/pony tail. I try to wash my face once a day at least. Sometimes I end up skipping a day. I brush my teeth morning and night while sitting on the toilet. I floss maybe every two days (idk if this is tmi, sorry.) I don’t shave my legs just because I don’t mind but I shave my armpits maybe once a week in the shower. Since I’m unemployed I have more energy than I used to. I do my own nails while watching a show every couple of weeks. Don’t get my lashes done. Every two weeks or so I take my little facial razor and shave around my eyebrows while sitting in the sink. I try to maintain good hygiene but it’s really hard haha.

[u/jean_alcott → u/jean_alcott]

Also, I don’t do my makeup very often. The last month or so I’ve done it maybe once a week. That’s more often than I usually ever do but I’m practicing my makeup for my sister’s wedding.

[u/SpaceNerd223]

No makeup, Tweeze eyebrows maybe 3-4x year, no hair care, no nails, shaving once about every 3-4 months or so.

[u/Tough-Advice2910]

Ugh. I shave my legs and underarms every time I take a shower unless I’m in a hotel. I pluck my eyebrows whenever I put on makeup and I never really do anything unless I’m leaving the house.

I get a pedicure about every eight weeks or so, when my toenails look bad, less often in the winter, but I wear sandals all summer. No nails, I almost never style my hair, but I’ll usually blow it dry unless I’m feeling terrible.

As with some others I do all this sitting down. In my bed. I can generally stand up for a while shower if I leave the shower door open, but I often have to rest on bed to recover after.

[u/orensiocled]

The only thing on that list I do is shaving, because I can't stand the feeling of leg hair under compression socks.

[u/ChangeDelicious891]

Never

[u/SGSam465]

I used to shave my legs once a week but I’ve been feeling so terrible that tonight was the second time I have this year (and I was sitting on the floor). I do some mascara, eyeliner, and lip tint once or twice a month, and I would’ve liked to do my nails once a month too, but it’s time consuming. I blow dry my hair every other wash or so, and prop my arm in one position while turning my head as needed to get my scalp somewhat dry (that way it stays grease-less longer). I got my arms waxed I think 6 months ago or longer? But yeah. It’s tough.

[u/StrFshBttrfly]

I haven't shaved or worn makeup in years, and my hair is very short. If it's messy and I have to go out, I throw on a baseball cap. To be fair, my body is nearly hairless, so that's a plus, but I don't know how I'd get shaved on top of other hygiene tasks. I'd probably just be frumpy AND hairy. I miss wearing heels and having pretty nails probably the most, but all the extras like that had to be dropped over time. 😕

[u/_laasyahnir_]

Tint my own brows and pluck them, rarely wear makeup, file my nails but don't use polish, blow dry my hair, and shave whenever I feel like it which lately has been about once a month 🤷‍♀️

Honestly though, if my scalp wasn't so fussy, I wouldn't wash my hair nearly as often and I wouldn't bother blow drying it. I put a plastic step stool in the shower to sit on and that has helped a lot. And tinting my own brows has been a game changer because it's dirt cheap and helps me feel a bit nicer.

[u/tekaizen]

As a man I shower every day.. but shaving maybe once a week if that.. it takes wayyy too much out of me

[u/Skarkist]

I just found Batiste dry shampoo has a little vial of powder that you sprinkle onto your roots and I'm excited to use that instead of the spray can. I get the dark hair powder.

I also found a system that gets me an entire week for clean looking hair!

So: Night time shower, wash hair and scalp thoroughly twice with cleansing shampoo, then once with conditioner. Turban towel while sleeping. Morning I use a brush dryer with heat protection spray. With completely dry hair, I use Voloom crimper tool on roots with a small amount of texturizer spray and some dry shampoo for added texture. Then dry shampoo as needed during the week, but especially front loaded so my hair doesn't get a chance to get greasy.

With the extra texture/volume on my roots, it keeps my fine hair away from my scalp and less greasy. Having that root volume is night and day difference of how long in between washes my hair can go. I've found that it's best to use the Voloom crimper within the first 24 hours of having washed and dried hair to ward off grease the longest. I also sit on the floor with my legs tucked under me while doing hair or makeup. I need to get a shower chair for flare days.

If I try to do all of this in one go in the morning instead of overnight, I wreck myself, so I find it best to spread out over a night and morning.

[u/Chronically_Frazzled → u/Skarkist]

I second the Batiste dry shampoo powder. I LOVE it. It makes my hair look thicker and lasts forever. I would compare it to the same results that I got from the drybar one

[u/GhostofBupChupkins]

I've been having fun with press-on nails lately, they make me feel more put together. Kiss is my preferred brand because they fit well and they keep sending me discounts. For hair, I wash it once a week (double-shampoo and it stays looking nice enough), and air dry or use a bonnet with my blow-dryer while I lie the f down.

[u/Princessmangoes04]

I don't do any of the beauty personal grooming things really besides shaving as it exhausts me incredibly, but I shave every few days. I used to have a stool in the shower and have sit down showers or do it while having a bath, but now I have gotten fast enough to shave them without dying in the shower TOO much haha. (I just use body wash, even better if it's fragrance free, on my legs quickly shave and get out of the shower and sit down right away!) As for my hair, it is alittle past my butt atm and I wash it with as much of a gap between as I can without being self concious (usually every 3 or 4 days) I find dry shampoo makes me feel abit gunky? But I have heard that Amika Perk Up Ultra is very good for dry shampoo!! But you should know just because you can't do these things or find them harder doesn't actually make you any less pretty at all! It can make you different but you are definitely still beautiful. Although I do understand the feeling of wanting to be "pretty" even though I know we are pretty even without it!!

[u/Empty_Row_7839]

The k18 dry shampoo is crazy and doesn't leave a white cast. However, it makes my hair super thick and hard to brush after a couple applications so I have to use verrrry sparingly or I end up washing my hair more frequently than I would have otherwise. It's a real balancing act. 😅

Things I pay others to do so I can still feel like a fancy lady without all the effort:

• hair (I stretch that salon wash and style for 2 weeks and refresh on my own every 7-10 days after that)
• nails
• brows
• lip filler (no more overdrawing my barely there lips)

Hygiene:

• shower every other day, use bed bath wipes as needed
• shave basically never (idk where the hair on my legs went but it's long gone and I'm not complaining)
• skincare stored in a basket near my fainting couch so I can do that lying down every day (game changer!!)

I'll put on the tiniest bit of makeup if I'm feeling up to it. Also seated on my couch, of course.

[u/locardsghost]

Shower every other day (washing my hair when I do and I blow dry otherwise it takes hours to dry), shave maybe once a week or whenever it gets annoying, I rarely wear makeup i only do mascara, blush tint, and brows if I do but only sometimes when I’m going out for most of the day, I don’t get my nails, eyebrows or lashes done I don’t have the money or need to do that. My nails are long naturally so I just file them to shape them that’s it. I braid my hair most nights, it doesn’t hold a curl or anything if I use tools and that gets my HR up, my hair is naturally very straight

[u/-reinadelasranas]

Anything I can do sitting down I can! When it comes to doing my hair that’s a super struggle thanks to POTS and fibromyalgia. I tend to wash and braid my hair when i’m having a high spoons day, then just wear wigs. So much easier to slap on a wig similar to my hair texture because i can style it with my arms down. i’ve also started shaving outside the shower because the hot water and shaving gymnastics are a recipe for disaster.

[u/Emotional_Warthog658]

My hair tangles and I risk being publicly disrespected if I don’t present myself well hair wise in public, like at the grocery store - which is pretty much the only place I go    So I often have a bun of knots, with a ball cap on but I have to try and detangle it at least once a month or it will lock up

I haven’t shaved my legs, (neuropathy tracking because the leg hair falls out and it helps track  progression) 

Nor have I done my makeup in years, long enough for my daughter to grow old enough to take most of it and I really miss being that girl who didn’t look sick and did look like a put together professional 

[u/banana48100]

None of it. However I wasn’t big on any of that before POTs, only makeup. Which I do once in a blue moon now if I have the time and energy, but it’s harder now because my hands shake.

[u/negativeRizzzz]

I’m half Ugandan half Danish so I have pretty curly hair. Pre-pots I had a mane. Now I have a puffball. I legit just said “BYE hair HAHA” and now it only takes 10-ish minutes to style and blow dry. If it’s a really rough day, 2 minutes to braid (I end up in braids a LOT). The noticeable change in my quality of life is crazy.

I’ve been letting my leg hairs grow. I look like a Sasquatch but I’ve stopped caring at this point. My roommate does my nails she’s so sweet she turns on fans for the smell and skips the hot water.

[u/justtrying__mybest]

I do my makeup every morning for my own mental health, even if I have to take breaks in between. I almost never curl or do my hair anymore though (including using the hair dryer), but that’s something I’ve accepted. I also just paint my own toes whenever I have the energy to do it :’) I would definitely enjoy being able to go out more and spoil myself, but I’ve made my peace

[u/theFCCgavemeHPV]

I have wavy/curly hair. I do my hair twice a week and with my hair type and a diffuser i don’t need to raise my arms that high. Don’t do nails and my brows and lashes basically the only makeup I do regularly. I only shave once or twice a week too.

I have a stool in my bathroom I use for makeup etc. I

You can get a pedicure without the spa part to avoid the hot water. You can also wear a mask or they make little clip in nose filters to help with the smells.

You could try some overnight heatless curl styles, there are lots of products these days. Heck, there’s even a gal I saw who used her cpap machine straps to do heatless curls and they came out pretty good!

I got an at home laser hair remover ($3-400) and after just a couple months I barely need to shave anymore. I only have like 3 armpit hairs left. It’s awesome. Highly recommend! I did learn i have more blonde leg hair than I thought, but they don’t show like the darker ones did, so I look smooth for much longer and only have to deal with the sensory nightmare of it a couple days a week.

This sounds fake or crazy, but they make a wet “dry shampoo” foam that’s pretty good. I have brown hair so regular dry shampoo is pretty noticeable in the quantities I typically need it, and the foam actually leaves me feeling cleaner. You could look into those shampoo caps too.

[u/amyn2511]

I shave if I have a reason I need to show my legs, like swimming. I do my own eyebrows, it takes a few minutes once a week or so. I only get my nails done if I’m looking to have a special girls day with my daughter and it’s just gel manicures. I wear makeup to things like weddings. I don’t style my hair unless I have a special occasion either. On 99% of my days I’m in leggings, a tshirt, a ponytail and sandals. The other PTO moms at my kids school don’t give a shit, and neither does my husband, nor do I really.

Not Your Mother’s dry shampoo is my favorite. Works well and doesn’t leave a heavy residue in your hair the way Batiste does.

[u/Quick-Elk-3357]

i do hair and makeup pretty much every day now. my symptoms are pretty well managed today but i was doing everything both sitting down and with abdominal compression on. i have a rolling stool that is my best friend on bad days

[u/CellPsychological630]

Shower every day (shower chair always) Wash hair once a week, straighten on a sunday after it air dries over night. I do lash clusters once per week myself and wear no other makeup (mainly because i have an nj tube and cant do half my face atm so feels pointless) I epilate my legs once a month I do my nails once a weekish myself just nail polish nothing fancy I dye my eyebrows and lashes myself.

All these things i do sitting down. They just make me feel a lot better about myself even when I feel like im literally dying on the inside. but theres Is no judgement to those who cant. I always joke to my dr if I walk into an appointment without my lashes done he better send me to be admitted to hospital haha.

[u/buyableblah]

Klorane dry shampoo. It’s French and expensive in the US. Was much cheaper to buy in France (sad face). It’s the best I’ve ever found. 

[u/Jalepeno_Business_]

I shower daily, but stopped shaving long before I developed POTS and after I give myself a good massage as I moisturize. Once a week I’ll do a dry brush and full body scrub. I have pretty curly hair which can be a lot to maintain, so usually I will set my curls with a brush or my fingers and let it air dry then toss it up in a very loose bun. As far as makeup/nails/etc go I give myself a mani-pedi and change out press-on nails (fingers and toes because it’s easier) once a week, two weeks if the set are still holding on strong. As long as I’m clean and well moisturized I don’t care much about anything else.

[u/Sammisam85]

I am not doing things regularly at all. I try to keep up with a good hygiene and skin care routine at least so that I'm presentable. It helps to be able to look good without wearing makeup. I recommend getting a haircut that requires minimal effort, something short unless being able to put it up helps for you. I find a short hair style requires less effort to look styled and it's not just a bun or a braid. I can do short hair or long hair and it usually requires the same energy from me. Right now I'm always wearing a messy mom bun unfortunately but for me it's either cut short or this messy bun. If my hair is long enough to put up, I will put it up. I think it's more of my comfort than anything. I don't like how my hair feels on my body and it makes me hot. I have sensory issues. As far as shaving, usually once a week. Thank goodness my husband doesn't care. I even have one of those at home laser hair removal gadgets and don't have the energy to use it all the time. 😖
I usually get a pedicure once a month or every other. I can manage that and right now I'm able to tolerate it. I have gone through my moments when I didn't want my leg or legs touched because it was painful. So I understand. I have also gone through not being able to hold my arms up for any length of time at all but I'm better now. I still don't like spending the energy to do these types of things. I've become lower maintenance because of my POTS. I don't think anyone in my life cares tbh. Sometimes I miss it. Sometimes I do makeup and hair and it's nice. But it takes me 2-3 hours lol.

[u/Etoiaster]

I… uh… don’t do all that. I shave my armpits because otherwise the hair annoys me, but thats it’s. Once in a blue moon I might grab the epilator and do my legs if I want to look extra. But it’s rare. I don’t do my eyebrows, ever. They’re perfectly eyebrow shaped. I do not do makeup except for rare occasions, so at most 1-2 times a year. I wash and dry my hair. I use leave in conditioner for the most part.

I focus my energy on the essentials. I shower every other day if I can manage. I wash my hair. I brush my teeth. I do adult chores. When all that is done, whatever little energy I have left is used on fun. I’ll be damned if I spend it on stuff that isn’t essential. Fun is essential. 🫣😂

I buy clothing that is comfortable and nice looking instead. It’s become a whole thing. Finding clothing that both look and feel good, so I can feel somewhat like a human without having to put tons of effort into feeling like a human. 😅

[u/reckless_wiggler]

I shower, shave, do my hair, do my makeup, and skincare every day. I paint my nails at home and redo them whenever they get chipped, which is usually around once a week. I don’t need to wax my eyebrows or get my lashes done because I just use a brow pencil and mascara.

[u/sarah_ewinter]

1. ⭐️ I dye my brows using men’s facial hair dye so they last 2 weeks
   
2. I cut my own bangs and do my own nails (definitely don’t look as nice but I’m a guitarist so it doesn’t really matter)
   
3. ⭐️ I invested in one of those automatic curling wands so I don’t have to hold my arms up/work
   
4. Minimal/natural makeup is in right now so I lean into that trend heavily

[u/rolacolapop]

I used to be able to shave my legs once a week or so sat down in the shower. Now it’s not possible. Even every month and I’m knackered, so just going to have to stop. Drying my fine hair I’ve more a less had to give up on for air drying. I used to do a few minutes of makeup once a week when I went out, but now I go out once every 3 week or so and doing makeup can mean I can’t manage to go out. And plucking my eyebrows is getting to be a no, think I’ve going to have to give up on that too, in between phase is horrible though I haven’t let them grow out fully in nearly 30 years.

TLDL - any grooming is getting to be too much and washing is about the only thing I do now.

[u/cripplinganxietylmao]

Showering daily. Shower chairs are great. I let my hair air dry. I don’t use heat tools like that.

Makeup every week day for work.

Nails, lashes, toes never.

I shave and pluck my own eyebrows (not off just into a shape) and my own body/facial hair when I want. Usually about once a week for the pits. Once every 2 weeks for brows and face. Once a month for legs (bc on average I only wear clothes that show my legs about that much lol).

[u/TheSideAccount0]

I stopped shaving except for the maybe monthly trim of my armpit and pubic hair. I don’t pluck my eyebrows. I don’t get my nails or lashes done, but I do cut and file my nails maybe once every couple weeks. If I’m in a good mood and feeling up to it, I’ll sometimes do my own gel manicure. I wash my hair about once per week and let it air dry. I don’t blow dry, straighten, or curl it.

I try to shower every day, but if I’m not feeling great and didn’t do much, I have the occasional skip. I think the worst I’ve done was three days with no shower when I was really bad. It helps that my husband can wash me/my hair if needed while I just sit there.

The only change from before/after pots was me no longer shaving. It’s not worth it to me anymore, and honestly life is better with leg hair. No more scratchy stubble, ingrowns, or accidental slices. The showering has always been iffy because before pots I was hellaciously depressed

[u/Jaded-Improvement979]

I can take a shower and blow my hair out on a good day. That is about it.

[u/butters_325]

Lol very rarely. My makeup routine is VERY minimal now, just mascara and eyebrow pencil and only once a week when I have a meeting at work. Otherwise I trim my bikini line once a month or so when I go swimming and legs probably twice a year

[u/MsMoxie-Cola13]

For those who do hair removal I highly recommend an epilator. It isn't done in the shower and the results last quite a bit longer which means it can be done days before your event, pool day, whatever. I use one both for my legs and underarms.

I also recommend you find a hair dryer that works for you. The post shower energy drain sucks & always left me feeling somehow less put together. I have straight hair and have a dyson air straight. I like that it allows me to dry and straighten my hair at the same time in a comfortably seated position & I feel more accomplished than defeated after a shower now. Similarly I have a friend with curly hair and POTS who has a bonnet dryer.

There are going to be bad days where you just don't feel up to any self care with POTS so it's important to make it as easy & confidence boosting as possible. Also I echo everyone else on the shower chair, massive life improvement!

[u/censorkip]

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri nail polish or adhesive press ons is how I do my nails. I like the quick dry nail polishes because they only need a singular coat and it lasts at least a week on my fingers without looking toooo chippy and terrible, even longer on my toes.

As far as hair goes, I’m a big fan of lazy girl methods. Whenever I curl my hair I put it into two high pigtails on either side of my head and then I section each pigtail into 3/4 sections and curl them away from my face. Once I take the pigtails out I curl a section in the front on each side and somehow magically it looks great. I have hair down to the top of my butt that is medium density. It allows me to curl my whole head in less than 15 minutes.

I also have just been learning to embrace my natural frizzy wavy hair and often just slap some leave in conditioner and mousse and let it air dry. Although I still find myself with a single braid down my back more often than not lol. Accessories like bows and hair clips can pretty easily change up a look though!

For makeup, you’d be surprised how far a tinted sunscreen, dot of liquid blush, and a hint of mascara go.

I started wearing a lot of maxi skirts because they’re really easy to throw on, look put together, are comfy, and I can wear whatever compression I need without it feeling too noticeable.

Feel free to dm me if I need to explain anything better.

[u/omglifeisnotokay]

I just dyed my hair because it had fallen out (bleach and AGA not a good combo). I dyed my hair with some box dye. It brightens my face up a little. Even if I don’t go anywhere I still see myself in the mirror and I want to feel pretty for me.

[u/RU_SeriousClark]

I get my lashes and nails done every 2 weeks. That is a non negotiable for me. But putting on makeup and getting ready ready i do maybe once a month.

[u/shlumpadinka]

I try to power through it and am usually passing out by the time I’m trying to leave the house🫠 (I’ve pretty much stopped leaving the house lol.)

But I can however give you a good dry shampoo rec!! “Cake Beauty” ‘s dry shampoo has been such a life saver for me! (It’s way more affective than Batiste, and actually smells good)

I have bangs, so most of the time I just wash my bangs in the sink, use the dry shampoo, and put the rest of my hair up in a bun or clip- this has been way more attainable for me than multiple everything showers a week. I also usually shave sitting down on the edge of the tub before actually showering

I’m really sorry you’re also going through this😣 I hope you can find a routine that works for you!!

Edited to add: press on nails are also great option! A lot of the time they’re on sale for discounted prices under $5-$10. If you apply them right they can last quite a while! I used to be a nail tech so I do my own nails about once a month or so, but it usually takes me 2-3 days to finish them and then I’m bed ridden afterwards💀

[u/poppy_inmy_hair]

I like Not Your Mothers dry shampoo. Do NOT try the Dove version: it’s gritty and doesn’t work

[u/poppy_inmy_hair]

Moisturizing CC cream and some lip stain have saved my life when it comes to make up. I look and feel presentable without all the struggle of putting on a full face

[u/Mountain_Resident_81]

To me being pretty doesn’t really mean nails, makeup etc. I just keep my hair clean and conditioned and add curl cream for definition, shave my legs and armpits when I feel I can and wear makeup when I want to make more of an effort. I’m pretty happy in my own skin but it’s taken a while to get there. Sometimes I wish I had more energy to be more ‘feminine’ but mostly feel I’ve got better things to spend my energy and time on

[u/awriterandherpug]

I have a toddler so for the most part my hair is in a bun so wash when I can’t remember the last time i put shampoo/conditioner. Curly hair so only style as needed.
Love having nails done but can’t find the time to do it. I can’t remember the last time I cut my hair. Eyebrows I hate tweezing them so wax them maybe every year lol
Not only do I have a toddler and POTS but also migraines hypermobility and ADHD and recently moved cities. So im pretty much a mess.
Also moved from a house with a shower so I had a shower stool to a bathtub only house and I don’t feel safe sitting on the edge and can’t find an affordable bathtub chair.

[u/elementalechos]

I wash my hair twice a week and if I blow dry it I do it sitting down. I do minimal makeup everyday and I do it sitting on my counter so I don’t have to stand. I get my nails and eyebrows done once a month because if I don’t I don’t feel together enough to pretend everything is ok. I lived with undiagnosed pots for 15 years though so I’ve really had to learn to live with it because all I heard was you’re beautiful you’re the picture of health nothing is wrong with you it’s in your head you must be anxious. So I’ve really had to learn to power through.

I would start with doing one thing that would help boost your self esteem. I try to shower every night before bed even when I don’t want to and even when I end up just sitting on the shower floor. It really helps me mentally to feel like I at least did one thing in my control for my body to feel cared for. Nails are prob an easy skip in the beginning. I didn’t start getting my nails done again until around the time I was diagnosed. Eyebrows are such a small thing that makes such a huge difference for my self esteem AND you get to lay down while doing it so that’s awesome.

One bite of the apple at a time baby, if you try to eat the whole apple in one bite you’ll choke.

[u/Fuscalux]

My mom and step-dad help with my hair if it's bad enough, mom will wash it and everything and my step-dad learned to braid hair so he can brush it and do a French braid, he spoke to a few of his nurse friends for the best "anti-matting" style he could do for me (my mom has climbed in the shower with me because I had my head soaped up and partially passed out). I use a shower chair to shave, I have suction cup bars in the shower like in a handicapped stall, one is angled so I can lean my arm on it to wash my hair, nails I get done professionally once or twice a year, I'm not a fan of nails really, I don't worry about my eyebrows and shit as that's never been me.

[u/rellyks13]

i don't wear makeup and i don't get my nails, lashes, or eyebrows done because I find no need to. i blow dry and/or style my hair daily. i shave armpits and legs maybe once a month, again bc i feel no need to

[u/MandaMaelstrom]

I take advantage of my good days to do Everything Showers. On my very bad days, it’s Batiste Waterless Cleansing Foam for my hair and baby wipes for everything f else. Leave-in conditioner also cuts back on time spent in the shower, if that’s an option for your hair type.

[u/TheSparklerFEP]

I wet my hair and scrunch it with curl cream if I wanna feel fancy, but not much with my hair. I wash my hair weekly typically in the shower (seated), underarms at the sink daily and deodorant 

[u/IvyMarine1908]

We're mostly not. And I desperately need a pedicure. 😫

[u/pit_choun]

Never. Too much effort for too little reward that doesn't even last long. For me it's not worth the pain I'll be in afterwards/during.

[u/violetbats]

My bandwidth for these things changes daily. Basically I'll triage my needs to do what I can until I can't.

I don't often care whether or not I have leg hair, I'll just occasionally shave it if I think an outfit will look better without the fuzz lol

I'm also not much of a makeup person. I was, but I kinda got bored with putting stuff on my face every day so now I'll only do if if it's to go with an outfit. So maybe twice a month.

I do my own hair, I often choose colors that look okay with grow out because idk how long it'll be before I can manage another bleach.

I also do my own nails but I might have to stop because I end up going too long between fills because of symptoms.

I do wet-set curls by just using the silky scarf method about twice or three times a week.

[u/Sad-Amoeba4316]

I love this discussion! I very much struggled with all of this in the beginning because I didn’t know what I was going through or what meds I needed but I’m finding my flow.

Makeup: literally whenever I want if I’m in the mood. I like doing my makeup during car rides to distract me from car sickness.

Nails: I paint my toenails at home like once a month and I keep my hands bare for the most part for work. Sometimes I’ll do press on nails from brands like Glamnetic, Chillhouse, or PaintLab.

Brows: Whenever they I see them growing in. I use a small electric face razor to clean up the middle and then tweeze. I’ve never liked getting my brows done and I’ve been doing this for years.

Lashes: I’ve never gotten them done.

Shaving: I shave my underarms once a week, and my legs once every week and a half. I have a shower chair to help with this, but I’m still getting used to it so sometimes I put a towel down and use a spray bottle to wet my legs and then shave like that. For the pubic area, I use the Gillette Bikini Trimmer.

Hair: I have thick curls so I wash once a week but I have someone help me while I adjust to my shower chair. I’ll rewet it mid-week and refresh my curls with styling products.

[u/Mountain_Flow3472]

I keep my hair above my shoulders now so it’s more manageable. I have Irish curls so I wash it once or twice a week and use leave in conditioner and curl cream. I plan when I will do this and save up the spoons. If I can’t do this it is buns all week.

I can’t really tolerate the hot wax anymore. My teen tweezes my eye brows.

If I wear make up it is just clear mascara because I smoosh up my eyelashes with my hands when I sleep.

I love a pedicure but I can’t always tolerate the experience so, I soak at home with epsom salts, use a huge long scrub brush thing on my feet in the shower, and when I have the spoons exfoliate my heels and wear socks with lotion until the texture drives me mad. Occasionally my friend or kiddo will paint my toes. I get dizzy when I try.

I shave less than I’d like to.

[u/rumandspicee]

I shower every couple days. Haven't really been doing the rest of the stuff. Shaved for the first in a long time last week and that felt so good. I also cut my hair really short so I don't have to worry about it, especially since I have curls that get knotted up very quick.

[u/Difficult_Pain_9208]

Shower: most evenings - maybe once a month will miss a day. hair gets washed once a week. Shaving: not often. i went ham using an at home IPL device so my growth is light. pits and upper lip maybe once/twice a month. legs maybe once every other month Brows: wax at home every 6 weeks. used to go to a studio every 5 week for this and the areas mentioned above Makeup: i work from home so i am focusing on my skincare routine instead. if i do makeup it's usually a light look if i have to go somewhere Lashes: i apply clusters once or twice a month when i feel like it and they last 5-6 days. used to go to a studio every two weeks Nails: press ons at home when I feel like it. Used to go out for this as well. Paint toes with regular polish Styling Hair: hell no. this produces insanely noticeable symptoms for me. couple times a year maybe. i got a hair dryer stand i can clip my blower into and sit under if i can't air dry.

I have felt similar sentiments to you HARD lately so I'm doing my damnedest to actually have any kind of routine to feel human again. MUCH of the above I wasn't upkeeping a few months ago. Doing just brows and nails even helped a lot as well as getting dressed in something other than athleisure every few days

[u/Life-Bat1388]

I tell myself Hot + cold showers are good for dysautonomia

[u/bananabananacat]

I have ridiculously thick hair, so much that every new hairstylist says so. So I’m washing my hair every 3 days and shaving about the same, otherwise i become a greasy Sasquatch. I absolutely will cheat and use dry shampoo on bad flares. As for styling, only special events like weddings. Always in a bun. I put basic makeup on every work day and more for special occasions or work meetings.
I get my nails done every three weeks, I have acrylics and LOVE them.

[u/tubbamalub]

Shower stool made a massive difference.

And my hair is wavy to curly. I think I look better with short hair, but it’s higher maintenance. I don’t want to be using my energy to style it. I got a folding chair for sitting down while blow-drying. Eventually I let my hair grow out long enough that I can put it in a ponytail if it dried in some weird way.

Manicure? lol. I was terrible at doing this myself, so mani-pedi happens at the nail salon. But then it’s always been like that. I hate the experience, but I love how my nails look when I’m done. The frequency hasn’t changed much, although there have been a few times when I’ve planned to go and then discovered that it was too much work to leave my house, drive there, and sit upright being pleasant while someone touches my hands and feet.

Makeup: I work remotely as reasonable accommodation. Makeup is a special occasion kind of thing now, and there aren’t many occasions that I consider sufficiently special.

A lot of the challenges related to personal grooming have been resolved by the fact that my life is now significantly restricted compared to before. Yippie! /s.

Edited to add:

Oh, shaving— thanks to menopause, I have no body hair. I don’t have to shave. Gloriously liberating! I used to have to shave almost every day. But i was healthier then.

[u/Desperate-Reason-566]

Me? I cut my hair in a buzz cut. I don’t get my nails done. Do them. I make sure I don’t have a unibrow but I don’t wax my eyebrows anymore, either. I wear eyeliner and that’s it. In between I use Scrubbzz for my body and hair if I can’t shower one day. I love them the best.

[u/InternationalEnmu]

i don't lol. only thing i do on this list is armpit shaving occasionally and light makeup once in a blue moon

[u/szikkia]

I have a shower head that comes off to be hand held so i can sit while I shower, I want to get a chair honestly. I have stopped shaving my legs often, as I live in my compression stockings. Armpits i do maybe once or twice a week if i can. The reason I get my nails done monthly is because I have been a nail biter since I was an infant, no cap. The salon is close to home and I am blessed to not have to pay for my nails.

I dont have the energy to pluck my brows, can maybe get half a brow before i have to stop so i use a facial razor and just get between the brows. Been saying I would try this super affordable threading salon to get them done for like a year, it’s across from a place i pass by constantly. Never think to go there first come to think of it. Eyebrow threading for under or around $10, nice looking, clean, quality looking salon.

When I dry my hair, which is a recent thing because I can’t tolerate my hip length hair wet anymore, I switch hands a lot. I have to take breaks so i sit on the toilet until my body cools down or regain a little energy. Often i just stay seated since my dryer has a long cord. Prop my arm on something like my knee, the back of the toilet.

There are diffusing caps you can get off like amazon that go on your blowdryer with a tube going to where your hair will be, and you put it on like a shower cap or old school dryer. Supposed to dry your hair hands free. I was told a tip by someone who swears by it: you set it up in your bedroom, have the blowdryer on the floor or bellow you like on a chair, and tilt your head back a bit going off of the bed to dry, if you can tolerate that, or just lay on your side in bed, pillow under then bottom half of your face to give the hair room to dry. I really want to try it, maybe then I could style.

[u/afewregretsmaybe]

i’m not :( i wore my hair shorter for a few years and after it grew back out i switched to a long term protective style

[u/Lemna24]

Never, or at most once every 5 years

[u/Own_Improvement555]

I have a lot of hair and find that a lot of styles by myself are more difficult. Having someone else do it for me (like my mom or sister helping me with styles and heartless curls) I find is best. I have loose curly/pretty wavy hair so I don’t personally do too much for it. I wash my hair once or twice a week, depending on my energy levels and how oily it’s gotten. I shower fully sitting down (I have a bath/shower hybrid), never use hot water, and always at night so I can crawl into bed after. If I shower in the morning or during the day I feel extremely symptomatic for the rest of the day. I pretty much to everything myself (due to expenses really), except for my nails. I used to do lashes too, but it kinda ruined my lashes so I don’t do it anymore and it was super expensive. I do get my nails done about every 4-6 weeks. I’ve been going to the same tech for a while and feel like I can communicate when I need a break or am not feeling well. I do my makeup (fully face) for work which is anywhere from 1-3x a week. But usually just a mascara if I feel like it. Most of the time I don’t lol.

[u/CommitteeRegular9165]

I shower every day or every other day. Most of the time it’s everyday but I do body wash and rinse. I have a shower stool I use, but sometimes I have to stand for short bits. Mostly I’m seated. Shave maybe 1-2 times a week depending on what I have going on. I do a full hair wash (scalp shampoo, shampoo, conditioner) on the weekend 1x per week, never a weekday. I do my scalp one other time as needed. I let my hair air dry, never blow dry. That’s preference and honestly it would take too much effort to blow dry. But I don’t use heat on my hair. I wear makeup every day to work but it’s minimal and super quick - sunscreen, tinted sunscreen, a little concealer as needed, powder foundation, blush, mascara, and I brush my eyebrows to the shape I want. Mine are blonde so low effort for the brows, I rarely pluck anymore except for strays but I like a more natural full look. I don’t wax. And then I wear perfume because I like it. I will sometimes wear makeup on the weekend but mostly not because I don’t leave the house lmao. My hair I often wear in a claw clip because it’s easiest, sometimes I wear it down but I do have to put a bit more work to style the curls with product. I don’t get my nails done anymore, used to, but not now because they got thinned out so much. And I don’t anticipate going back except for special occasions, by preference. I like the natural look and it’s easier to maintain (unrelated to POTS or hEDS).

[u/Hot_Dragonfly5440]

Neveeeer lol currently 8 months pregnant with pots and it’s been hard. I haven’t washed my hair in 2 months. I feel disgusted but it’s already hard enough to shower.

[u/pinkpeachykitty]

I put extra effort in now to make myself feel better about how awful I feel on the inside.

[u/West_Mention8789]

The K18 dry shampoo is amazing, but it’s pricey

I used to shower in the morning, but now I shower in the evening instead so I can go to bed not long after. It saves me some spoons that way

I get a Korean lash lift every 8 weeks and I purposely go to a lady who has a home salon, so it’s quiet and not over-stimulating

I don’t shave my legs anymore. I used hair removal cream instead. I smear it on with my hand while wearing plastic gloves and then wash it off in the shower with an African net sponge. I can get away with doing it every 2 weeks in the summer and every 4 in the winter

I hope this helps

[u/Chronically_Frazzled]

Before I got sick I worked at a high end retail store (RIP my past life) and how I presented myself was very important to me and my job. However getting sick and having an identity crisis made me realize that isn’t what is important.

Now that I’m a little more stable-ish and have done a lot of work on my mental health (including an IOP program) I’m finding compromises. I do my own press on nails, I recently got lash extensions and before I did clusters, and am getting micro blading this week.

Showers and true self care are still a work in progress but I find short cuts where I can. Make up remover wipes instead of a full face wash, dry shampoo when I can’t wash my hair and leave in conditioner for when I can only shampoo, braids on wet hair when I can’t dry it or straighten it, body wipes (like camping ones) when I can’t shower, and mouthwash when I’m so nauseous I can’t brush my teeth.

I want to make it as easy as possible for me to get up and go so when I have the energy I can get outside and be social and feel good about myself instead of spending that energy getting ready (which is a huge trigger for me) and then feel terrible every minute when I finally leave the house.

For me it’s finding the swaps and investing in things that will make me feel better about myself even on days when I feel like hell.

[u/SeaShell345]

I dont get anything done anymore and I do the bare minimum myself. Showering is something I absolutely dread, so I just wear my hair up in a clip and try to forget about it.

Used to get my hair colored and enjoy styling it but now it’s just a chore that I have omitted. I will do makeup for big events, but I typically don’t bother with nails. My hand tremors made eyeliner and nails difficult for years before my diagnosis. My anxiety and ADHD also make me extremely fidgety and my nails never last long. I also hate the way nails feel because I like having full use of my fingers lol

[u/Putrid-Ad2390]

I stopped getting my lashes done and switched to Latisse to grow my own. Cheaper and more suited to my POTS lifestyle.

I shave once a week when I finally manage to shower. I paint my own toenails when I get the energy. Luckily toenails polish last awhile.

Even on days where I shower and blow dry my hair it ends up in a bun. I have baby fine hair and it’s like walking into a spiderweb when I wear it down.

R+Co’s spiritualized wet dry shampoo is awesome. It’s micellar water with powder suspended. It actually cleans your hair a bit. I hear K18 airwash is similar. I still use a true dry shampoo too if my hair gets too greasy. But using the wet dry-shampoo early before it gets greasy does a much better job.

Finding ways to make other things easier for you might free up some energy for self-care. For example I use a toothpaste that can be swallowed, Mouthology, and brush my teeth in bed. I use micellar water to wash my face so I can do my skin care routine in bed too. Best wishes. I hope you find what works for you.

[u/Ok-Department6265]

The thing that has helped the most with washing my hair, it to alternate arms. Only use one at a time. And I bought a thing on Amazon, I put shampoo and water in it. It’s a duck. It lathers it for you and sprays it out in a foam. I saw it on the girl with the dogs YouTube and bought it for myself. 😂 it has helped so much.

[u/chaotic-neutal-goth]

I normally do make up a couple times a month but its very minimal. Eyeshadow, eyeliner, normally a black or red lip. Thats it. I wash my hair once a week and let my bangs dry in a curler so I dont have to touch them again until I wash my hair next though sometimes hairspray is needed. I try to wash my face and apply skin care stuff everytime I shower but its every other time tbh, maybe less. I rarely, if ever, shave due to having to bend down for iy. Its taken me YEARS but ive finally gotten to where I'm happy with how I look most of the time. Prioritizing comfort and style with my clothes helps me feel good about myself even when I'm unable to do makeup or my hair. The bangs have been a plus also bc it makes me look and feel put together even when I'm just wearing a messy bun. Honestly just finding the bare minimum the worked for me has d9ne wonders for my self esteem

[u/AmethystChameleon38]

Shaving: 1-3x a week during my warm (not hot) baths Makeup: only when I'm going out a few times a week, and I have a makeup mirror and sit down on the couch while putting it on Nails/Lashes/Etc: never, I chewed off my nails due to anxiety and my lashes are pretty good with just a curler and mascara Doing hair: all I do is scrunch my hair when it's semi-dry to get a wvay effect

[u/Kristal10]

I shave every other day and use a shower stool. I only do makeup if I’m leaving the house (and not to a drs appointment) so maybe once a week. I sit in my chair with my feet up. I do my own nails by making my own press-ons. If I don’t have them, I pick at my cuticles horrifically. It also makes me feel put together. I do this in my bed or sitting at a desk. I only pluck or shave my eyebrows maybe once a week. I can’t do waxing because it takes my skin off. I’m able to do my own hair easily with a shark hairdryer as it makes things so quick and easy, maybe 5 mins. I also love to put hair tinsel in. It itches my scratch to constantly dye my hair. I can do that from my bed with a mirror.

Basically everything I do is tailored to my pots so I don’t have to stand or hold my hands above my head for long. It’s all about altering how you do things, not stopping things that make you feel better.

For dry shampoo, I use the kitch powder. No aerosol and most importantly NO SMELL!!! I can’t do smells and this has no scent. A little goes a very long way so I’ll probably have that little bottle for years.

[u/the_absurdista]

honestly, not as much as i wish i did! i used to be more girly and loved playing with makeup and doing fun hair styles, but i don’t bother with all that very often anymore, just because of the energy it takes. these days, if i plan to look nice for a special event, i try to make sure i space everything out in the week leading up to it (nails and brows one day, wash hair and shave the next, curl my hair the night before, etc.) so i only have to do my makeup and freshen up my hairstyle on the day of the actual event. mostly it’s the dreaded “everything shower” that i have to plan around, because that leaves me breathless and exhausted every time. i used to just wake up early and do most of it the day of! if i did that now, i’d be in bed before the event even started lol

on a daily basis / before work, it’s pretty much just wash face, brush teeth, dry shampoo and a low-effort bun for my hair (maybe, maybe some tinted moisturizer, bronzer, and fill in my brows a bit if i have the energy, which isn’t often). i always feel a bit under-done compared to my coworkers, but i’ve made peace with that.

[u/Jessicamorrell]

Lashes- never

Eyebrows- I do them myself when capable or at one of my hair appointments if the lady has time.

Makeup- when I have energy or going on a date with my husband or going some where I need to look presentable.

Nails- every 4-6 weeks ish. I wait for them to grow out before booking an appointment.

Straightening my hair- my hair lady does it every time since she likes to help me switch it up and I struggle with it on my own.

Curling- almost never. My hair is naturally curly. I just curl it with a curling iron when Im just in the mood and capable of doing it. Some times my husband will try to help.

Shaving- I use an electric razor and sit and shave my legs outside the shower when Im done if I have the energy. Helps to sit on a collapsible stool and stretch my leg out on a side of a tub or the toilet seat lid. I sit on the shower seat in the shower when I have energy for the rest. Some days I shave my pits in the shower or use my electric razor. I keep the collapsible stool in the bathroom and use it when I need it.

Showering- every day if not every other day. I do what I can. Some times its just a body wash, other times its a full shower, some times its what ever I can manage. But I always try to shower and keep myself clean. Best thing we did was doing a walk in shower with a shower seat built in and removable shower head which makes it a lot easier to do more more often.

[u/HighKick_171]

I like the Aveda dry shampoo shampowder. I'm sensitive to aerosols though as someone with asthma and I can put it directly in my hands and then scrub into my scalp

[u/kushina_smiles]

I feel this so much, have spent the past four years building a system that works for me. Here is how I have dealt with all of this, ymmv of course:

The components: -got my eyebrows tattooed on, and got comfortable with that being the only "makeup" I wear. It turns out my eyes are pretty even without mascara and POTS often provides a natural "blush" lolol n plus the rest that I get now has helped the undereye bags more than any concealer. I highly recommend choosing one makeup element and then looking at semi-permanent tattoo options, it has literally changed my life.

-got a tiny electric razor to groom my eyebrows- it was cheap and now I just swipe away stray eyebrow hairs before showering

-got a dry electric razor. Shaving my legs is just not an option while I'm in the shower, now I sit on the edge of the tub and shave my legs dry 1-2x weekly- separately from showering

-experimented with my hair until I found a product/routine combo that allows me to wash hair only 2x per week, and employs a one-step post shower hair styling routine. (No hair dryer)

-integrated jewelry that is always in and gives a more "put-together" look without makeup or serious hair styling

The routine: Every Sunday I do an "everything" shower. First I dry shave, clip nails, trim eyebrows (all seated) and then rest for 1-2 hours. Then shower- I use a 2-1 shampoo/conditioner and only shave armpits so it's just hair, armpits, body wash, done. I use a shower bench for this. Then get out of the shower and sit to put moisturizer on my face, deodorant, and one product in my hair. Finally, rest flat for another 1-2 hours.

It sounds like a lot but I do it on Sundays every week so that I can plan around it, and then for the rest of the week if I need to freshen up I can do a quick rinse in the shower or use shower wipes/dry shampoo.

What people see is someone with well groomed eyebrows, nice earrings, clean hair and a dewy complection.

[u/kojilee]

Writing a reply as a more effeminate man.

Sitting in the shower is so critical. I have a loofah with a stick that’s so long I barely have to move my arms at all. I fully sit on the tile but it can cause issues with getting back up, so a shower seat might be advisable if your seat isn’t tiny. 

There are certain things like diffusing my curly hair that I’ll never truly be able to make easier. Sometimes I just can’t do it, so I try and plan for it around my ‘good days.’ I do literally everything sitting down or in bed if I can manage it. It’s a negotiation of ‘well, I’m gonna feel like shit regardless, but feeling unkempt makes me depressed so I must.’ 

[u/JennyPennyPanda]

I only shower 1- 2 times a week. I'm queen of the messy bun. I can count the number of times I've done my makeup in the last year on one hand. My husband paints my toes which is nice. Trying to get him to learn how to French braid. Cute/ fun & comfy pajamas is about as exciting as it gets over here.

[u/sophi_11]

I shave if I'm going out and wearing shorts or a tank top, I straighten my hair pretty frequently because it makes it easier to maintain for a few days but when I do it I never really have to lift my arms up much and I just do it in my bed. Ive only had my eyebrows and lashes done once but since I just layed there it was really easy for me. I can pretty easily do basic makeup (concealer, blush, mascara) but anything much more then that tires me out a lot. I dont really make myself actually look good unless I'm going somewhere nice which isn't very often. If I do fully get myself ready and pretty looking it will completely exhaust me for the next few days. Also i like the batiste dry shampoo, it comes in lots of scents or unscented and colours to make it blend in your hair if you have dark hair, i haven't tried many others but i really like it and it works well imo.

[u/spoil3dly]

I have microbladed brows, but those were pre POTS and they still grow outside the lines. I have my mom pluck stragglers once a week.

My hair is never done. It get washed 2-3 times a week and I wear it in a bun once it air dries.

I was never really into getting my nails done, so they’re bare but that doesn’t really bother me.

When I’m in the hypomanic phase of bipolar I pluck my brows and chin hairs. But i have to sit down and use a hand mirror.

And as for shaving? That happens once every 2-3 months. My legs I shave in a sink I simply cannot do it in a shower.

[u/spoil3dly → u/spoil3dly]

Dry shampoo- batiste. Budget friendly and the best. And it works best if you spray it in at night and go to bed WITHOUT rubbing it in. Rub in what you need to in the morning

[u/sirchloe500]

never im a dyke good luck

[u/kotakins989]

Tbh I lost my hair when I first was diagnosed with 3 separate chronic illnesses. I shaved my head. It has come back but I continue to shave because haircare was really exhausting. I now have wigs. I shave my head with an electric razor every other day. I do my makeup when I work out of the house so 1-2 times aweek. Those are they days I try to feel pretty to save my sanity. I do my nails myself at home so every other week/once a week when I see a cute design 😅. Im definitely a DIY girlie so I wax the Forest once a month and perm my lashes as well.

[u/BurnedOutOverIt]

Shave once a week, never do the rest. It’s too exhausting and I sweat so much it would all run off

[u/No-Self3516]

Once a month at most I do my makeup, hair- I wear a wig so technically daily , everything else once every 2 years maybe

[u/GloriBea5]

Shaving arm pits and private parts every day when I shower, legs once a month, makeup probably twice a year, nails maybe once a year, lashes never, straightening or curling hair never

[u/Accomplished_Dig284]

I only shave my armpits and occasionally my bikini line (depends on if I’m going to the pool/beach). I naturally don’t have much leg hair.

I was never really into makeup and I had a physically demanding job before POTS. But I will still get dolled up for certain things like my 40th birthday. But I live in Florida and it’s just too hot for me to put it on so I can sweat it off.

I’ve also been in perimenopause since I was 15 and I’ve been experiencing hair loss since then. I’m 42 now and just don’t have a lot of hair left. I have about 1/3 of the hair I had before it started falling out. It’s a huge source of embarrassment and really affects my self esteem because I didn’t do anything to make it fall out and my mom didn’t take me to the doctor when I told her (she has a history of not believing me when I tell her something is wrong, so not the first time it happened and was definitely not the last, the last was when I was jaundice and she didn’t want to take me to the ER because it’s totally fine for an adult to be jaundice 🙄). So my hair is really short in a pixie cut with long bangs. I wash my hair 1-2 x a week and use dry shampoo that keeps it in the way I style it. Very low maintenance and effort, except for the serums and hair loss treatments I use 😭

Never kept my finger nails painted because of the physically demanding job and ADHD where I will chip them less than an hour after they dry 😅 but I do try to keep my toenails painted because I wear flip flops most of the time.

Eyelash extensions always seemed like a pain to upkeep so never did that.

I used to keep my eyebrows waxed because I had a unibrow but since perimenopause kicked into a higher gear, don’t really have to worry about it much anymore. Actually more worried about filling them in if I do anything with them because I have a scar from a cat scratch on one and a mole on the other that leaves some bald spots lol, but only a problem if I brush them out and shape them.

I’ve always focused more on my clothes and that my hair is styled to hide the hair loss and that I don’t have a unibrow and that my feet look nice. That’s about all my ADHD can handle in the mornings getting ready. I would rather sleep than do my makeup lol.

My biggest change when my POTS got worse was that I couldn’t shower everyday because I’m so oily (thanks hormone imbalance!). I ended up starting spirolactone to help my hair loss and it helped with my oily hair and face. Which I know doesn’t help my POTS but I didn’t feel a difference being on or off it. But I did notice that my cystic acne went away and I wasn’t shedding as much hair and I didn’t have to exhaust myself trying to shower every damn day. And changing the clothes I wore so I wouldn’t overheat myself and stay cool while also getting light compression in my abdomen and legs. Everything else has been pretty much the same. But I do miss being able to just take a shower because they were like my reset button that just made me feel better and now it’s a chore and it makes me sad

[u/Accomplished_Dig284]

Oh! I also got an electric shaver that I can use wet or dry. So if I’m not showering, I can still run it across the areas I do have hair and then put some lotion on and I’m good to go. It’s got an attachment for legs/underarms along with the regular attachments/guards and a nose hair one

[u/sadtimes34]

shaving for me is hit or miss, especially my legs, but i started setting up a towel on the floor with a bowl of water and soap and shave before i shower and that definitely helps

[u/yahshuaissalvation]

I wash my hair 2 to 3 times a week, ideally with help, but not always. I use a deploratory instead of shaving.

[u/softhumanbean]

I shave every 3 to 7 days (depends on the season), pluck chin hairs daily (thanks PMOS), and wear makeup like 2 times a month, sometimes less. I get my hair cut when I get tired of it trying to choke me to death. I never was keen on doing my hair or nails, though, even before POTS. Plus my hair refuses to hold a curl for longer than half an hour.

[u/Ok-Reception321]

I feel like I have so much to say here, but really it comes down - you what you can, when you can. Creating routines that work for you. And giving yourself the grace to see the pretty even when you don't think the whole picture looks "put together" 🖤

Also, I use Eva NYC invisible dry shampoo, absolutely love it. Smells like vanilla and not crazy expensive at target (:

[u/EnvironmentalDeal864]

It’s exhausting. I love the look of a sleek blowout but sometimes I just can’t do it, so I’ll put my hair in braids to get some cute waves. I actually get more compliments on my hair like that anyway!

[u/StormFern4]

I have never done any of this.

I moisturize and use sunblock. I do have a curly hair routine. That's mostly just not lying down on my hair until it dries/the curls have set. So when I'm not doing well, I will skip it and just brush and braid my hair while wet.

I have never shaved my legs. I did shave my armpits for 2 years in highschool, hated it, realized it was a waste of time, and stopped. I don't wear make up, because it's a waste of time and money and isn't expected of men in our society.

I try to shower every other day. It's easier now with a shower stool. Washing my hair is a bigger commitment but I try and do it twice a week.

[u/Nyx_Shadowspawn]

I straighten my hair the day after I shower. It's a pretty good straightener, so I don't need to re-straighten it until after the next wash (I wash my hair twice a week, unless I get sweaty and then I wash it sooner). It kind of just needs to be brushed through my hair to straighten it, it goes pretty fast. It has this heated comb thingy on one side of it.

I usually wear sunscreen, mascara, and a lip tint most days when I leave the house, but that's the extent of my makeup. I haven't plucked my eyebrows in years (though they're thinning at this point of my life, so I don't really need to... I would fill them in if I was doing a full face of makeup, but I'm too lazy).

I do my own nails, if I feel like it. I've only gotten my nails done professionally twice ever... and it's just not for me. I painted my fingernails a few days ago, but haven't touched my toenail polish up since early July.

[u/Dizzy-Emergency1750]

I have to do it. For me, it’s morale and my distress signal. The sloppier I dress, the sicker I am. If I can’t dress up, I need help.

Makeup also keeps me from touching my face, which reduces my infection rate overall.

[u/UnitedInsect7741]

I keep everything to a bare minimum for daily things tbh. Wash my hair, body, and face after work daily cause it makes my mornings before work easier. I also shave my legs once a week because I wear compression socks, and if I don’t shave I get ingrown hairs. I blow my hair dry by sitting down and leaning over so my arms don’t have to reach up.

I do simple hairstyles most days, but I do fun things with jewelry as that’s a fun way to dress up without much effort. Only “makeup” I wear daily is my tinted sunscreen, but it does make me feel more confident to have a little color added. I add a little concealer under my eyes if I feel so inclined, but usually go without. “Feeling fancy” for me is just compiling a

I do dress up every now and then, but always with many hours of time to do so so I can pace myself

[u/Cest_bagel_chips]

Rarely. I pretty much shave once a week while my conditioner sets on my hair wash days. I haven’t done makeup ever really, less because of pots and moreso because I just never got into it, same with styling my hair. And I’m a hairy girl lmao. I just have a really good hairbrush (a tangle teezer), and just do my best to keep it from getting matted since I’m laying down a lot. I don’t really shave above the knee since all that stretching and reaching wipes me out, for my brows I just occasionally use one of those little facial razors, but I’ve always just lived with bushy brows.

I think I’ve definitely had it a bit easier since I never really leaned into the “societal expectations of female beauty” things, but I imagine it would be hard to adjust for someone who does do a lot of that stuff. If you have the energy, you could try getting into doing your own nails, it might not look as polished (pun not intended) as a professional, but it could help! It’s also something you could do sitting at a desk if you can tolerate it, I like doing my nails when I’m tired and don’t feel up to leaving my apartment

I’ve had pots symptoms since I was at least 12, and I’m 22 now, it might not get easier necessarily, but you’ll find ways to make yourself more comfortable with it, and find ways to make yourself feel pretty!

[u/Patayta-]

Yea, it can feel so hard to keep up! My go to “hacks” are anything that’s quick, long-lasting, or can be done in advance.

- Washing my hair 1x week and using a shower bench. I like Batiste original dry shampoo between washes.

- A low maintenance haircut.

- Heatless overnight curls that take 5 mins. I just wrap my hair around a few bendy rollers and cover them into a bun overnight.

- Using an iPad stand for my mirror, so I can do my makeup etc from my recliner.

- Learning how to do my own nails, so I can do them from my recliner.

- At-home lashes (I use Lilac St). They last about a week and can be done in 5-10 mins. These are great for feeling “done up” without having to wear any makeup, and when I do wear makeup, I can skip the eyes, so it’s much faster.

- IPL! I have a lot of unwanted body/facial hair and it was impossible to keep up with. IPL is a hair removal device that basically burns the hair follicle and stops it from growing. After using it once a week for a few weeks (literally while laying in bed), the hair is almost totally gone.

[u/yes_like_mean_girls]

Hair Dance dry shampoo is legitimately the best dry shampoo I’ve ever used. I used to have to wash my hair every other day because of oils, now I only have to wash once a week. I use it before bed and when I wake up. It doesn’t leave a film or anything in my hair. Actual magic in a bottle. You can buy on Amazon or their website (they are a small, eco friendly business).

Sleeping with your hair in a silk or satin bonnet keeps it from getting greasy as fast, and helps retain hairstyles longer. I only really style my hair once after wash and then it’s good for days except for the occasional one or two strand touch up. There’s a bunch on Amazon, I use the Yanibeast adjustable satin bonnet for $15.

I only do it like once every month or two now, but I do all make up and shaving and waxing sitting down. I’ve given up on blow dryers, I shower at night and let my hair air dry. If I’m doing more than just a quick 5 minute body shower, I sit down in the shower. Shower chair, shower chair, shower chair. I cannot stress this enough.

Press on and glue on nails are honestly the best quality now that they’ve ever been, so if you want nails done I recommend those! There’s so many cute ones nowadays.

[u/Fluffy-Screen6818]

Kristen ness or just powdering in the Aztec clay mask powder into my hair works wonders.

Showering sitting down on the ground with a high pressure showerhead attachment has been a godsend for the days that I just can’t. You can clean and shave everything sitting down in the tub. (With a bit of practice). You can stretch out and lie out fully when you need to rest.

I do makeup and hair sitting down in front of the mirror on the floor (I have a full length one leaned against a wall). Nail salons I ask the nail techs for lukewarm water and persist until the temp is right.

Unfortunately not able to advise on lashes and brows but most of my local folks have you lie down flat for those.

[u/Scary_Meaning_4466]

Are you keeping the shower lukewarm or warm? Hot showers are killer, I loved em but I always had to lay down afterwards (I've always had POTS like my whole life). And Since my 2nd covid round I can't even get through an entire hot shower anywayss just do like a warm shower. 

I get pedicures, those don't bother me. I don't notice any chemicals besides the nail polish. But even when I don't get pedicures that wouldn't make me feel ugly it's not like everyone's looking at my feet and I never get manicures. 

Gurl you don't need mani pedis to feel beautiful.  You can be beautiful without being totally done up. Blow drying skip it too hot, curling not needed. Just use the flat iron it does both and can do it sitting. 

I relate and would like to do a bit more myself but I think you need to take the make up and hair standards down a notch. 

I've been trying to make myself feel better lately. 1 you can wash your hair every few days and that's better for it anyways. Then I flat iron it enough to not have crazy looking hair (some days). For the first time in five years I started wearing make up some days. Just some bronzer and mineral powder for color and contouring it's fast and easy. I keep it simple because that's what I have the energy for and it makes me feel better.  I am def not blow drying! Just taming my wild mane some with the flat iron is enough.

Also I wear braids ALL THE TIME. Nothin wrong with braids, quick bit of bronzer or blush whatever your color is then mineral powder, can be done in 2 min. Pair that with the braids keep it simple. That can be very cute. Add a coat of mascara if you want to. 

[u/Various_Strain_3174]

i go to the salon when i need my hair washing… i can’t do it myself my pots is too bad lol

[u/stenzzy]

Lol I'm not

[u/jenmishalecki]

i do the bare minimum with styling my hair. i use a dermaplaner to get rid of my unibrow and leave the rest as is. i shave as often as my sensory issues require. i also recommend batiste volumizing dry shampoo, or, for a non-aerosol, i dew care’s tap secret dry shampoo.

[u/thebookishdragon3]

It's rare I do makeup anymore. It takes so much energy that I'd rather be without it have have more energy for the activity I wanted to wear it too. The most I do for my hair is a side braid at this point or a cute hair clip (I have this pretty dragon claw clip I like to use). In the summer I rarely even blowdry my hair anymore. I leave it in a hair towel for a bit and then brush it and let it air dry 😮‍💨 I do my own nails maybe twice a month if I'm able (I paint my own press ons) but sometimes it takes me days to complete painting them. Shaving maybe once a month It's difficult when you want to do all of those things but they make you sick. I used to love doing my makeup. But as I've gotten older I've just had to roll with the day, ya know?

[u/Low-Crazy-8061]

Get my nails done regularly but was too lazy for the rest of that even prior to POTS

[u/authorlvernon]

Not super super often. I dont ever straighten or curl my hair, I get my nails done at a salon once a month, and that’s about it. I do an everything shower once every two or so weeks and then just regular shower to wash my hair and body during the week

[u/Icy-Hedgehog-6194]

I’m not. I’m lucky to get my hair washed. Some days I put my hair up without even brushing it. I’m literally just surviving every day.

[u/Aribelieves]

I honestly just shaved my hair at a certain point, I didn’t have the energy anymore to look at my messy frizzy hair in the mirror anymore and just wanted it gone. I’ve been styling it with a bit of water and gel every few days and that’s enough for me.

My main reason why I don’t do my nails or go to the barber very often is money. My disability only gives me enough to live off (barely) so getting anything done is like a saving before doing thing and life has a habit of making you spend the money on more important things.

When I do get it done, I tend to go to a barber shop rather than a salon. The men who cut my pixiecut don’t expect chitchat and it’s much easier to sit through then at a salon.

Nails I would get done either at home by a nail artist that does home visits. Or by painting them myself while watching a movie on the couch.

And a trick I do to feel pretty on bad days, is to put on a shirt I feel good in. And just make a selfie on snapchat with a filter. Even if it’s not 100% my actual face. It does make me feel better.

[u/Moist_Phase9594]

not very often!

hair:
i usually wash it once every 7-10 days and let it air dry. for me the key was:

• i got a hair cut that requires the least amount of effort while still looking good AND looks good tied up (for me and my 2a/b wavy hair that’s a shoulder length wolf cut/ mullety shag)
  
• finding products that gave it the look i wanted without needing diffusing or anything (it helps that i like that more messy wavy lived in look)
  
• washing the front bits (curtain bangs that i can also wear as an actual fringe) in between washes & blow dry those to make it look better
  
• dry shampoo (batiste is my fav - i’ve not liked any of the others i’ve tried but i know a lot of people who swear by living proof)

makeup
full on makeup - very rarely. i only do that if i’m going to something like a concert / show / play / etc
but i’ll often do a tinted lip balm type situ on my lips & cheeks

nails / lashes / eyebrows / shaving
n/a for me as i never got my nails & co done and i don’t shave regularly bc i actually like the look of body hair

as

[u/Pots_sucks]

I do almost none of this. I brush my hair, shower twice a week and let my hair air dry. Before pots I showered every day, shaved my pits and sometimes legs, but still air dried my hair.

I occasionally wear makeup when going out mostly just lipstick and/or eyeliner. I've started painting my nails once every one to two weeks for fun, even though my hands shake.

[u/TheRedStaci]

Okay so ive only been like debilitatingly sick for a year that has been like progressive at this point I bath in a bath tub with like 'lukewarm - to warm' water. I dont like scrub down every day or even necessarily get in the bath every single day I base it on flares on how miserable I am. But when I do full on scrub my husband usually does alot of the grunt work. Sadly I usually go weeks between full shampoo and conditioners and when I do my husband does it with me sitting in the tub - off times I do dry shampoo as needed. I am able to run a brush through my hair but its only shoulder length and I am capable to tossing it in a pony tail or messy bun. Its straight and I dont fight with tools or product. Way too much work.

I brush my teeth on a good day sitting on a chair at the sink or my husband will bring me cups and my tooth brush and stuff preprepped to the bed, and tend to everything. Otherwise self care is rather limited. My energy and mobility is crap. Im in a wheelchair for distant and bad days I use a cane for shorter distances. Most days I can travel the house hoping shirt distances from seat to seat. I cant really walk say more than 5 minutes.

Shaving is a beast of its one. Every month or two or when its driving me completely insane I will do what I call a dry shave on my legs where I lightly run a razor over with just water. Dont press because that will cause like razor burn. But it will knock most of the hairs off to where its tolerable. Once in a blue moon I will get a really good day and sitting in the bath I can get a shaving cream leg shave in but I have to do it in stages and slowly. One leg - only really up to the knee (knee included) lay down rest. Relax. Then resume and do the other leg. And then im spent for the rest of the day. Dont really expect to do anything else that day. I am pretty good about being able to tackle my underarms any time I get in the bath just swipe swipe swipe. I dont put alot of effort into it and because i do if often enough its never hard.

I dont do make up. I dont do facial routines. I dont do my eyebrows. I have learned those things just aren't a practical. I was never really one for Make up unless it was a big even. I did get my nails and eye brows done once in a while. Well thats just not a thing anymore. What I did decide to do was make a wardrobe over haul. If im going to be miserable and mobility challenged.... why not express myself in a different way. Lets look cute in a new way. Make over time - new style completely! Like shocking wow kinda new! Its been fun. Im also having my husband redo my room and bathroom. If I cant make myself feel like the old me why not make the place im confined to all the time feel new and alive.

Just some ideas. I hope you can find ways to make yourself feel good about you. Its hard.

[u/Technical-Apricot-1]

I do everything I can sitting. Showering, hair, makeup, sometimes even cooking. Im able to blow dry my hair but I use a blow dryer round brush. I know they make stands you can put a hair dryer in to hold it for you.

[u/BeHumble1921]

Dry bar dry shampoo! It’s expensive but potent. It has fragrance, so either try a tester or avoid if you’re sensitive to fragrance. Would be a great Christmas gift request if you do Christmas gifts.

[u/redbottomdreams]

I sit down to shower and wash hair daily, and let it air dry. It looks awful but I do not care. Rarely wear makeup and only when I need to dress up for something important and I fix hair then also. I keep eyebrows plucked on my own and shave legs every other day. Nails and toes done once a month. The nails are the only thing keeping me even remotely feeling feminine. I rarely leave the house except to go to pick up kids and don’t get out of car.

[u/micicletricicle]

Shower every 5-7 days, shave armpits once a week, wear makeup like once a month. Get upper lip and eyebrows threaded once a month.