Grooming

This page includes tips for brushing your teeth, hair care, shaving, applying makeup, and nail care.

Brushing your teeth

The technique depends on whether your tube of toothpaste is for shared or personal use.

If you’re the only person using the tube, squeeze a small amount of toothpaste on the end of your tongue. Use your tongue to cover your teeth with the paste before brushing.
If you share the tube, place your finger along the bristles of your toothbrush as you squeeze the toothpaste on. You’ll be able to tell when there’s enough paste on the brush.

Find a system to identify your hair care products so you can tell them apart. You don’t want to use conditioner instead of shampoo.
If colour contrast is helpful to you, hang a towel in a different colour on the wall behind you. When you look in the mirror to work with your hair, the background will contrast with your hair colour.
To part your hair by touch or to put on a hair clip, use your nose or the head-bump at the top of your spine as a reference point to line up your comb or brush.

If you have functional vision, create contrast for using the mirror by hanging a towel in a different colour behind you.
Use tactile landmarks like your earlobe to keep track of where you are in your shaving. Also, feel for the difference in the areas you’ve already shaved.
Use overlapping strokes of the razor to ensure coverage. Then do a second set of strokes at a 90° angle to the first.

Label your makeup by product name and colour.
Organize makeup in a basket or tray. This makes it easy to find what you need.
Choose products that are less likely to spill.
Protect your clothing by placing a towel around your shoulders or on your lap.
Use facial landmarks to apply makeup like blush and eye shadow.
Use subtle shades to make any inconsistencies less noticeable.
Count the number of brush strokes on cakes to control the amount you apply.
When applying mascara, eyeliner or lipstick, stabilize your hand against your face or hold your wrist steady with the other hand.

Apply polish with polish pens similar to felt-tipped markers.
Cool nail polish in the fridge before applying. This will make it easy to feel as you’re putting it on.
Before you begin, trace around your nails with a polish corrector pen or manicure stick dipped in nail polish remover. This will help you to control coverage.
Stabilize the brush with your index finger while holding it between your thumb and third finger.
Nail buffers or clear polishes are also good choices in terms of shine.
Treat yourself to a professional manicure.