Styling Your Hair when living with Fatigue

When you’re living with fatigue, styling your hair can take more energy than you might expect. There are many small steps we might not think of as separate tasks! Brushing, holding your arms up, reaching for products, using a hairdryer or styling tool, working with clips and hair ties, concentrating on different sections and putting everything away can all add up. And then on top of all that there's the heat! The finished style may look simple, but getting there can take quite a bit of energy.

At the same time, styling your hair isn't only about the finished look. For some people it can be a way of expressing themselves or for others they could simply enjoy experimenting and self-care. However, styling your hair may not be a priority for you. You might choose to leave your hair naturally styled, get a low-maintenance haircut, or wear a hair covering instead.

But, if styling your hair is still important to you, there are ways you can adapt this task to make it more manageable.

Before you begin

First, have a think about what you want to achieve from styling your hair today. You don't have to do a full routine every time. Think about what matters most to you and how much energy you want to put into it today. Maybe you have somewhere important to go, you enjoy the process, or you simply want your hair to feel a bit more refreshed or different? Maybe it's a day where you decide to just let it be.

If you know you're more tired at certain times of the day, could you choose a time when you have a little more energy? It can also help to think about what you've already done in the day, and what you might need your energy for afterwards.

You could also think about changing your haircut or hairstyle to make styling easier. For example, a shorter or low-maintenance style may reduce brushing, drying and styling time. Though, you don't have to change your hair. If your current style is important to you, think about how you can adapt your routine instead.

Set yourself up.

A little preparation can save energy later. Having your tools and products nearby may help reduce energy demands. If gathering everything beforehand takes too much energy, you may keep frequently used items within reach, or ask someone to help with gathering if you wish.

How you do your hair can make a difference. If standing is tiring, sit down. Bring the mirror closer and keep your tools within easy reach to avoid constantly reaching, bending or getting up. Rather than constantly raising your arms above your head, which can be tiring, you could choose to rest your forearms if using a table or desk. You could also think about how you can work with gravity rather than against it. For example, depending on the style, letting your hair fall forwards or to the side may mean you don't have to keep lifting your arms and hair upwards.

A hairdryer stand could even be an option. This can reduce the need to hold the dryer continuously. Some stands are adjustable, so you can position the airflow where you need it.

Also, you can change things up as you go, so don't feel like you must stay in one position.  Find what feels most comfortable and uses the least energy for you.

What is taking the most energy?

Think about the different steps involved in styling your hair. Which parts feel most tiring for you? It may be the whole routine, or you may notice just one or two steps take up most of your energy. Different parts of the routine can place different demands on your body and mind, so noticing exactly what is tiring can help you work out what to change.

You might notice that standing, holding tools, keeping your arms up or repeatedly moving your hands feels physically tiring. You might also find that some parts require more mental energy, such as concentrating on different sections or steps, remembering the steps of a hairstyle, following a tutorial or deciding what products to use.

Once you notice what is using the most energy, think about what you could change:

• Standing: sit down.

• Arms raised: rest your forearms when possible.

• Reaching: keep tools and products close.

• Repetitive movements: take breaks or simplify the style.

• Concentration: choose a familiar style.

• Remembering steps: follow a tutorial.

• Making decisions: prepare your tools and products beforehand.

  
  

You may find that more than one of these applies to you at the same time. The key is to look at what is actually using your energy and what you could change to make that part easier.

Choosing your tools

Could your tools do some of the work? The tools you use can sometimes reduce the number of steps or physical demands.

Lighter-weight tools or those with an easier grip can make holding and using them less tiring.

Additionally, tools can also reduce the number of steps.

· A hairdryer brush or hot-air brush can dry and style at the same time.

· A thermal brush combines brushing and straightening.

· Wet-to-dry straighteners allow you to straighten damp hair. 

· Self-rotating curlers can reduce the amount of arm or wrist movement required.

However, it’s important to consider that what works for one person may not work for another! One tool might save time but feel heavy, create more heat or be more complicated to use, requiring more learning or concentration.

Focus on what is most demanding for you, rather than simply choosing the newest option.

Styling Hair Between Washes

Washing your hair can also take a significant amount of energy, and you may not be able to wash your hair as often as you used to. If this is the case, there are ways to adapt how you style your hair between washes.

Sometimes up-styles can work well on hair that is not freshly washed, such as a ponytail, bun, braid or slick-back style. You could also use a clip, headband or scarf, depending on what you like and what feels comfortable for you. Dry shampoo can also be an option between washes, though some people may find it irritating or uncomfortable depending on individual’s preferences and sensitivities. Therefore, only use this if it works for you. The most important thing is to find what feels most comfortable and manageable for you on the day.

Think About Heat

Heat can add to the demands of styling and increase feelings of fatigue. Heated styling tools can leave you feeling hot, uncomfortable or drained, especially if heat is already a trigger for your fatigue.

If heat affects you, try lowering the heat setting, taking breaks or reducing the time spent using heated tools. Planning your routine can help with this. For example, if curling is most important to you, let your hair air-dry first and use heat only for curling, rather than blow-drying and then curling. Some tools may also reduce how much heat you experience, though this can vary from person to person. For example, a wet-to-dry straightener avoids blowing hot air around your face while still using heat on the hair.

Heatless curls can be an option if you want curls without using heat. However, heatless does not mean effortless. These styles still require physical and cognitive energy. Think about your own energy levels and triggers. Does the heat take more out of you, or would the extra physical effort of a heatless style be more demanding? The best option is the one that feels most manageable for you.

Listen to your body and adapt.

Your energy can change while you're styling your hair, so instead of feeling pressured to follow your initial plan, try to be mindful of how you're feeling. If your usual routine is taking more out of you than expected, pause, rest or change how you're doing it. You could skip a step, use a quicker alternative or only style the parts that matter most. You don't have to complete everything in one go, and you don’t have to wait until you are completely exhausted to stop!

The question isn't always “What's the easiest hairstyle?” It might be “What version of styling my hair works for me today?” Sometimes, the answer may simply be not styling your hair. You could postpone it, ask for help, or save your energy for something else.

There is no one “right” way to style your hair when living with fatigue. The aim isn’t to do everything as you did before, but to find what works for you, with the energy you have that day.

Optional further reading

If you’d like more information on managing fatigue and adapting everyday activities and routines, you may find these resources useful.

Lift-up-your-everyday-managing-energy-guide.pdf  Practical guide to managing fatigue and conserving energy.

Washing hair with ME/CFS Practical ideas for adapting hair washing, drying and the time between washes to suit your energy levels.

Showering with ME/CFS: Energy-Saving Strategies Practical ideas for adapting showering and reducing the energy needed for this activity.

By Shauna, an Occupational Therapy Student at The Brí Clinic.