A common belief exists, that blind people do not care about their appearance. This is not necessarily the case. Unfortunately, the way people dress can often influence how others treat them. Being completely oblivious of appearance, can therefore put them behind the eight ball.
Clothes
When purchasing clothing, it may be helpful for blind people to select fabrics that are easy to distinguish. For example, two tops that feel identical but are different in colour may produce an outfit disaster! This danger can be minimized by choosing clothing that can be worn with a variety of colours.
Some blind individuals mark their clothes in some way. They may Braille, tear or staple their labels. Additionally, some blind people may organize their wardrobe to help minimize the daily stress of what to wear. For example, they may hang casual outfits on one side of the closet, and formal on the other.
Shoes
Shoes can often make or break an outfit. It's therefore important to wear shoes that coincide with the colour scheme of the clothes. Brown shoes for example, would not usually complement a black and white dress!
When dressing for a formal or professional occasion, heels usually work best. It helps to present a chic and lady-like image. It's important however, to practice walking in high heeled shoes. (Tottering around, is not a good look!) This can be achieved in the person's home, prior to leaving for the event.
Posture
Posture can also affect others' perceptions. A few years ago, I was told that my head often tilted downwards. I was therefore presenting a timid image. I subsequently made a conscious effort to straighten my head.
Personal grooming
Hygiene is a basic, yet primary step in an individual's personal grooming routine. Nails, teeth, body and ears should be clean. Mouthwash, or a dental visit, may be useful for those with bad breath.
As the body is mostly covered, a daily wash is usually sufficient. Face, arms and neck, however, usually require more attention. This is due to exposure to sun, dust and other pollution.
It may be a good idea to wash face twice a day, with warm water. This will loosen clogged pores and stimulate blood flow to the skin. When applying cleanser, squeeze a dime-sized dab in to palm. Then rub hands together, and gently move them in circles around face. The final step in this process, is rinsing face with cool water to tighten the pores. It's important to ensure that the water is not too hot or icy, as this may cause broken capillaries.
Regardless of skin type, toning after cleansing is important. It helps to refresh skin and improve blood circulation to the skin’s surface. This simple step will enhance natural glow.
Toning involves wiping face with a skin tonic pad. Then pat briskly to stimulate blood circulation to the skin’s surface. Using gentle strokes, begin with cheeks in an outward and slightly upward direction. Use small, circular motions on chin, around eyes and either corner of nose. Be extra light in touch, when approaching the area around eyes.
Applying make-up
It's usually helpful for blind people to develop routines when applying make-up. Amount is very important. Piling foundation on too thickly often looks silly. Blind people thus need to be sensitive to how much make-up they're applying.
Organization is also important. Before commencing the make-up process, ensure that all necessary materials are within reach. Some blind individuals may want to use a small towel over their lap, to prevent make-up from staining their clothes in the event of an accident. Pinning hair back with a head band, may also be useful to avoid strands from hindering progress. Wiping hands after each application is also very important to prevent mixing different make-ups.
Being blind is not a valid excuse to be careless in appearance. The image presented can often impact self-esteem. Those who invest a small amount of time each day in personal grooming, are conveying to the world, that they respect and value themselves.
Bernadette Lancefield - Hey there! I am blind, have seven siblings, and have a seeing-eye dog called Zora. I love writing, reading, walking, hanging out with ...
