In case you haven’t seen it, one of the memes going around social media these days is, “We’re exactly 3 weeks away from knowing everyone’s true hair color.” For those of you without standing appointments at a hair salon, you may not understand the angst that this meme represents. But for those who have thought they’d fashioned their “true” identities by manipulating the appearance that mother nature gave them, the thought of not having access to their usual hair colorist (never mind the gray hair that may follow) during COVID-19 is truly an existential crisis. As writer Amanda Mull wrote in a recent piece in The Atlantic, “losing your appearance” can be an additional stressor in an already stressful time.

At this moment when “do it yourself” becomes the rallying cry of grooming, all types of hair tricks may be tried in home bathrooms. The Wall Street Journal recently suggested that the amateurs at home are having mixed results in their efforts. The Guardian recently profiled men who have decided this whole hair thing is not worth worrying about, and have switched to home-done buzz cuts during the pandemic (with the advice that you need to have the correct-shaped head to carry off this look). Some stalwart (and law-breaking) hairstylists are even sneaking into private homes to continue to provide professional hair care, while others have set up shop online, with tutorials and visuals of how to care for your hair.

Elle magazine recently provided an expert round-up of beauty routines for skin, hair, and nails in this time of social isolation. Yes, they say, continue to wear sunscreen even inside and try a root touch-up if the gray is making an appearance. They also provide advice on what to do about gel manicures and skincare routines at this point when you shouldn’t be touching your face. And for those of you with unkempt brows, Fashionista has some advice about home repairs. 

Finally, as is happening with other physicians, dermatologists are venturing into telemedicine, for those skincare concerns that simply can’t wait for an in-person visit. A recent piece in Allure provides guidance on how to get the best advice while virtually visiting your dermatologist: take off your make-up, withhold your usual skincare products, turn up the light as best you can and photograph your face from different angles. It may not give you a made-for-public selfie, but it will provide your dermatologist with the best evidence to ascertain whether it’s acne or some other irritation covering your face. And it may be the best you can do until we’re done socially distancing.