Now that the circuit breaker has been lifted, many of us are out and about again, and spending more hours outdoors. But with that we’re also discovering something that our frontline workers have known for awhile now: the elastic cords of a mask can be really uncomfortable on the ears.
From using a paperclip to Chun Li buns, here are some life hacks for mask-induced ear pain.
Sew buttons on caps or headbands
Two strategically-placed buttons on both sides of a headband or cap will make great stand-ins for your ears. All you have to do is hook your mask’s over them and you’re ready to go.
You can DIY with two buttons that are half an inch to an inch in diameter and sew them onto the sides of your cap or headband. Make sure the buttons are located above your ears, so the elastic cords will stretch right and the mask won’t be too tight or loose on your face.
Alternatively, there are sellers out there such as this Etsy store with colourful headbands and this one with baseball caps.
Use S hooks
Something that we use at home can now double as a device to relieve ear pain! The idea is to have the mask elastic rest or hook onto both sides of the S hook, rather than having it pull on the back of your ears. The best part? S hooks cost just between one to two dollars if you don’t already have them hanging somewhere at home!
Hair buns
If you don’t have headbands, buttons and S hooks but you do have long hair, try out these hairstyles:
A healthcare worker came up with these cute space buns/Chun Li buns/Princess Leia buns that will prevent any ear pain.
Another healthcare worker shared that a high bun will also work for the same purpose by securing the elastics over her hair at the top of her head.
Use a paperclip
Maybe you’re in the office reading this right now, your ears hurt and you’re not sure what you can do. Some paper clips will come to your rescue! Simply fasten the cords of your mask to the back of your head with a paperclip. If it’s too tight, all you have to do is connect more paper clips together and form them into a chain.
Buttons on glasses
Wear glasses? Here’s a hack for you. You’ll need two buttons and two extra small rubber bands. Pinch one rubber band and thread it through the button holes, and repeat with the other button. Loop the buttons onto the temples of your glasses using the rubber band loops you’ve just created, and then you can put your mask’s elastic cords over the buttons!
Cut up an old t-shirt
This is probably one of the quickest and easiest ways to relieve ear pain, and anyone with an old t-shirt can make it. Put your hair up, then place the strip of fabric on top of your head. Grab your face mask and put the ends of the strip through the elastic cords. Finally, position the mask up to your face as you tie the ends of the fabric strip together behind your head. For an extra chic look, use a headscarf instead!
Use tie back masks
Sure, they might be quite a bit more inconvenient to put on, but hey, no ear pain! Bamboo Straw Girl sells reusable batik ones that come in two sizes. We love the prints and the fact that 100% of the profits will go to Migrants We Care!