A young woman has uncovered a unique solution to her shaving woes that has resonated with many others facing similar challenges. Mishell, a 27-year-old working in higher education, has shared a practical tip on TikTok that stemmed from her experiences as a former lifeguard and passionate swimmer. Tired of discovering patches of unshaved hair after each shower, she turned to an old pair of swimming goggles to improve her visibility while shaving in the bathroom.
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For nearly a decade, Mishell has dealt with a prescription of approximately -6.00, causing her uncorrected vision to present a world full of “colourful blurs.” The absence of clear sight has made tasks like shaving particularly difficult. She recalls the frustration of missing spots while shaving her legs, only to discover the remnants once she put her glasses back on. “I’d take my glasses off, shave away, put them back on, and somehow still have random stripes of hair up my legs,” she explained. “It was annoying and I needed a solution.”

The solution came to her after rummaging through old swimming gear. Mishell was inspired by the goggles that had once aided her during her swimming days. By using the goggles, she could see clearly while shaving, eliminating the disappointing surprises that usually awaited her post-shower. “Before, I had no real strategy for shaving; I just hoped for the best,” she admitted. This lack of a clear plan often led to cuts and small scars that she has accumulated over the years.
The goggles have made a significant difference in her routine. Mishell noted the challenges she faced without corrective lenses, saying, “If I didn’t have my glasses with me, I wouldn’t recognise even my closest friends in a crowd.” Her description of her vision as akin to “tie-dye rather than high definition” underscores the struggles that come with severe nearsightedness.
Adapting to her condition has influenced many aspects of her daily life, especially her fitness regime, where she often opts for contacts over glasses to avoid the frustrations that come with frames during workouts. However, water presents a unique dilemma, as Mishell has found that contacts and water do not mix well, often forcing her to choose between clarity and comfort. “I’ll take my contacts out and go in completely blind,” she shared. “It’s a funny compromise, yet it illustrates the differences in understanding the challenges faced by those with significant nearsightedness.”
Mishell also emphasised that for many, poor eyesight isn’t merely about remembering to don glasses in the morning; it involves a fundamental difference in perceiving the world. Her journey has led her to navigate these limitations with ease, often without even realising the extent of her difficulties until she reflects on it.
Following her TikTok post about the goggle hack, Mishell was pleasantly surprised by the wave of understanding from viewers who also experience high prescriptions. Many shared their own stories in the comments, expressing their gratitude for the relatable content. However, she noted an unexpected reaction from some users who were unaware of the risks involved with wearing contacts while swimming or showering.
“By sharing my experience, I hope it can serve as a bit of education,” Mishell stated. In light of this newfound awareness, she feels a sense of gratitude that her own eyesight, though challenging, isn’t worse than it is. The positive feedback and shared experiences highlight the importance of community and support among those dealing with similar issues.
Mishell’s story serves as a reminder that even unconventional solutions can improve daily routines and bring clarity to life’s simple tasks. Whether through the use of swimming goggles or shared experiences, individuals facing similar challenges can feel less alone in their journeys to navigate the complexities of vision impairments.
