Designer
Erika Lopez
One-Handed Hair Tie
Group Project
2022
*This product is in the process of being patented*
SoloTie
A single-handed hair tie designed to enhance independence for individuals with limited dexterity or functionality in one hand.
This studio focused on helping stroke survivors do everyday tasks more independently through designing assistive products. We were fortunate enough to work closely with one specific patient who could no longer use her right hand due to a stroke. One of the most important tasks that she wanted to be able to do again was tying her hair back in a ponytail. Tying a ponytail the normal way is impossible to do one-handed as it involves lots of twisting and pulling the hair through loops.
We did market research on existing assistive hair ties, and none of them could be easily used with only one functioning hand.
Each group member generated concept sketches of a potential one-handed hair tie product. Many approaches were explored, including claw clips, wall-mounted assistive devices, magnetic solutions, and adjustable loops.
From those sketches, the magnetic, retractable, and adjustable loop were developed into prototypes. The adjustable loop prototype proved to be the most user-friendly and was improved upon through user testing with multiple iterations.
Full Loop 1.0
Issues: No method to secure ponytail
Magnetic 1.0
Issues: Difficult to gather hair w/ one hand / magnet not strong enough
Magnetic 2.0
Issues: Still difficult to gather all hair / stronger magnet connects while trying to gather hair & pulls
Detachable
Issues: String length dependent on hair thickness / difficult to reattach
Retractable 2.0
Issues: Too loose around the ponytail / retraction too weak
Retractable 1.0
Issues: Uncomfortable to get on / not tight enough around the ponytail
Full Loop 2.0 - Small bead / Larger loop
Issues: Bead too small
Full Loop 3.0 - Large bead / Shorter loop
Issues: Loop too small
Full Loop 4.0 - Large bead / Medium loop
Issues: No issues
The final concept includes a crimp to secure the knot of the loop, a smaller loop to tightly fit around the plastic bead, and a shorter amount of elastic to reduce excess that must be wrapped and secured around the ponytail. The patient we worked with was able to successfully use this final design to tie her hair in a ponytail with only her left hand.
