Shampooing a patient's hair in bed

1. SHAMPOOING A PATIENT’S
HAIR IN BED
FARRAH ROSE MAY I. LEE, RN

2.  Washing a patient’s hair helps to promote good hygiene, comfort, relaxation, and
self-esteem. It also provides a chance for Nurses to assess the condition of their
patient’s hair, skin, and scalp. When washing a patient’s hair in bed, Nurses should
ensure that the bed linens and patient clothing are protected by using towels or
waterproof pads under their shoulders. Always assess allergies to products being
used, and style hair according to patient preference.

3. EQUIPMENTS
Water pitcher
• Warm water
• Shampoo
• Conditioner (optional)
• Disposable gloves
• Additional PPE, as indicated
• Protective pad for bed
• Shampoo board
• Bucket
• Towels
• Gown
• Comb or brush
• Blow dryer (optional)

4. ASSESSMENT
 Assess the patient’s hygiene preferences
 Assess for any physical activity limitations
 Assess the patient’s ability to get out of bed to have his or her hair washed
 Inspect the patient’s scalp for any cuts, lesions, or bumps. Note any flaking, drying,
or excessive oiliness

5. NURSING DIAGNOSIS
 Bathing/Hygiene Self-Care Deficit
 Activity Intolerance
 Impaired Transfer Ability
 Impaired Physical Mobility
 Disturbed Body Image

6. OUTCOME IDENTIFICATION AND
PLANNING
 The expected outcome is that the patient’s hair will be clean. Other outcomes that
may be appropriate include the following:
the patient will tolerate the shampoo with little to no difficulty, the patient will
demonstrate an improved body image, and the patient will state an increase in
comfort.

7. IMPLEMENTATION
1. Review chart for any limitations in physical activity, or contraindications to the procedure.
2. Perform hand hygiene. Put on PPE, as indicated.
3. Identify the patient. Explain the procedure to the patient.
4. Assemble equipment on over bed table within reach.
5. Close curtains around bed and close the door to the room, if possible.
6. Lower the head of the bed. Remove pillow and place protective pad under patient’s head and
shoulders.
7. Fill the pitcher with warm water. Position the patient at the top of the bed, in a supine
position. Have the patient lift his or her head and place shampoo board underneath patient’s head. If
necessary, pad the edge of the board with a small towel.

9. 8. Place a drain container underneath the drain of the shampoo board
9. Put on gloves. If the patient is able, have him or her hold a folded washcloth at the forehead.
Pour pitcher of warm water slowly over patient’s head, making sure that all hair is saturated. Refill
pitcher, if needed
10. Apply a small amount of shampoo to patient’s hair. Massage deep into the scalp, avoiding any
cuts, lesions, or sore spots.
11. Rinse with warm water until all shampoo is out of hair. Repeat shampoo, if
necessary

12. 12. If patient has thick hair or requests it, apply a small amount of conditioner to hair and massage
throughout. Avoid any cuts,lesions, or sore spots.
13. If drain container is small, empty before rinsing hair. Rinse with warm water until all
conditioner is out of hair.
14. Remove shampoo board Place towel around patient’s hair.
15. Pat hair dry, avoiding any cuts, lesions, or sore spots.
Remove protective padding but keep one dry protective pad under patient’s hair
16. Gently brush hair, removing tangles as needed.
17. Blow-dry hair on a cool setting, if allowed and if patient wishes. If not, consider covering the patient’s
head with a dry towel, until hair is dry.
18. Change patient’s gown and remove protective pad. Replace
pillow.
19. Remove equipment and return patient to a position of comfort. Remove your gloves. Raise side rail
and lower bed.
20. Remove additional PPE, if used. Perform hand
hygiene

13. EVALUATION
 The expected outcomes are met when the patient’s hair is clean, the patient
verbalizes a positive body image, and the patient reports an increase in comfort
level