Component Task: Washing of Patient’s Hair

The act of shampooing a patient’s hair to get rid of dirt and excess oils and make them feel relaxed on the ward. Hair care is an essential activity of daily living.

Aims

·         Stimulate circulation of the scalp

·         Boost self-image and wellbeing

·         Prevent infection and promote recovery

Requirements

A trolley

a.      Top shelf

·         Shampoo

·         Conditioner

·         Comb

·         Brush

·         Mirror

·         Receiver

·         Hair pomade

·         Face towel

·         Bath towels

·         Hair accessories

·         Examination gloves

·         Gallipot with cotton balls

·         Protective material

·         Long mackintosh

·         Bowl/bucket

·         Rubber apron

·         Two jugs (big) of water (cold and hot)

·         Small jug/pail

·         Hair dryer/any accessory to dry hair

b.      Screen

c.      Sink if available

d.      Assisting nurse(s)

Steps

1.        Establish rapport (refer procedure)

2.      Explain procedure to patient

3.      Prepare and send trolley to appropriate place and provide privacy

4.      Perform hand hygiene, put on rubber apron and don gloves

5.      Put patient in a desired position

6.      Arrange long mackintosh into a trough, fashion under the patient’s shoulders, neck and head and extend it down into a bowl/bucket or sink

7.       Cover the patient’s neck and shoulders with the protective material

8.      Comb and detangle hair

9.      Cover patient’s eyes with towel and plug ears with cotton balls

10.    Wet patient’s hair and apply soap/shampoo

11.      Massage scalp systematically starting at the front to the back of the head, rinse and repeat till hair is clean

12.    Wipe any moisture around eye, face and neck with face towel

13.    Squeeze hair gently, tie hair up in a towel and dry thoroughly with a towel or a hand dryer if available

14.    Apply pomade, comb and style hair to patient’s preference

15.    Remove mackintosh and towel, and leave patient dry and comfortable

16.    Express appreciation to patient and direct him/her to the next activity

17.    Remove screen, clear trolley, decontaminate used items and perform hand hygiene

18.    Document procedure, report any abnormalities and indicate patient’s level of co-operation in the nurses’ notes/patient’s folder


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