Healing Wonders of Water: Hair Shampoo in Bed

Definition of Hair Shampoo in Bed: Washing the hair of bedridden patient with soap and water or with a special preparation to cleanse and treat the hair and scalp.

General Considerations for Hair Shampoo in Bed :

Patient who stay in bed for a long period of time need a hair shampoo.
A bed shampoo must be done in the least possible time and the minimum amount of exertion on the part of the patient, specially for a heart patient. Permission for hair shampoo should be obtained from the doctor, if patient is under the care of the doctor. Avoid leaving anything wet around the patient. Also avoid exposure to drafts or chilling the patient during the shampoo.

Effects of Hair Shampoo in Bed

Washes and cleanses the hair and scalp. Improves patient’s morale and stimulates interest in his personal appearance. Improves scalp circulation. Refreshes the patient.

Things Needed for Hair Shampoo in Bed :

Two bath towels.
One face towel.
One pail or pitcher of hot water.
One rubber sheet or plastic sheet/
Soap or shampoo solution.
Cotton.
Basin of warm water.
Empty can or plastic pail.
Cup.
Pail of cold water.
Old newspaper.

Procedure for Hair Shampoo in Bed:

1. Bring all the things needed by the bedside.
2. Remove pillow from under the patient’s head. Bring head of patient at the edge of the bed.
3. Place one end of the plastic sheet under the head and shoulder with the other end hanging over the empty pail on the floor.
4. Remove gown or clothing of the patient and all hair pins.
5. Cover patient with top sheet and put towel around patient’s neck.
6. Place cotton in both ears, to keep water from entering the ears. Let patient hold the washcloth to wipe face as necessary during shampoo.
7. Loosen and comb hair. Pour water slowly and carefully with the cup, using the free hand to shield the eyes and ears. Wet the hair evenly.
8. Pour shampoo on the hair or soap the hair. Rub the scalp with the finger tips and make a good lather with it. Massage the scalp as you rub. Part the hair so that all areas of the scalp will be shampooed and massaged. Turn the head on the side being shampooed.
9. Rinse hair with clear water. Repeat the washing and rinsing two or more times as required.
10. Rinse carefully and well so that soap or shampoo is removed.
11. After rinsing with warm water, rinse with cold water.
12. Dry forehead and ears with face towel. Squeeze water from the hair, and wrap with towel.
13. Raise head and remove the plastic under the head. Cover the pillow with plastic and bath towel, and adjust the pillow on patient’s head.
14. Dry hair with the towel and comb hair.
15. Proceed with bed bath if patient is to be bathed.
16. Remove all pails and all things used at the bedside.
17. Dress patient. Keep him warm and free from drafts.