Shampooing a Patient’s Hair in Bed

Goal: The patient’s hair is cleaned with minimal discomfort to the patient.

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 overbed 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 (43 C to 46 C [110 F to 115 F]). 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.

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 (43 C to 46 C [110 F to 115 F]) until all shampoo is out of hair. Repeat shampoo, if necessary.

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 (43 C to 46 C [110 F to 115 F]) 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.