Nursing Component Task
Nursing procedures & clinical learning

General Nursing (RGN)

WASHING OF PATIENT’S HAIR IN BED

Bed hair washing provides scalp hygiene and comfort for a patient who cannot safely access a bathroom or basin. The nurse protects the airway, ears, eyes, skin, temperature, dignity, and lines while using a waterproof trough and controlled water flow.

Purpose

  • Remove sweat, oil, dirt, and microorganisms from the hair and scalp
  • Promote comfort, circulation, relaxation, and self-esteem
  • Maintain personal hygiene for a dependent or immobile patient

Indications

  • A bedridden or dependent patient unable to wash hair independently
  • Scalp hygiene required as part of personal care
  • A patient who can tolerate the position and water exposure

Equipment

  • Waterproof trough or long mackintosh and bucket
  • Warm water, basin, shampoo, and conditioner if desired
  • Bath and face towels, washcloths, and cotton wool
  • Comb, brush, hair ties, and prescribed hair products
  • Waterproof pad and clean linen
  • PPE, gloves if contact with body fluids is expected
  • Call bell and documentation record

Preparation

  • Check for scalp lesions, infestations, pressure areas, or prescribed treatments and report abnormalities.
  • Ask for assistance when the patient is heavy, confused, unstable, or unable to maintain position.

Procedure steps

  • Assess the patient’s condition, mobility, cognition, pain, temperature tolerance, scalp condition, tubes, lines, and ability to tolerate head extension.
  • Explain the procedure, obtain consent, provide privacy, and ask about preferred water temperature, products, hairstyle, and cultural preferences.
  • Perform hand hygiene, prepare the equipment, raise the bed to a safe working height, and protect the patient’s airway and lines.
  • Position the patient with the head supported at the edge of the bed or in a hair-washing basin only if clinically safe; use a trough to direct water into a bucket.
  • Protect the bed and shoulders with waterproof material and towels, cover the eyes and ears as appropriate, and test water temperature.
  • Comb gently to remove tangles, wet the hair gradually, apply a small amount of shampoo, and massage the scalp with fingertips without scratching.
  • Rinse thoroughly until no shampoo remains, apply conditioner if appropriate, and prevent water from entering the eyes, ears, nose, or airway.
  • Squeeze water gently from the hair, wrap it in a towel, remove the wet trough and linen, and dry the scalp and hair thoroughly.
  • Assist the patient into a safe comfortable position, replace wet linen, style the hair according to preference, and ensure the call bell is available.
  • Clean and store equipment, perform hand hygiene, assess the scalp and patient tolerance, and document the care and any abnormal findings.

Precautions

  • Do not extend the neck or expose the patient to water if respiratory, cervical-spine, neurological, or cardiovascular status makes it unsafe.
  • Avoid hot water, vigorous scalp massage, hair dryers near wet skin, and water near electrical equipment.
  • Protect hearing aids, dressings, IV lines, oxygen, and other devices from water.
  • Stop for breathlessness, dizziness, chills, pain, distress, or a change in level of consciousness.

Aftercare

  • Dry the hair and scalp completely, maintain warmth, and check for wet linen or skin folds.
  • Offer fluids or rest if appropriate and teach the patient to report scalp pain, itching, sores, or persistent dizziness.

Documentation

  • Record the patient’s tolerance, scalp condition, products used, hair care preference, and any abnormal findings.
  • Document refusal, assistance required, skin injury, infestation, or escalation.

Educational resource only. Follow current Nursing and Midwifery Council guidance, local institutional protocols, scope of practice, and clinical supervision.

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