Purpose

• A shampoo removes dirt and oil from the hair, stimulates circulation in the scalp, and helps the person look and feel better. A shampoo also lets you check for scalp problems and head lice.
• Many people shampoo one, two, or three times a week. Others shampoo every day. In nursing centers, shampooing is usually done on the person’s bath or shower day. If done by a hairdresser or barber, do not shampoo the person’s hair. Provide a shower cap for the bath or shower.
• The shampoo method depends on the person’s condition, safety factors, and personal choice. The nurse tells you what method to use:
  • Shampoo in bed.
  • Shampoo during the shower or tub bath.
  • Shampoo at the sink.
  • Shampoo on a stretcher.
• After the shampoo, dry and style hair as quickly as possible. Women may want hair curled or rolled up before drying. Check with the nurse before doing so.

Equipment

Roll cursor over items to see labels. For the purposes of clearly depicting the equipment, a barrier is not shown in this photo. When providing care, a barrier should always be placed on the surface before placing the equipment.

Shampoo tray

Shampoo tray

Basin

Waterproof pad

Two bath towels

Bath thermometer

Gloves, if needed

Washcloths

Hand-held nozzle

Shampoo

Conditioner

Hair dryer

Comb

Brush

Delegation

• Follow delegation guidelines. Before shampooing the person’s hair, obtain this information from the nurse and care plan:
  • When to shampoo the person’s hair
  • What method to use
  • What shampoo and conditioner to use
  • The person’s position restrictions or limits
  • What water temperature to use—usually 105˚F (40.5˚C)
  • If hair is curled or rolled up before drying
  • What cleaning agent and equipment to use
  • What observations to report and record
  • When to report observations
  • What patient or resident concerns to report at once.

Preparation

• Observe quality-of-life measures.
• Review the information under Delegation and Safety and Comfort.
• Practice hand hygiene.
• Collect the equipment.
• Arrange items nearby.
• Identify the person. Check the ID bracelet against the assignment sheet. Also call the person by name.
• Provide for privacy.
• For a shampoo in bed, raise the bed for body mechanics. Bed rails are up if used. For a shampoo in the tub or shower, assist the person to the tub or shower room.
• Practice hand hygiene.

Safety

• Do not use your fingernails when washing the hair. This can scratch the scalp.
• Keep shampoo away from and out of the eyes. Have the person hold a washcloth over the eyes. To rinse, cup your hand at the person’s forehead.
• Remove hearing aids before shampooing. Water will damage hearing aids.
• Return medicated products to the nurse.
• Observe the scalp for problems. Wear gloves if the person has scalp sores. Follow Standard Precautions and the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard.
• For a shampoo on a stretcher at a sink, follow the rules for stretcher use. Lock stretcher wheels and use safety straps and side rails. Keep the far side rail raised.
• Some people shampoo themselves during a tub bath or shower. Place an extra towel, shampoo, and conditioner within the person’s reach. Assist as needed.
• Never use an electric hair dryer on a patient who is in water.
• Use only the person’s own comb, brush, or supplies for hair care.

Comfort

• When shampooing during the tub bath or shower, the person tips his or her head back to keep shampoo and water out of the eyes. Support the back of the head with one hand. Shampoo with your other hand. Persons who cannot tip their heads back lean forward and hold a folded washcloth over the eyes. Support the forehead with one hand as you shampoo with the other. Make sure the person can breathe easily.
• Many people have limited range of motion in their necks. They are not shampooed at the sink or on a stretcher.

Follow-up Care

• Provide for comfort.
• After shampooing in a tub or shower, assist the person back to his or her room.
• Place the call light within reach.
• Lower the bed to the low position. Raise or lower bed rails. Follow the care plan.
• Unscreen the person.
• Complete a safety check of the room.
• Clean, rinse, dry, and return equipment to its proper place. Discard disposable items.
• Follow agency policy for dirty linens.
• Practice hand hygiene.

Reporting/Recording

• Report and record your observations, including:
  • Scalp sores, flaking, or itching
  • The present of nits or lice
  • Patches of hair loss or hair falling out in patches
  • Very dry or very oily hair
  • Matted or tangled hair
  • How the person tolerated the procedure