Information Sheet 5.3-1E

INFORMATION SHEET 5.3-1E
BED SHAMPOO

Learning objectives:
After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, YOU MUST be able to

determine and provide assistance and support in performing bed shampoo to
clients.

Bed Shampoo

Pediculosis capitis – lice found in the scalp

Alopecia – (baldness) the loss of scalp hair

Seborrhea – (cradle cap)-

Dandruffs – appears as a diffuse scaling of the scalp often accompanied by
itching.

Hirsutism – is the growth of excessive body hair

Hypotrichosis – the state of having a less than normal amount of hair on the

head or body.

Hypertricosis – the state of having an excess of hair on the head or body.

Hair - is a filamentous biomaterial that grows from follicles
found in the dermis. The human body, apart from its glabrous
skin, is covered in follicles which produce thick terminal and
fine vellus hair. Most common interest in hair is focused on
hair growth, hair types and hair care, but hair is also an
important biomaterial primarily composed of protein, notably
keratin. There are all different shades of blonde, brunette,
black, and red hair.

Human hair growth

Bed Shampoo
Washing of hair and scalp of a patient on bed.

• Clean hair may help a person feel and look better.
• Old oils and dirt are removed when the hair is cleaned with shampoo.
• This helps prevent skin irritation and also helps stop germs from

growing.

Hair Care
Hair care is an essential part of personal hygiene and has an important role in
maintaining self-esteem and quality of life. Supporting patients to maintain
hair care when they cannot do this themselves is a fundamental aspect of
nursing care. This article outlines the procedure for washing patients’ hair
when they are confined to bed.
The condition of a patients’ hair and how it is styled is an important part of
their identity, so hair care should be carried out – as far as possible – according
to their wishes. Washing and styling patients’ hair can also be a valuable social
activity and help boost their self-esteem and sense of wellbeing.
Caring for patients’ hair provides an opportunity to observe the scalp for signs
of pressure damage, dandruff or dry skin and underlying skin conditions. It is
also important to observe for head lice (Fig 1), which must be treated
immediately to avoid others being affected (Dougherty and Lister, 2015).

If patients are in hospital for a long time, it may not be possible to maintain
their hairstyle so a referral to a hairdresser or barber may be required.
Alternatively, some may wish to ask their regular hairdresser or barber to visit.

The following equipment will be required:

• Apron
• Towels
• Laundry skip
• Disposable wash cloths
• Plastic sheet
• Preferred shampoo and conditioner;
• Comb or brush;
• Clean clothes and bed linen;
• Shampoo tray;
• Disposable jug and basin. Following manufacturer’s instructions, ensure

the receptacle that will collect the water from the shampoo tray is
positioned under the drainage spout.

Bed Shampoo

Steps Rationale

• Check the chart for written This procedure is under our
dependent function.
order

1. Tell your client what you are going To gain the cooperation of the client
to do.

2. Prepare all the equipments and
bring to the bed side.

3. Close all sources of drafts in the To lessen the loss of heat from the

room. client through air currents.

4. Wash hands Reduces transmission of

microorganism.

5. Place the pail on a foot stool near The pail will collect the used water.
the head of bed.

6. Protect the pillow with rubber This protects the bed from getting wet.
pillowcase and cover with bath
blanket.

7. Untie patient’s gown and pull down To protect it from getting wet.
to shoulders.

8. Place face towel over the chest.

9. Bring the patients head to the side
of the bed at the angle that allows the
hair to extend over the bed.

10. Place Kelly pad under the patients Water will flow into it.
head. Place the free end of Kelly pad in
the pail.

11. Plug ears with cotton balls. To prevent water from coming into the
ears.

12. Place damp wash cloth over the To protect the eyes
eyes.

13. Pour enough water over the hair to Water aids in distribution of shampoo
moisten it thoroughly. Apply small suds over hair.
amount of shampoo.

14. Work upward with both hands. Systemic progression over hair and
Start at hairline and work toward back scalp ensures thorough cleansing,
of the neck. Lift head slightly with one massage increases scalp circulation
hand to wash the back of the head. use of fingernails during massage can
Shampoo sides of head and massage cause scratching of scalp.
scalp by applying pressure with
fingertips pads.

15.Rinse hair with water. Make sure Retained shampoo leaves chill finish
water drains into the pail. Repeat on hair. Dried shampoo may cause
rinsing until hair is free of shampoo.
scalp irritation.

16.Apply conditioner if request and Conditioner prevents excess drying.

rinse hair thoroughly. Cream rinse makes combing and

brushing easier.

17. Squeeze the hair of excess water.

18. Support the head while removing
the Kelly pad and drop it into the
pail.

19. Pull up the pillow and let the
head rest on the pillow.

20. Remove the cotton balls. Dry face
with cloth used to protect the eyes.

21. Dry off moisture along ears, neck Retained moisture may cause cooling
and shoulders. Pull gown over and chill.

shoulders.

22. Dry hair well with bath towel and
comb away the tangles.

23. Assist client to comfortable Promotes clients sense of well-being.

position and complete styling of hair.

24. Gather all the equipment used
and tidy the room

25. Note the record observations on
the condition of the head and hair.