ASSESSING THE HAIR

Performance:
1. Prior to performing the procedure, introduce self and verify the client’s identity using agency
protocol. Explain to the client what you are going to do, why it is necessary, and how he or she
can cooperate. Discuss how the results will be used in planning further care or treatments.
2. Perform hand hygiene, apply gloves, and observe other appropriate infection control
procedures.
3. Provide for client privacy.
4. Inquire if the client has any history of the following: recent use of hair dyes, rinses, or curling or
straightening preparations; recent chemotherapy (if alopecia is present); presence of disease,
such as hypothyroidism, which can be associated with dry, brittle hair.
Assessment Normal Findings Deviations from Normal
5. Inspect the evenness of Evenly distributed hair Patches of hair loss(i.e.,
growth over the scalp. alopecia)
6. Inspect hair thickness or Thick hair Very thin hair (e,g.
thinness. hypothyroidism)
7. Inspect hair texture and Silky, resilient hair Brittle hair(e,g.
oiliness. hypothyroidism); excessively
oily or dry hair
8. Note presence of infections or No infection or infestation Flaking, sores, lice, nits(louse
infestations by parting the hair eggs), and ringworm
in several areas, checking
behind the ears and along the
hairline at the neck.
9. Inspect amount of body hair. Variable Hirsutism( abnormal
hairiness) in women,
naturally absent or sparse leg
hair (poor circulation)
10. Document findings in the
client record using forms of
checklists supplemented by
narrative notes when
appropriate.
Evaluation
-Report significant deviations from normal to the primary care provider