Care of hair is part of the personal hygiene.

It is another way of helping the

patient feel good about him and maintain a good mental attitude. A patient’s hair

should be combed daily. In addition, other care is necessary to enhance morale,

stimulate circulation of the scalp and prevent tangled, matted hair.

PURPOSES OF HAIR CARE

1. Hair care improves the morale of the patient.

2. It stimulates the circulation of the scalp.

3. Shampooing removes bacteria, microorganisms, oils, and dirt that cling to the

hair.

OBJECTIVES

1. To maintain cleanliness of the scalp and hair.

2. To prevent matting of hair.

3. To promote comfort and to stimulate circulation of the scalp.

4. It gives an opportunity of observation of the scalp and hair.

5. It maintains a glossy and healthy appearance of hair and gives satisfaction to

the patient.
 SCIENTIFIC PRINCIPLES

Well-combed and attend hair provide comfort to the patient and make

appearance more attractive. Neglected hair and scalp contain dirt and

microorganism and also produce infection of the scalp. Unbroken skin acts as a

barrier to infection

TYPES OF HAIR CARE

• Daily care: the hair should be thoroughly combed and brushed daily. A

woman usually needs more attention to the hair due to its length

• Hair shampoo: shampooing the hair in order to maintain its cleanliness

• Treatment of hair: pediculosis treatment – it is the treatment given with DDT

5% of carbolic lotion 1:40 applied thoroughly on the scalp and it is left for

overnight, and the next day a thorough bath is given and the linen is change

MAINTAINING HAIR CARE

Care of hair means maintaining cleanliness of hair, i.e. free from dandruff, dirt,

nits, lice, flakes, dryness and irritation

 PURPOSE OF HAIR MAINTENANCE

1. To keep hair clean and healthy

2. To promote growth of hair

3. To have a neat and tidy appearance

4. To prevent itching, infection, dandruff, lice, flakes, dryness and irritation

5. To prevent loss of hair

6. To prevent accumulation of dirt

7. To stimulate circulation

8. To prevent tangles

9. To promote comfort

10. To have a sense of well-being

THREE ASPECTS OF HAIR CARE

1. Daily care by brushing and combing

2. Head bath in order to maintain to cleanliness

3. Treatment of hair for lice infestation

 FACTORS INFLUENCE ON HAIR

1. General health of a person

2. A well-balanced diet

3. Light and fresh air

4. Daily practices (hair wash and combing)

5. Hair brushing and massage

6. Endocrine disorder

FACTORS AFFECTING HAIR

1. Altered level of consciousness

2. Physical weakness or disease condition

3. Immobility and aging

4. Insect bite and infestations

5. Accumulated secretions

6. Hormonal changes

7. Physical and emotional stress

8. Poor health practices

9. Effects on drug
 COMMON HAIR SCALP PROBLEMS

1. Dandruff – sealing of scalp accompanied by itching

2. Pediculosis – lice infestation

3. Alopecia – hair loss

4. Tangled and matted hair

5. Dryness

6. Flakes

7. Irritation

HAIR COMBING

The hair can be combed and washed in the morning so that the patient can feel

refreshed and appear well-groomed before starting daily activities

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

1. Hair needs to be brushed daily in order to be healthy

2. Long hair should be combed at least once a day to prevent it from matting

3. Teeth of the comb should be dull to prevent scratching of the scalp

 4. Hair must be kept free from snarls, combed and brushed without hurting the

patient

PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT

Check

• Doctors order for specific precautions

• General condition and self-care ability

• Condition of the scalp and hair

• Patient’s mental status to follow directions

• Articles available in the unit

PREPARATION OF THE PATIENT AND THE ENVIRONMENT

1. Explain the procedure.

2. Arrange the article at the bedside.

3. Provide privacy and adequate light.

4. Make the patient to sit on a bedside chair or stool.

5. Protect the bottom sheet and pillow case with a towel.

 6. Protect the nurse’s uniform by wearing apron.

EQUIPMENTS

1. A tray contains bath towels – 2

2. Face towel – 1

3. Long Mackintosh – 1

4. Cotton swabs – 2

5. Liquid soap or shampoo

6. Hair comb

7. Kidney tray

8. Paper bag and news paper

9. Bucket – 1

10. Mug – 1

11. Jugs – 2 (hot and cold water)

12. Safety pins

 PROCEDURE

1. Place a newspaper on the chair and the bucket on the newspaper. Place the

patient of water, shampoo, comb, brush, and one of the two bath towels on the

bedside cabinet.

2. Move the patient to the near side of the bed. Lower the bed to a level position

3. Pull the pillow down under the patient’s shoulders to assisting extending the

neck. Fold one bath towel around the neck

4. Place the narrow side of the rubber sheet under his head and over the edge of

the pillow. Roll the sides of the sheet to improvise a trough, and place the free

end in the bucket

5. Give the patient a washcloth for his eyes and face

6. Check provisions for water drainage before pouring any water

7. Wet his hair and apply shampoo. Lather and rinse it

8. Reapply shampoo and rinse the hair again repeatedly until his hair is “squeaky

clean”. (a woman will require more rinse water than a man, but otherwise the

procedure is unchanged)

9. Slip a dry towel under the patient’s bed. Then roll and remove the rubber sheet.

Pull the pillow up into its normal place

 10. Dry the hair by gently rubbing it with a clean towel

11. Remove the equipment and wipe up any water spilled on the floor

12. Assist the patient to comb and brush his hair with a clean comb and brush

AFTER CARE

1. Place the patient in comfortable position

2. Dry the hair, comb and arrange hair when completely dry

3. Change linen if wet

4. Replace the articles into utility room

5. Wash hands thoroughly

6. Record and reporting the procedure in nurses record street