Care of hair-

Cleanliness of hair is essential for good hygiene. An unclean scald containing dirt, dandruff,
excessive sebum and sweat will allow growth of micro-organisms and parasites on the scald. Oily
hair accumulates dirt more quickly than the dry hair keeping the scalp clean by brushing and
shampooing will help to relieve the dandruff (dandruff is a non inflammatory desquamation of
the scalp with itching).

Combing with sharp comb or stiff Brushes with scratching finger nails are injurious to scalp and
infection will settle in. In pediculosis, the client scratches and the resulting irritation and
inflammation of the scalp causes infection. Comb and brushes used in common are means of
transmission of disease and parasites from one person to another. There are three aspects to the
care of hair:-

1. Daily care by brushing and combing.

2. Shampooing the hair in order to maintain its cleanliness.
3. Treatment of hair for infestation such as live.

Purpose-
1. To keep the hair clean and healthy.
2. To promote the growth of hair.
3. To prevent loss of hair.
4. To prevent itching and infection.
5. To prevent accumulation of dirt, dandruff, and oils.
6. To prevent tangles.
7. To provide a sense of well-being.
8. To stimulate circulation.
9. To destroy the pediculosis.
10. To appear neat( well grooming).
11. To observe the scalp.

 Nurses responsibility-
 Brushing and combing-
Hair needs to be brushed daily in order to be healthy. Long hair should be combed at least once a day to
prevent it from melting. The hair can be combed and brushes in the morning so that the client can feel
refreshed.
  Preliminary assessment-
1. Check the physicians order to see the specific precautions for the clients movement and
positioning.
2. Assess the general condition of the client and the ability for self care.
3. Assess the condition of scalp and hair.
4. Assess the clients mental state to follow directions.
5. Check the articles available in the clients unit.

 Articles-
1. Clean towels (2).
2. Clean comb with coarse and fine teeth.
3. Kidney tray with carbolic lotion 1:20 or dettol 1:40.
4. Oil in container.
5. Paper bag.
6. Preparation of the client-
7. Explain the procedure to the client. When possible, make the client to sit on a bed side chair or
stool. To protect the clothing from becoming soiled, place a towel over the clients shoulders to
catch the loose hair and pediculosis, if any.
8. When the movements are restricted, make the client to sit on the bed or maintain a fowlers
position.

Procedure-
1. Move the patients head near the edge of bed, her face turned away from you.
2. Place towel under the head of the patient extending down the chest and shoulders.
3. Brushe hair thoroughly.
4. Comb gently specially when removing tangles.if the hair is badly tangles, apply Vaseline or oil.
5. If the person's hair is too long, braid it loosely or tie it.
6. Use a comb with wide teeth to seperate the hair.
7. After care of the client and articles-
8. Remove the towel and kidney tray.
9. Clean and tidy up the bed.
10. Adjust the position of the client in bed and make the client comfortable.
11. Take all the articles to the utility room. Disinfect the comb.clean all articles and replace them in
their Proper place.
12. Wash hand.
13. Record all the observation made in the nurses record.
 Nurses responsibility in the washing
of hair on bed (bed shampoo)-
 Preliminary assessment:-
1. Check the physicians order to see the specific precautions if any for the movements and
positioning of the client.
2. Assess the general condition of the client.
3. Check the scalp and hair to need of shampoo.
4. Check the clients preference, shoap, shampoo, oil etc.
5. Assess the clients mental state for follow directions.
6. Check the articles available in the unit.
7. Preparation of articles-

Articles-
1. Bath towels (2).
2. Bath cloths or face towel.
3. Mackintosh(2).
4. Cotton balls in a container.
5. Oil.
6. Shampoo or liquid soap.
7. Hair comb.
8. Kidney tray and paper bag.
9. Basin(1).
10. Bucket(1).
11. Mug(1).
12. Jugs(2).
13. Low stool(1).
14. Clean linen(bed linen and garments).
15. News paper(1).

Preparation of the client

and unit-
1. Explain the procedure to the client.
2. Remove the unnecessary items from the work area.
3. Place the article needed conveniently on the bed side table.
4. Adjust the bed to the comfortable working of the nurse.
5. Close the window and put off the fan to prevent draughts.
6. Provide privacy.
7. Keep the client flat if the condition permit. Remove the extra pillow and back rest.
8. Place the pillow under the shoulders so that the head slightly tilted back.
9. Protect the pillow and bed with a small Mackintosh and towel.
10. Place the bucket on the low stool close to the side of the bed. The distal end of the Mackintosh
(through) is received into it.
11. Plug the ear with the cotton balls.
12. Place a bath cloth or a face towel over the eye to protect the eyes.

Procedure-
1. Wash hand.
2. Loosen and comb the hair.
3. Mix hot and cold water and test the temperature of the water at back of the hand.
4. Wet the hair . Apply soap and shampoo.
5. Start cleaning at the hair line and working towards the back of the head symmetrically.
6. Massage all area of the scalp with the finger tips.
7. Rinse thoroughly with water to remove the soap. Repeat washing and rinsing until the hair is
clear. Squeeze water from the hair.
8. Dry the hair using the second towel. Place the towel in the basin.
9. Dry the face with the bath cloth place over the eye. Remove the rubber sheet. Discard the
cotton plugs used in the ear into the paper bag.

 After care of the client and

articles-
1. Spread the hair over the Mackintosh and towel placed on the pillow and allow it to dry.
2. Position the client in the centre of the bed for comfort and proper alignment.
3. Straighten the bed linen.
4. Change the linen if wet.
5. Offer hot drink.
6. Take all articles to the utility room.
7. Wash hand.
8. Record the procedure in the nurses record.
9. Return to the bed side. When the hair is dry, comb the hair and arrange the hair.

Thank you