2. Care hair neof hair is a part of daily hygiene. A person’s appearance and a
feeling of wellbeing depends on the way the hair looks and feels, hair
growth, distribution and pattern can be indicators of general health status.
3. Purposes
To keep the hair clean and healthy
To have a sense of wellbeing
To prevent hairloss and promote growth
To prevent accumulation of dust, dandruff and oil
To stimulate circulation of blood
To observe the scalp
To prevent or treat pediculi
To prevent itching and infestation
4. Hair combing or brushing
Hair needs to be brushed daily in order to keep them clean and to
distribute oil evenly along hair shafts. Patients who are able to perform self
care should be encouraged to maintain hair care daily.
5. Articles
Bath towel – 2
A clean comb
Kidney tray with carbolic lotion 1:20 or Dettol 1:40
Oil in a container
A paper bag
One apron
6. Preparation of the patient
Give proper explanation to the patient
If possible, let the patient sit on a char/stool
Place one towel over the patient’s shoulders or give Fowler’s position on
the bed
7. Procedure
To comb hair properly, part the hair into two sections and then separate
each section into two more section.
Combing should be done from scalp towards the hair ends
If tangles are present, the nurse uses fingers to separate a small lock of
hair, grasps if firmly near the scalp and combs the loose end of the lock.
This prevent painfull pulling of the scalp during combing
Application of oil often frees tangles for easier combing
To comb curly hair, start from neckline and slowly lift and fluff the hair
outward until the forehead is reached
8. The nurse combs one side of the head at a time and then repeats on the
other side
After combing the hair thoroughly, braid the hair into two – one on each
side of the head behind the ear to make the patient more comfortable.
Discard the loose hair into paper bag and lice into the lotion, if any
9. After care of the patient
Remove the towels and kidney tray
Make the patient comfortable in the bed
Dismantle the articles
Wash hands
Record the observations
