Some people can't wash their hair in the shower or tub because they have limited mobility. So, how can they adequately wash their hair while lying down? This post and subsequent video will show you exactly how.
Some People Need to Wash Hair in Bed Due to Limited Mobility
Some older adults can’t bathe using a tub or shower because they have limited mobility or have Alzheimer’s disease or dementia and stubbornly resist bathing.
Keeping their hair and scalp clean and fresh can seem impossible when someone can't get into the shower or bath.
No-rinse shampoos, dry shampoos, and wiping with wet cloths are helpful, but they aren’t as effective as thorough hair washing with water.
A real wash with water and regular shampoo will make your older adult feel more comfortable and keep their scalp healthier.
We found a fantastic, free 3-minute video tutorial and an inexpensive product that helps you wash someone’s hair in bed without getting water everywhere.
We list the supplies you’ll need, give an overview of the video's steps, and share links to hair-washing shampoo basins for use in bed.
How to Wash Hair In Bed Without a Mess
This helpful 3-minute video walks step-by-step through washing an older adult’s hair in bed.
Watching how it’s done in the video makes it easier to know how to do it yourself without getting water everywhere.
Here, we’ve summarized the supplies you’ll need and the steps to take.
What you’ll need:
- Shampoo basin for hair washing in bed (see suggestions below)
- Garbage bags and/or a few towels to line the bed and keep it dry
- Washcloths
- Towels
- Mild shampoo
- Bucket of warm water
- Cup for scooping water
- An empty bucket to drain dirty water
12 steps to washing hair in bed:
- Lay out all your supplies so you know you have everything you’ll need
- Line the bed to keep it from getting wet
- Fill one bucket with warm water
- Gently place the person's head into the inflatable basin
- Make sure the basin is set up to drain into the empty bucket
- Scoop warm water from the full bucket to wet their hair
- Use a small amount of shampoo to wash their hair – using too much will make it difficult to rinse out
- Scoop warm water over the scalp to rinse hair completely
- If hair is filthy, shampoo and rinse again
- When hair is clean, gently remove their head from the basin
- Wrap their head in a dry towel to keep them warm and comfortable
- Make sure the basin is fully drained – you might need to tip it over into the bathtub
For extra comfort, consider:
- Plugging ears with cotton balls to keep water from getting in
- Lining the neck opening with a small towel to protect from any stiff or scratchy plastic seams
- Giving them a washcloth to hold on their face if they’re concerned that you might get water in their eyes
- Using a soothing lavender-scented shampoo for a relaxing experience
3 hair washing shampoo basin product suggestions
- $16 Duro Med DMI Portable Inflatable Shampoo Bowl
- $16 DMI Portable Inflatable Shampoo Bowl
- $20 DMI Portable Shampoo Bowl
Next Step See a step-by-step demonstration of how to wash hair in bed for someone with limited mobility (3 min)
Recommended for you:
- How Often Should Seniors Bathe? 3 Essential Health Tips
- 7 Tips to Get Someone with Dementia to Shower
- 9 Enjoyable Activities for Seniors with Limited Mobility
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About the Author
Connie Chow
Connie was a hands-on caregiver for her grandmother for 20 years. (Grandma made it to 101 years old!) She knows how challenging, overwhelming, and all-consuming caring for an older adult can be. She also knows how important support is — especially in the form of practical solutions, valuable resources, and self-care tips.
