Hair Care Performance Checklist

Assisting the Client with Hair Care

Check care plan for direction and client needs.

• Perform hand hygiene.
• Assess the client’s status before undertaking the activity.
• Explain the procedure to the client.
• Provide privacy.
• Put on gloves if risk of contact with blood or body fluid.

Collect the following:

• Comb and brush
• Bath towel
• Mirror
• Other grooming items according to client’s culture and/or preference

Place the towel across the person’s shoulders.

• Part the hair into 2 sections.
• Divide one side into 2 sections.
• Brush each section.
• Start at the scalp, and brush toward the hair ends.
• If tangled or matted, start at ends of hair and work toward the scalp.
• For curly hair, use a wide tooth comb and comb from the hairline upward.

Caring for a wig:

• Shampooing – Smooth out a straight hair wig or fluff a curly hair wig with a wire brush or pick. Wash in cool water using wig shampoo or baby shampoo. Immerse and soak for 2 minutes. Rinse well, squeeze out excess water – do not twist wig.
• Drying – Towel blot and air dry. Do not use dryer or other source of heat.
• Storing – Store on head stand to maintain shape. Cover with hair net if available. Do not store near heat source or in humid areas.

Shampooing Client’s Hair:

• Collect the following: comb and brush, 2 bath towels, shampoo, conditioner, waterproof pad, shampoo tray, pitcher containing warm water, bucket
• Place the waterproof pad and shampoo tray under the head and shoulders. Place a bath towel across the shoulders.
• Comb hair to remove snarls and tangles.
• Hold a dampened washcloth over the eyes. It should not cover the nose or mouth. Use the pitcher or nozzle to wet the hair.
• Use a small amount of shampoo. Work up a lather with both hands. Start at the hairline. Work toward the back of the head, or, for the person leaning forward, start at the back of the head and work toward the hair line.
• Massage the scalp with fingertips.
• Rinse the hair. Apply conditioner. Rinse the hair. Squeeze water from the person’s hair.
• Cover hair with a bath towel. Rub the hair and scalp with the towel.
• Dry the person’s face with the towel.
• Dry and style the hair.
• Perform hand hygiene.
• Provide for safety and comfort.
• Tidy area.
• Report and record actions and observations according to agency policy.