How to care for a loved one’s hair at home

Last Modified: August 31, 2023

Community, Family Medicine

Our personal appearance can affect our day. Feeling fresh and pampered can make or break your attitude. When individuals are ill or needing care, sometimes the littlest thing, like washing and styling their hair, can make a big difference in their confidence, motivation and self-image, particularly if they are welcoming visitors. When an individual experiences a loss of independence or ability, a clean, combed head of hair is a simple way to help them feel their best, which might inspire them in their recovery or ongoing health battle. Here is how to give a loved one the full beauty treatment at home.

If the person you care for is able to leave home, ask if he or she would like to go to the salon or barber shop. It's part of many people's routine, and it can be a chance to see and meet other people.

If the person can't go out, but can pay for a stylist, ask if the stylist will come to the home. If they aren’t willing to come to your loved one’s home, ask the stylist or barber to show you some basic skills for cutting and styling hair.

If you can't get professional help, try to find a simple style that pleases your loved one and is easy for you to do and maintain. In some cases, a short hair style may look best and be easier to care for. The internet is filled with inspiration for hair care and styling.

Try to wash the person's hair as often as he or she wants, or at least twice a week. You can use a no-rinse shampoo or a dry shampoo when you can't use water.

Start by gathering your supplies. Depending on where you will wash the person’s hair, you may need:

You may be able to shampoo your loved one's hair when you help them take a shower. If that isn't a good option, you can wash their hair by having them sit in a chair at a sink. It is also possible to wash someone's hair in bed.

When washing your loved one's hair, let them do as much of the washing as possible and assist when they can’t do the motion.

If your loved one has dementia, they may not like the feeling of water on their head or face. Try to keep water off of the person's face, and if they don't want their hair washed with water, use a dry shampoo or a no-rinse shampoo.

If you are washing someone's hair in a sink, you can buy a hair-washing tray at a medical supply store to help you.

You can wash the person's hair using an inflatable hair-washing basin. The water collects in the basin to keep the bed dry. If you are washing someone's hair in bed, you can place a waterproof sheet on top of the bedding to help keep it dry.

Copyrighted material adapted with permission from Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor.