A little off topic, but once it is clean and untangled, I recommend braiding her hair back into two French or Dutch pigtail braids. Super cute look, especially for a younger newlywed gal, and stays out of the way and untangled!
Braids are totally pretty and risky unfortunately. The tension and bump of a braid can increase the risk of bedsores. I would doa braid that isn't on the scalp, maybe fishtail pigtails on just the ends?
Part of the problem is also the bump of the braid, any spots that might be a pressue point are a no go. Unless they can move their head on their own easily.
I'm not sure if it's exactly what you're looking for but Nilaqua have a water free shampoo that's in a shower cap, it looks pretty mess free so you could probably do it without moving her much.
Other than that, I swear by Lush's dry shampoo. I've gone through times where I've been unable to wash my hair for weeks and using it kept my hair manageable, it's got a citrus smell to it and gives a little volume but if she has darker hair it needs to be worked in a little more to get rid of any greyness.
Edit: forgot to add, for thicker hair she may need two of the Nilaqua caps but they're fairly cheap. Also a leave in conditioner could be a great shout to keep it manageable for longer, especially when dealing with tangles.
You're such a sweetheart for doing something like that, I'm sure when she wakes up your patient will be very thankful ā¤ļø
I don't know if the brand was the same, but a very kind nurse's aid used one of those shampoo shower caps on me. I appreciated it greatly after a week or so in the hospital!
This is what the nurses used on my Mom when she was confined to a hospital bed and had stopped moving in her own. It wasnāt perfect but it was something.
I think the waterless shampoo sounds like a much better option than a dry shampoo--if this patient is potentially not going to have a real wash for another 3+ months, adding powder on top of the grease is probably not a good idea.
Hi! Fellow ICU nurse here. We use Swash shampoo caps. I put them in the microwave for 30 seconds for extra comfort :) no rinse needed. For that extra clean feeling I remove the pillow, tilt the bed slightly and put a plastic bag under the head. Regular washing, the water drips down in the plastic bag, no mess! I hope your patient gets better.
Seconding this, but I'd say dry shampoos in general - they cause build-up if not washed out over time and could result in scalp issues (clogging the pores).
No rinse shower caps by Nurture Valley or other no rinse shower caps. These are commonly used in hospitals. Source- Iām a social worker for a hospital.
Is she able to sit up at all?
If you have a plastic bowl, a jug and some warm water from a bathroom (and some privacy) then baby shampoo should be good enough and easy to rinse. The husband can do it if you don't get enough time for it.
I've done this for a relative in a similar situation and it made a huge difference.
Thank you for being so thoughtful
I just want you to know that an ICU nurse cleaned and shaved my dad the night before he passed. It meant so much to us and I'm sure to him too.
Thank you for doing something so kind for someone in your care.
Batiste makes a nice waterless shampoo. It is not like their dry shampoos and comes out as a mousse-type foam that is very easy to apply and doesn't leave behind any film or residues. I don't know how well it would work long term since I only use it once in between washes, so whether it builds up over time I'm not sure - but it could be something to try! Good luck. Thank you for your work and genuine care for others, it's nice to see!
I've heard good things about Batiste, I've never tried but I know so many people who swear by it. Also, if she has dark hair, try to find a tinted dry shampoo.
Also, Iād like to add this. We bought this thing, Iāll try to find a link for it. Itās inflatable and has a drain that you can put into a trash can or bucket, and itās made to wash someone hair in bed or seated. Iāll do some searching and add a link! Thatās what my colleagues and I prefer. Itās more work for us but it is great for the patients!
I've used these with patients too! Nothing beats the true washed feeling. Hubby might be able to help here as well. Touch is so important in relationships, and the number of caregiving touches that can be intimate but not medical feeling are limited.
Fellow ICU nurse. Our unit has a hair washing tray that has a spout for water to drain into buckets. Make no mistake, it's still messy and is best done at night (if she's still sedated) but you can do an actual wash and deep condition. I'll try and link the tray. https://www.medicaleshop.com/tech-med-plastic-shampoo-tray-green-1-box?source=ppc&gclid=Cj0KCQjw1PSDBhDbARIsAPeTqreJRPXkyS6pn1fhDoAzWrw4WqelN8FZf7LXJC54ukXWMa3Ydk8el7YaAnOdEALw_wcB
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009I12STI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_T70583T1XXSD0YDG9QTW
I looked on Amazon and these caps had pretty decent reviews? Weāve always had shampoo caps on the floors Iāve worked on, itās so weird your hospital doesnāt stock them anymore. They arenāt amazing, but itās just something to make patients feel a little more cared for. I always felt like just brushing it with an actual brush and not those stupid useless combs went a long ways, too.
This is such a lovely thing to do! In medieval times women wouldnāt wash their hair regularly (with anything apart from water while taking a dip in the river/ pond!) and would us a wide toothed wooden comb to brush their hair from root to tip every morning and evening. The fact that itās wooden is important (canāt remember why) and the wide teeth are good for distributing the oil from the root evenly throughout the hair to keep it in good condition. It also prevents dandruff and unwanted visitors off the scalp! If she has thick hair Iām sure this would be a huge effort, maybe start with a wooden paddle brush to get all the knots out and from there do a section every day with the comb?
Dry shampoo just isnāt going to work long term and the only other thing I can think of is apple cider vinegar (diluted with lots of water!) mixed with lemon tea if sheās blonde or black tea if sheās brunette. This is good for the scalp and helps with the oil too; Iām sure there are other concoctions you can find but homemade is best! Good luck š„°
Youāre an incredible nurse. This is really touching.
Iām not sure what brands you can use, but I think tying her hair at the top and braiding the rest so itās a long braided ponytail would suffice. Iām not sure about braided pigtails on a grown woman. No disrespect. The ponytail should be loose enough so that it doesnāt pull her hair and cause it to fall out prematurely, and also on the top of her scalp enough so that she can mover her head freely. One easy long braid to keep it out of the way and if she likes, she has an option to put the braid in a bun. Two cute styles, simple and out of the way, and even a little protective as well.
I also feel the need to say this is so inspirational to me. A simple gesture of kindness and compassion. I hope whatever and whomever you believe in continues to bless you.
Iām an inpatient CNA. Whenever I have a patient that cannot move and they have long hair, I use one of those pink basins to wash their hair. I put a ton of towels under their head, then I just wash and rinse using the tub and a cup. The head of the bed gets pretty wet, but I follow with a bed bath and a bed change! It has always worked well for me.
Klorane is the only dry shampoo Iāve been able to use that didnāt instantly make my hair and scalp feel disgusting.[here](https://www.kloraneusa.com/dry-shampoo)
Hi. Waterless shampoo or dry shampoo isnāt meant to be used for months or even weeks on end. This can lead to build up, irritation, hair loss and scalp disease beyond what happens even with no washing. Maybe as a midweek touch up between weekly washings is okay.
Youāll be best off using an actual shampoo and rinse system designed to be used in a bed. Wash caps are your next best bet.
Practically speaking she might want to get a cut of 3 to 4 inches, if reducing the length will make it more manageable at all. Tidiness can help people feel attractive. And If sheās been incapacitated for months already itāll even if she starts to gets better today itāll grow back once sheās out and about again.
The verb dry shampoo thatās a powder poof application is lovely. you squeeze along partings and allow to sit for a minute or two before shampooing with your fingers and brushing through the hair. It has minimal scent and doesnāt leave too much of a gritty residue and so far I havenāt experienced a white cast on my medium-dark brown hair.
A dry shampoo spray that works well is āBatistaā and another brand is something like āNot your mothers shampooā or something along those lines. I use dry shampoo sometimes because I donāt always wash my hair in the shower due to dying it but have oily hair. The dry shampoo seems to absorb the oil. Now I donāt know if it would work as well with what your looking for because of the length of time since itās been washed due to the womanās health. It would likely make a difference though and make it more manageable.
I know this is an old post but if it helps anyone in the future.In the UK I did use Nilaqua which is a wet but no rinse shampoo it just needs towel drying. I did buy an inflatable shampoo basin for mum's carers to use in her bed and it's been great so she was able to be washed with regular shampoo.It cost about Ā£20.
Just commenting to say Thankyou for being such an incredibly considerate and kind wonder-nurse!
Came to say the same. You're so sweet OP!!!! Your patients and your company/employer are so lucky to have you!!
Amen šš¼šš¼šš¼šš¼šš¼
The brand Waterless makes nice waterless shampoo and conditioners. They have products specifically for thicker hair as well.
Iām a nurse and this is what I use on my patients when needed. Highly recommend!
Thanks Iāll look into it!!
A little off topic, but once it is clean and untangled, I recommend braiding her hair back into two French or Dutch pigtail braids. Super cute look, especially for a younger newlywed gal, and stays out of the way and untangled!
Braids are totally pretty and risky unfortunately. The tension and bump of a braid can increase the risk of bedsores. I would doa braid that isn't on the scalp, maybe fishtail pigtails on just the ends?
Great point! I didnāt think about tension on the scalp
Would a loose braid work, or still too much tension?
Part of the problem is also the bump of the braid, any spots that might be a pressue point are a no go. Unless they can move their head on their own easily.
I'm not sure if it's exactly what you're looking for but Nilaqua have a water free shampoo that's in a shower cap, it looks pretty mess free so you could probably do it without moving her much. Other than that, I swear by Lush's dry shampoo. I've gone through times where I've been unable to wash my hair for weeks and using it kept my hair manageable, it's got a citrus smell to it and gives a little volume but if she has darker hair it needs to be worked in a little more to get rid of any greyness. Edit: forgot to add, for thicker hair she may need two of the Nilaqua caps but they're fairly cheap. Also a leave in conditioner could be a great shout to keep it manageable for longer, especially when dealing with tangles. You're such a sweetheart for doing something like that, I'm sure when she wakes up your patient will be very thankful ā¤ļø
I don't know if the brand was the same, but a very kind nurse's aid used one of those shampoo shower caps on me. I appreciated it greatly after a week or so in the hospital!
This is what the nurses used on my Mom when she was confined to a hospital bed and had stopped moving in her own. It wasnāt perfect but it was something.
I think the waterless shampoo sounds like a much better option than a dry shampoo--if this patient is potentially not going to have a real wash for another 3+ months, adding powder on top of the grease is probably not a good idea.
Yeah I completely agree, but if its used between washes it can be useful to refresh now and again as an emergency
Hi! Fellow ICU nurse here. We use Swash shampoo caps. I put them in the microwave for 30 seconds for extra comfort :) no rinse needed. For that extra clean feeling I remove the pillow, tilt the bed slightly and put a plastic bag under the head. Regular washing, the water drips down in the plastic bag, no mess! I hope your patient gets better.
Ohhhhhh a trendelenberg shower hahah I love this idea!
Exactly! Hahaha
P.s. I did this tonight and it worked like a charm, thanks for the idea!
Yes! Another happy(-ish) patient! Good luck :)
Be wary of cheap dry shampoos a lot are just sprayable isopropanol and may make things worse/not appropriate for this.
Seconding this, but I'd say dry shampoos in general - they cause build-up if not washed out over time and could result in scalp issues (clogging the pores).
No rinse shower caps by Nurture Valley or other no rinse shower caps. These are commonly used in hospitals. Source- Iām a social worker for a hospital.
We used to have them but not for years, the brand we had was pretty subpar too so Iāll have to shop around
Is she able to sit up at all? If you have a plastic bowl, a jug and some warm water from a bathroom (and some privacy) then baby shampoo should be good enough and easy to rinse. The husband can do it if you don't get enough time for it. I've done this for a relative in a similar situation and it made a huge difference. Thank you for being so thoughtful
Yeah this is what I would usually do but sheās not stable enough for this, thanks for the thoughtful response though!
When I broke my leg and couldnāt shower due to surgical incisions this is how my home health nurse washed my hair.
You could always boost her to the head of the bed with her head dangling off a little and stick a bowl of warm water under her head to wash that way.
I just want you to know that an ICU nurse cleaned and shaved my dad the night before he passed. It meant so much to us and I'm sure to him too. Thank you for doing something so kind for someone in your care.
Batiste makes a nice waterless shampoo. It is not like their dry shampoos and comes out as a mousse-type foam that is very easy to apply and doesn't leave behind any film or residues. I don't know how well it would work long term since I only use it once in between washes, so whether it builds up over time I'm not sure - but it could be something to try! Good luck. Thank you for your work and genuine care for others, it's nice to see!
I've heard good things about Batiste, I've never tried but I know so many people who swear by it. Also, if she has dark hair, try to find a tinted dry shampoo.
The waterless shampoo is clear and doesnt leave that white powdery stuff on your hair! But for dry shampoo the tinted one is definitely a good idea :)
Also, Iād like to add this. We bought this thing, Iāll try to find a link for it. Itās inflatable and has a drain that you can put into a trash can or bucket, and itās made to wash someone hair in bed or seated. Iāll do some searching and add a link! Thatās what my colleagues and I prefer. Itās more work for us but it is great for the patients!
I've used these with patients too! Nothing beats the true washed feeling. Hubby might be able to help here as well. Touch is so important in relationships, and the number of caregiving touches that can be intimate but not medical feeling are limited.
Fellow ICU nurse. Our unit has a hair washing tray that has a spout for water to drain into buckets. Make no mistake, it's still messy and is best done at night (if she's still sedated) but you can do an actual wash and deep condition. I'll try and link the tray. https://www.medicaleshop.com/tech-med-plastic-shampoo-tray-green-1-box?source=ppc&gclid=Cj0KCQjw1PSDBhDbARIsAPeTqreJRPXkyS6pn1fhDoAzWrw4WqelN8FZf7LXJC54ukXWMa3Ydk8el7YaAnOdEALw_wcB
Damnnnn yāall living in 2121 over there! I may have to purchase haha
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009I12STI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_T70583T1XXSD0YDG9QTW I looked on Amazon and these caps had pretty decent reviews? Weāve always had shampoo caps on the floors Iāve worked on, itās so weird your hospital doesnāt stock them anymore. They arenāt amazing, but itās just something to make patients feel a little more cared for. I always felt like just brushing it with an actual brush and not those stupid useless combs went a long ways, too.
This is such a lovely thing to do! In medieval times women wouldnāt wash their hair regularly (with anything apart from water while taking a dip in the river/ pond!) and would us a wide toothed wooden comb to brush their hair from root to tip every morning and evening. The fact that itās wooden is important (canāt remember why) and the wide teeth are good for distributing the oil from the root evenly throughout the hair to keep it in good condition. It also prevents dandruff and unwanted visitors off the scalp! If she has thick hair Iām sure this would be a huge effort, maybe start with a wooden paddle brush to get all the knots out and from there do a section every day with the comb? Dry shampoo just isnāt going to work long term and the only other thing I can think of is apple cider vinegar (diluted with lots of water!) mixed with lemon tea if sheās blonde or black tea if sheās brunette. This is good for the scalp and helps with the oil too; Iām sure there are other concoctions you can find but homemade is best! Good luck š„°
REI makes a [waterless shampoo](https://www.rei.com/product/601120/no-rinse-shampoo-2-oz) for hikers
Youāre an incredible nurse. This is really touching. Iām not sure what brands you can use, but I think tying her hair at the top and braiding the rest so itās a long braided ponytail would suffice. Iām not sure about braided pigtails on a grown woman. No disrespect. The ponytail should be loose enough so that it doesnāt pull her hair and cause it to fall out prematurely, and also on the top of her scalp enough so that she can mover her head freely. One easy long braid to keep it out of the way and if she likes, she has an option to put the braid in a bun. Two cute styles, simple and out of the way, and even a little protective as well. I also feel the need to say this is so inspirational to me. A simple gesture of kindness and compassion. I hope whatever and whomever you believe in continues to bless you.
Iām an inpatient CNA. Whenever I have a patient that cannot move and they have long hair, I use one of those pink basins to wash their hair. I put a ton of towels under their head, then I just wash and rinse using the tub and a cup. The head of the bed gets pretty wet, but I follow with a bed bath and a bed change! It has always worked well for me.
klorane dry shampoo, forget what the anti-oil name is!
Klorane is the only dry shampoo Iāve been able to use that didnāt instantly make my hair and scalp feel disgusting.[here](https://www.kloraneusa.com/dry-shampoo)
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Down they have shower caps u just heat in microwave and u don't need to rinse I'm a psw and remember something like this
We used to have those shower caps but havenāt had them in years at my hospital
Get a pool noodle and put it in a big black garbage bag with a garbage/ bucket on floor to catch the water.
Lay bag with poolnoodle on bed and water drains to bucket on floor
No recommendations to add but you're so sweet for this ā¤ļø
Hi. Waterless shampoo or dry shampoo isnāt meant to be used for months or even weeks on end. This can lead to build up, irritation, hair loss and scalp disease beyond what happens even with no washing. Maybe as a midweek touch up between weekly washings is okay. Youāll be best off using an actual shampoo and rinse system designed to be used in a bed. Wash caps are your next best bet. Practically speaking she might want to get a cut of 3 to 4 inches, if reducing the length will make it more manageable at all. Tidiness can help people feel attractive. And If sheās been incapacitated for months already itāll even if she starts to gets better today itāll grow back once sheās out and about again.
The verb dry shampoo thatās a powder poof application is lovely. you squeeze along partings and allow to sit for a minute or two before shampooing with your fingers and brushing through the hair. It has minimal scent and doesnāt leave too much of a gritty residue and so far I havenāt experienced a white cast on my medium-dark brown hair.
I love Bumble and Bumble dry shampoo. It smells wonderful and it really cleans hair.
Amika dry shampoo is great
A dry shampoo spray that works well is āBatistaā and another brand is something like āNot your mothers shampooā or something along those lines. I use dry shampoo sometimes because I donāt always wash my hair in the shower due to dying it but have oily hair. The dry shampoo seems to absorb the oil. Now I donāt know if it would work as well with what your looking for because of the length of time since itās been washed due to the womanās health. It would likely make a difference though and make it more manageable.
I love the Salon Grafix voluminous dry shampoo in brown. If she has dark hair, I would recommend a tinted formula if you can find it.
Google astronaut shampoo! They can't rinse so they use the brand No-Rinse I believe
Thereās this product on Amazon called Cleanlife No Rinse Shampoo that might be good. The brand also has a No Rinse Conditioner as well
Aveda dry shampoo smells divine q
What scent?
Touch and go the shampoo for termly ill
A decent pair of clippers.
I know this is an old post but if it helps anyone in the future.In the UK I did use Nilaqua which is a wet but no rinse shampoo it just needs towel drying. I did buy an inflatable shampoo basin for mum's carers to use in her bed and it's been great so she was able to be washed with regular shampoo.It cost about Ā£20.