Hair washing sink

David J

Cross posted in Caregivers Forum

 I couldn’t find what I needed in the archive, asking here:

Does anyone wash their LO’s hair outside of the shower or tub? What do you use for a basin? I am looking for something like a hair washing sink found at a salon, but not so big and permanent. My DW showers with my help, but absolutely hates to put her head in the water stream. She has great thick hair, shoulder length, and I have to work the water and shampoo through it and onto her scalp from outside the shower. It’s very difficult to rinse, since she won’t get back into the shower stream. I know a hand held shower would make it easier, and that’s where I might end up. The last time we went to the salon she did very well and I was thinking a hair wash sink would work better for us. Any experience out there?

mrl

David,

My DH was 6 4 (me 5 4) and furious with the water stream. I used a step stool and hand held shower head. Put shampoo on before he even got in and lathered. Once in, I worked my way slowly around all areas until he was comfortable, then the head- never face first. So many battles, then once clean and dry I would get "thank you".......good luck.

Michele

Rescue mom

If you already have a shower, a handheld shower head is inexpensive,(less than $50) and very easy to swap in, at least IME and I an Not handy, not at all. It can make cleaning a lot of things much easier.

sandwichone123

I did a search for hair wash tray. There are two types: one is the kind my mom used for us when were were kids that you use with a handheld sprayer at the sink (back your LO's chair up to the sink). The other is designed for a bedbound patient and drains off the side of the bed into a bucket.

David J

Lots of good suggestions!  One or more of them will probably be the solution. I need to install a handheld shower wand anyway, so I’ll try that for hair washing. If I can’t get her into a comfortable position to do the hair, I’ll move on from there. I also was thinking of more frequent visits to the salon. As long as she is ambulatory, this may work. 

Thanks all!

Ed1937

Hi David. The hand held shower head really makes things easier. When it's time for my wife to take a shower or wash her hair, I get in the shower with her. We have a built in seat in the shower, and it works well. She sits while I wash and rinse her hair. If the water on her head is a problem, you can get shower caps for adults, as well as children. They can help guide the water away from the eyes and nose/mouth. There is another thread going on now about that. Good luck to you.