Hair washing

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Last question pre op.

I read that dry shampoo needed as unable to wash hair. My shower is over bath but can I not wash hair sitting at handbasin using a plastic jug to wash and rinse as I used to do before showers.

2

Yes that is all I did - works well.

3

Attractac, assuming your op takes place on the UK, there is no need for dry shampoo as you should be able to shower and wash your hair as soon as you get home - the hospital will most likely place a fully waterproof dressing onto your wound. It's a bit like a large slightly padded plaster and it really is waterproof! Wash your hair the day before (or the morning of) your op and you should be fine. I had my first shower as soon as I returned home (after 3 days). If you can, make sure there is someone around just in case you have difficulties, and hold on to anything you can to avoid slipping! 

4

Oh dear, just read your post properly - your shower is over the bath! Sorry, in that case you will probably have to resort to other means....sorry.... can you get a hose attachment to the tap/s? 

5

Hi, My hair is long (I can sit on it) so dry shampoo would have been horrid :-( I washed mine over the kitchen sink useing a washing up bowl and plastic jug with no problem. Kitchen sink is higher up than bathroom and I had the worktop to lean against.

My consultant gave me instructions not to shower until I had had my continous sucture removed at 14 days so strip washes had to do. I think you will find it difficult getting into your bath at 2 weeks post op (unless you have a bath lift) so may need strip washes for longer. Good luck and best wishes for your THR, Dot.

6

Hi there

surgeon told me that whilst I could have a shower with dressing on, it was best to wait till it was taken off after 14 days

I just stood up and washed my hair over bathroom sink with a jug the day after I came out of hospital. Had my hair done at hairdressers day prior to admission so lasted well

Linda xx

7

Hi, if you try to wash your hair over the sink you risk breaking the 90 degree rule, and my surgeon told me, also the OH lady, it's a big no! to showering for 3 months if you have an over bath shower!! she saw the look on my face and said we can supply you with hospital size medical wet ones for the duration!! I nearly fell of my chair laughing lol, anyway needless to say, I went home and got the bath taken out and a shower cubicle installed, problem solved, I hardly ever used the tub anyway, hope this helps, good luck and don't push yourself to far.

Lynne x

8

Thanks to all for advise. I have been on to plumber re taking bath out but won't be done preop.. Daughter has a shower so may have to get her to drive me to hers once a week.

9

Hi there

As long as you stand to wash your hair over fairly high bathroom sink, you should not break 90 degree rule

I have been really comfortable washing mine like this

regards Linda

10

I had a perching chair on loan via Oh. I sat on that with back to sink. Daughter washed hair for me for first week. Then I was able to shower. One of the nurses washed my hair for me the day I left hospital

11

hi attracta .... my hair was washed by a home health nurse - just like maggie said :put  a chair close to the counter, tilt your head back to the kitchen sink and nurse used a plastic jar to wash my hair ...I felt like a different person ... maybe your daughter can help you with this .... I was not allowed a shower until staples were removed and still wanted someone with me in case I slipped or something when stepping in and out of the shower stall ... big hug - D-Day is approaching 

12

I'm going to attempt washing my hair today, not sure how till reading this post, think I'll try perching stool in kitchen sink!

im longing for a shower too! I'll be borrowing my friends shower once my dressing has come off.

linzi x

13

hi linzi ... good luck and be careful - is there anybody who can help you with this ???  or is the kitchen sink fawcett high enough so that you can put your head underneath it?   

 

14

Hi Linzi

get that hair washed and you'll feel like a new woman!

i had perching stool at side of me for support but much easier to stand and then no chance of breaking 90 degree rule

Linda xx💞💞

15

Thanks Renee. Never thought of back tilting ton wash hair. I have to be happily dependant for a few weeks and grateful to have help.

16

More good advise but is it possible to stand that long.

17

Thanks. Will use the kitchen sink if necessary. I live alone so it won't be bothering anyone else.

18

I think so, will not take more than 5 mins. If you wrapped hair in towel you could sit for a rest half way

19

Personally speaking I am quite comfortable standing with a bit of support

It doesn't take long and as Maggie says, you can perch if you need to

Hope you feel better once you have done it

 

20

Alternatively go to th hairdresser. Mine rearranged things so that I could stand instead of sitting in the low chair by the wash bowl. Also waxed legs standing and did pedicure whilst I sat on a high chair. She even, when taxi's for return journey were not available drove me the 5 minutes home.