Hair Washing with Scalp Staples
Yes, hair can be safely washed with scalp staples in place, and early shampooing does not increase infection risk according to multiple studies 1, 2, 3, 4.
Evidence-Based Recommendations
The most recent evidence strongly supports that washing hair with scalp staples in place is not only safe but may be beneficial for patient comfort and hygiene without increasing infection risk.
Timing of Hair Washing
- Hair washing can begin as early as 48-72 hours after surgery 2, 3
- Multiple studies show no increase in infection rates with early shampooing 2, 3, 4
- A 2012 study specifically examined allowing patients to use shampoo after scalp surgery and found no infections occurred 1
Technique for Hair Washing with Staples
- Use gentle shampooing technique
- Avoid vigorous scrubbing directly over the incision site
- Pat the incision area dry after washing
- No special shampoo is required - regular shampoo is acceptable 1, 3
Benefits of Allowing Hair Washing
- Improves patient comfort and quality of life
- Helps maintain scalp hygiene
- Has positive psychological effects on patients 3
- Does not increase risk of surgical site infections 1, 2, 3, 4
Staple Removal Considerations
While not directly related to hair washing, it's worth noting that:
- Staples are typically removed within 7-10 days after surgery 5, 1
- The wound should be assessed for proper healing before all staples are removed
- Consider removing every other staple first to ensure wound integrity 5
- Steri-strips may be applied after staple removal for additional support 5
Potential Concerns and Mitigation
While the evidence strongly supports that hair washing with staples is safe, clinicians may have concerns about:
- Infection risk: Multiple studies show no increased infection rates 1, 2, 3, 4
- Staple disruption: Gentle washing techniques minimize this risk
- Patient anxiety: Clear instructions can help alleviate concerns
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Delaying hair washing unnecessarily, which can lead to poor hygiene and patient discomfort
- Using harsh chemicals or aggressive scrubbing on the incision site
- Failing to properly dry the incision area after washing
The evidence consistently demonstrates that allowing patients to wash their hair with staples in place is safe and beneficial for patient comfort without increasing infection risk. This approach represents a shift from traditional practices that often unnecessarily restricted hair washing until after staple removal.