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Andrew Pollack-Gray

Nursing Notes

Hair, Nail, Foot and Shaving Care

2 min read

When & Why?

Maintain hygiene, comfort, appearance, and skin integrity while respecting resident preferences.

Before You Start

  • Review the care plan and permitted grooming procedures.
  • Ask about personal preferences.
  • Gather clean supplies and appropriate PPE.
  • Check for pain, skin injury, or relevant precautions.

Steps

Hair Care

  1. Brush or comb gently and assist with preferred styling.
  2. Shampoo using an approved shower, bedside, or rinseless method.
  3. Protect the eyes and keep the resident warm.
  4. Dry and style hair according to preference.

Nail Care

  1. Inspect nails and surrounding skin.
  2. Wash and dry hands.
  3. Clean beneath nails gently using approved tools.
  4. File or trim nails only when permitted by training, policy, and the care plan.
  5. Report abnormal nails or skin.

Foot Care

  1. Inspect feet, heels, and between toes.
  2. Wash using comfortably warm water.
  3. Rinse and dry carefully, especially between toes.
  4. Apply approved moisturizer to appropriate areas, avoiding between toes.
  5. Help with clean socks and suitable footwear.

Shaving

  1. Confirm the resident’s preferred shaving method.
  2. Use a suitable clean razor and shaving product.
  3. Support and protect the skin.
  4. Shave using the manufacturer’s recommended technique.
  5. Clean and dry the skin and equipment afterward.

Safety & Observations

  • Avoid unapproved nail cutting, particularly with diabetes, poor circulation, neuropathy, or high injury risk.
  • Follow facility policy for toenail care.
  • Use additional precautions for residents taking anticoagulants; an electric razor may be preferred.
  • Never use damaged, dull, or shared disposable blades.
  • Inspect for redness, cracks, blisters, wounds, or fungal changes.
  • Report skin injuries, thickened nails, and unexpected bleeding.

What Should I Remember?

  • Inspect → Clean → Protect → Report.
  • Keep feet dry between the toes.
  • Respect grooming choices, including hair loss accommodations, wigs, scarves, and facial hair.
  • Personal appearance is an important part of dignity.

Practice

  • Studied
  • Observed
  • Practiced
  • Passed checkoff

Sources

  • CNA Module 8 — Hair, Nail, Foot & Shaving Care

Flashcards

Why are nail trimming and foot care restricted for some residents?03-application / clinical-skills
Answer

Diabetes, poor circulation, or neuropathy can increase injury risk.

Where should moisturizer generally not be left on the feet?03-application / clinical-skills
Answer

Between the toes.

Graph View

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