How to Wash Your Child’s Hair When They’re Wearing a Hip Spica Cast

How to Wash Your Child’s Hair When They’re Wearing a Hip Spica Cast

A hip spica cast comes with plenty of challenges — from dressing to diaper changes — but even something as simple as washing your child’s hair suddenly becomes a puzzle.
With a bit of preparation and creativity, though, it’s absolutely doable.

👉 Always make sure to do this with two people!

Here’s how you can safely wash your child’s hair step by step, without getting the cast wet.

🛁 Step-by-Step Hair Washing

Lay your child on a changing mat placed on a sturdy table.

Let their head hang slightly over the edge of the table.

Place a chair underneath the head with a basin or bowl on it to catch the water.

It’s easiest to do this with two people:

• One person supports the head and neck,

• The other does the washing.

Use a cup of lukewarm water to gently wet the hair.

Massage a small amount of mild baby shampoo into the scalp.

Rinse carefully with the cup of water.

Pat the hair dry with a towel and gently comb it through.

🌸 Dry Shampoo to the Rescue

If a full wash isn’t possible — maybe your child is tired or fussy — dry shampoo can be a great in-between solution.
It doesn’t replace real washing, but it makes the hair feel fresher, lighter, and smell nice and clean again.

🧴 In Between Washes

Use baby wipes to gently clean your child’s scalp.
A quick comb-through with a wide-tooth comb helps prevent tangles and keeps the hair neat.

💛 With a little patience, teamwork, and creativity, you can help your child feel fresh and cared for — hip spica cast or not!