Starting this week, Children’s National Hospital in D.C. is making a thoughtful change that’s about more than appearances—it’s about dignity and well-being.
The new program, Hair for You, trains nurses and health care staff to care for all hair types, whether straight, curly, or coily. It's part of a broader commitment to supporting patients in every aspect of daily life, from brushing teeth to—yes—brushing hair.
“Nurses already perform head-to-toe assessments,” said Reneé Roberts-Turner, executive director of Nursing Excellence. “That includes looking for scalp issues, skin conditions, or pressure points from braids or barrettes. So why not take the next step and actually care for the hair too?”
While some nurses were initially hesitant—understandably so, given their busy workloads—many embraced the idea. The training includes a short video module, new tools like wide-tooth combs, and a universal shampoo that works across hair types.
The impact? Huge.
One mom was nearly in tears after a nurse helped clean the sticky residue left on her child’s scalp after a medical test. “She talked about how much that meant,” Roberts-Turner recalled. “Getting her child’s hair back to normal helped them feel like themselves again.”
It’s not vanity—it’s about restoring a sense of control and comfort during a tough time. And Roberts-Turner hopes this becomes the norm everywhere.
“When I go into a hospital,” she said, “I want this to be standard care.”
Because clean, cared-for hair isn’t just a luxury. It’s part of healing. 💛
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Photo: Getty