Any ideas about how to get someone to wash their hair?

You've had some good suggestions and she's turning you down. Often elders' stubborn behavior is about the pain they feeling over losing autonomy.

No one has died (that I know of) from unwashed hair. Maybe a little reverse psychology could work - as in just ignoring her hair. Suggest social outings, have people in, etc. and don't mention a thing about hair. Eventually, she may decide on her own to do something. Another thought is that if she has a good friend you can trust, tell her what you're doing. Then, maybe the friend will be able to suggest a join trip to a salon or something.

Sometimes, elders really hate being told - no matter how nicely or with how much love - what to do by their kids. They'll dig in their heels. But later, if we leave them to themselves, they'll "decide" to get a new hairstyle or just plain wash their hair or ask for help.
Good luck.
Carol

itching powder..

I think it's a symptom of a deeper problem. Time for a trip to the head doctor.

If she use to have a favorite stylist, call or stop by the Salon to see if they do a home visit. I know mom's stylist did when she was home bound with ALS and recently my father lost his DL and his barber said he would do a house call. Worth a try! Good luck!

Father didn't like to wash his hair. He wouldn't wash it. So every time he complained about how itchy his head his, I would say, "That's because you didn't wash your hair." or "It's itchy because you haven't washed your hair in a long time." Sooner or later, it Will get itchy. Sometimes I tell father that he needs to wash his hair because the bugs would like his stinky head. Just keep saying it when she complains about anything with regards to her hair. Even if it's a far reach, try to emphasize that it's because her hair is very dirty, etc...

Only problem with this result, is even after father showers and washes his hair, his head is still itchy. So, now he thinks bugs are in his head.

The same applies when he didn't want to change his clothes. When he gets all itchy and scratches, I tell him it's because his clothes are stinky and dirty. He usually changes his clothes without fuss.