How To Wash Hair Without A Shower Or Sink? | Last Minute Beauty Tips

Sometimes, you may not be able to use your shower or sink to wash your hair for a certain period of time. Maybe you are repairing your plumbing system, or you are recovering from an injury. But, this should not get in the way of you washing your hair. So, if you want to know how to wash hair without a shower or sink, you’ve come to the right place!

If you are unable to use your shower or sink for some reason, there are other ways to wash your hair. You can use a bucket of water, a washcloth, or a shampoo cap at home. If possible, you can use the showers of your friends and relatives or visit the local gym and pool washrooms. 

In this article, we will tell you how to use other ways to wash your hair when you do not have access to your shower or sink. As a temporary solution, you may also try some alternative ways to clean your hair without water. Let's dive right into the article and find out more about it!

Ways To Wash Hair Without Shower Or Sink

Based on your situation, you may try different methods. So, here are some simple ways you can wash your hair without a shower or sink: 

Use Buckets To Wash Hair

If you are having a problem with the plumbing system of your house, it is not possible to use the shower or sink to wash your hair. In this case, you can use a bucket to wash your hair. You can also use this method to wash the hair of someone bedridden.


First, take a bucket full of water and another empty bucket to wash your hair. You can sit and wrap a plastic sheet around your shoulder, or you can spread a plastic sheet on the edge of the bed. The other end of the plastic should reach the empty bucket. Then lie down to wash your hair.


Put the empty bucket under your head. Wash your head with shampoo and then take water from the other bucket and pour it on your head. While you are pouring the water, make sure the water does not enter your ears or eyes. After rinsing your hair well, wrap a towel around your head.

Use A Portable Shampoo Bowl

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If you are not comfortable with only buckets, get a portable shampoo bowl. There are even inflatable shampoo bowls available on the market. A portable bowl will have a bowl, a stand, and a hose to pass the used water.


It will obviously come with a setup manual. If you have no water line available, take a bucket full of water. After setting up the bowl, wash your hair. Put an empty bucket at the end of the hose to dispose of the used water. When you finish shampooing, wash the portable bowl and dry it.


Inflatable bowls are convenient for bedridden people. You can put it under your head and wash off the shampoo. It also has a hose that will dispose of the used water into a bucket. After using the bowl, clean and dry the inflatable bowl. Then store it well for future use.

Use Shampoo Cap

Suppose you are on a camping trip. Your hair may get dirty after some extreme camping activities. Eventually, it will get smelly. What can you do with no shower or sink on the site? To avoid such discomfort, pack a shampoo cap in your backpack.


Shampoo caps look like shower caps, but they contain shampoo or even conditioner. The shampoos are mild. Thus, you do not need water to wash them off. So, shampoo caps are a great solution if you have no source of water to wash your head.

Here are simple steps to use a shampoo cap: 

  • To have a nice warm feeling, you have to heat the shampoo cap for 20 seconds. You can put the packet beside the campfire. At home, you can put it beside a stove or microwave the shampoo packet. 
    Place the cap on your head.
  • All your hair should be in the shampoo cap. 
  • Now, message the cap with your fingertips for 3 minutes. If you have long hair, you need to message longer. The shampoos and conditioner will set nicely on your hair by this time. 
  • Once you have cleaned your hair, take the cap off and dry your hair with a towel. 

Try A Washcloth

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If your hair is not extremely dirty or smelly, you can just use a washcloth to clean it. Soak a washcloth or a towel in a bowl of water. Wring the cloth if you see the water is dripping too much.


Next, slowly wipe your hair and scalp with a wet cloth or towel. When you are satisfied, use a dry towel to wipe your head. It is a temporary solution to your problem. However, this method will not work if your hair and scalp are extremely dirty.

Use Gym Or Pool Shower 

Image Source: Moderately Fit

Do you have a gym or public pool nearby? Then, go there for a quick shower. When people have an extreme workout in gyms, they become sweaty and tired. So, the gyms have showers for them.


If you want to have a shower at the gym, pack all the essential things like shampoo, soap, towels, and changes of clothes in a gym bag and hit the gym. After working out, take a shower.


Your local swimming pool will also have showers. You can go there as well. However, do not wash your hair in the pool! The water has chlorine, which is harmful to your hair.

Go To Friend’s Or Relative’s House

You may not have a gym or pool in your area. But do you have friends or family living close to you? Ask them if you can use their bathroom to take a shower. It is rude to visit someone’s house just to take a shower without asking them first. Some people may not like to share their bathrooms with others.


If you get a green signal from your friends or relatives, pack a bag with all the essential things for your shower. Refrain from touching others’ products. Again, it will be rude, and you do not know how the product will affect your hair.


You should express your gratitude to your friends properly once you get the chance. 

Alternative Ways To Clean Hair

There are moments when you do not have the time to wash your hair with water. For this kind of situation, you can try alternative ways of cleaning your hair. Here is what you can use:

Dry Shampoo

Oily or greasy hair can look dirty, and it can also smell. Dry shampoo will work like magic. It is a powdery shampoo, not a liquid one. There is no need to add any water to dry shampoo.


Dry shampoo absorbs the excess oil and grease from your hair. Your hair will look more voluminous and fresh. Here is how you use shampoo:

  • Choose a dry shampoo that suits your hair color. 
  • Then pick the oiliest or greasiest part of your hair to spray the shampoo evenly. 
  • Shake the shampoo can and spray it on the hair 8 to 10 inches away from your head. 
  • Spray thoroughly in small sections of your hair.
  • Leave the shampoo on the hair for a while.
  • Finally, massage your hair to mix the shampoo well and style it.

No Rinse Shampoo

The no-rinse shampoo is just like shampoo caps but without the cap. It is also easy to use and does not need any water. Here is how you use a no-rinse shampoo:

  • Take a small amount of no-rinse shampoo in your palm. How much you are going to use depends on your hair length and volume. 
  • Now apply the shampoo all over your hair and scalp. 
  • Message your hair with the shampoo for 3 minutes. 
  • Finally, dry it with a towel and comb your hair. 

Conclusion

Hopefully, you have learned how to wash hair without a shower or sink.  As you can see, there is no need to panic if you do not have access to a shower or sink for a few days. With these methods, it is possible to clean your hair even with limited water. 
So, choose a method that suits you well. 

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