Can Head Lice Die With Hair Dye?
WouterWhile hair dye may seem like a simple solution for killing head lice, it can actually make the situation worse. Hair dye contains chemicals that make the lice infested with the disease unable to survive. These chemicals include hydrogen peroxide and ammonia, which can cause a pungent smell and kill lice after prolonged exposure.
Although head lice are most common in children, it is important to understand that adults can become infested with them, too. Approximately six to twelve million people suffer from head lice every year. Although medical treatment is the only effective treatment for head lice, some people believe they can kill the lice with a homemade solution. In some cases, DIY remedies like applying hair dye can kill lice, while other people have success with non-toxic home remedies.
Before applying hair dye, make sure your hair is clean. You should also apply a deep conditioner if you have dyed hair. These two remedies can help kill adult lice within a week, but they may not be effective for newly-hatched nymphs. In addition to that, hair dye can damage the hair if used too often.
Permanent hair dye may kill lice, but it will not kill nits, the larvae of the head louse. This is because permanent hair dye contains ammonia, a substance that’s alkaline. Ammonia can create an inflaming gas, which can kill the lice. However, hair dye does not kill the nits, which are covered by a hard shell.
