Can You Use a Head Lice Treatment on Bleached Hair?

While it may be tempting to try to use a head lice treatment on bleached hair, this method isn’t recommended. This is because bleaching your hair with aggressive chemicals will not kill the lice. Heat dryers can kill some lice, but they won’t kill the entire infestation.

To use a head lice treatment, you need to follow the instructions on the packaging. Follow the directions for how long to leave the lice medicine on your hair. You may need to use a second bottle if your hair is very long. Once you’re done, wash out the product carefully.

Many head lice treatments also include essential oils. Lavender oil and tea tree oil are popular choices. These essential oils must be mixed with a carrier oil (such as olive or coconut oil) before you apply them to your hair. You should leave the mixture on for an hour before you wash it out. Follow up with a shampoo and conditioner to remove any residual oil.

Another option is to use a lice comb. It will help you detect the nits. Nits look like tiny white or yellow specks that can be hard to see. You may mistake them for dandruff or hairspray droplets. If you are unsure, you can use a fine-toothed comb to check.