Do Head Lice Like Dirty Hair?

It’s not surprising that people have questions about whether head lice like dirty hair or not. The answer is not really straightforward. While people should wash their hair often, the frequency can vary according to the type of hair you have and the way you live. In general, lice do not like clean hair, but instead prefer to inhabit warm, moist hosts that provide warmth, protection, and a reliable food source. This connection between cleanliness of hair and head lice is backed up by an article published in ABC’s Health and Well Being magazine.

Lice don’t prefer dirty hair because they can’t smell it. Dirty hair makes it difficult for lice to smell the blood. This is why people with clean hair are often more susceptible to lice infestations than people with dirty hair. The key to preventing a lice infestation is to prevent the spread of the parasite from your child’s hair to other people’s.

The best way to prevent a lice infestation is to avoid head-to-head contact and to avoid sharing combs and bed linens with people who have been infested with the parasite. You should also machine-wash and dry all clothing and bed linens shared with the infested person. It’s also a good idea to keep away from fumigant sprays because these are toxic if inhaled and absorbed through the skin.