Head Lice and Clean Hair – Do They Go Together?

While most people think that head lice and clean hair go together, this is actually not true. While head lice do prefer to live in hair that is free of oil and grease, they are not attracted to hair that is not as clean. A recent ABC Health and Well Being article suggests that clean hair is not necessarily a host to lice.

While many popular head lice treatments are ineffective, there are some home remedies that can kill the critters. These include essential oils, mayonnaise, and hair straighteners. These treatments should not be used if they have not been tested on head lice. Alternatively, you can consider using a lice comb, but remember that this method is time-consuming and can be unsuitable for busy parents.

The most effective prevention is to keep a child from sharing personal items and to treat all household members who come in contact with the person with lice. It is important to wash all clothing and other personal items thoroughly and dry them thoroughly. Try to limit head-to-head contact, so avoiding sharing hats and stuffed animals is vital. Children should also wash their personal items in hot water and dry them in a dryer on high heat. If it’s not possible to wash them, it is wise to seal them in a plastic bag and store them in a dark place for at least two weeks. Another simple way to kill lice is to soak combs and other accessories in hot water.

While head lice are most common among children, they can also spread between adults in the same household. The best way to prevent this from happening is to avoid head-to-head contact at home and school. Also, parents should ensure that their children have not been in contact with someone who had head lice. The key to treating head lice is to target the nits close to the scalp.