Why Do Head Lice Like Clean Hair?
WouterIf you’ve ever had to deal with head lice, you know that you’re not the only one. Many people think that lice and clean hair go together, but this is not the case. In fact, lice don’t care whether your hair is clean or dirty, long or short, dyed or natural. The hair on your head is just a place to live and lay eggs.
As small creatures, lice are not a significant health risk for people. It is a myth that they only like dirty hair, which is incorrect. It is also important to remember that lice can infect clean hair just as easily as hair that is dirty. They are spread via close hair-to-hair contact, so if you share a towel or hairbrush with someone who does have lice, you may be at risk.
The best way to prevent lice is to wash your hair at least once a week. You should also wash all personal items used by your child, including stuffed animals and hats, with hot water and dry on a hot cycle. In addition, if you must share a hat with another child, make sure that it is cleaned thoroughly before giving it to your child. Soak any combs or brushes in hot water before using them. This will kill the lice.
A common reason for head lice outbreaks is not brushing your hair regularly. Children and teenagers are more likely to share items, which means that there is a higher chance of exposure. Similarly, children are more likely to sit in close quarters with other children. They are also more likely to share a nap cot with another child.
