It’s that time of year again…it’s time to talk about head lice!
There are many over the counter pharmacy products used to treat head lice, including Nix, Results, etc. that work in different ways to effectively treat lice infestations. There are also many natural remedies available to you to help prevent and treat lice.
The best practice is to use a hair mask/shampoo, then a vinegar rinse, followed by nit combing. Here are some of the natural ways to prevent and treat lice:
STEP 1: Apply a coconut/olive oil mask – These oils work to suffocate the lice. Apply generously to the scalp and hair and leave on for 6 hours then rinse.
STEP 2: Apple cider vinegar & aloe rinse – While it does not kill adult lice, it’s a necessary next-step as it is acidic enough to break down the glue that binds lice to your scalp. It also kills nits, and can repel lice from attaching to the scalp. Apply liberally from scalp to hair tips. Do not rinse.
STEP 3: Follow up with a nit comb.
A note on essential oils – there are many essential oils that prevent and treat lice. Not all oils are safe to use on children, and never put oils directly onto the skin. They should always be diluted in a carrier oil first (eg. olive, coconut, sweet almond, etc.). We recommend adding tea tree oil and lavender oil to any of the above treatment methods for optimal effectiveness.
If you're looking to purchase any of the above remedies, whether a traditional OTC or the masks and rinses described above, stop by the Apothecary. The rinse is available in bulk (bring a bottle - a spray bottle is most effective) and we'll fill it up for you. We can also mix the coconut oil hair mask with the appropriate percentage of essential oils added.
Prevention: It is recommended to use the apple cider vinegar / aloe conditioning spray weekly as a prevention method.
If you or a family member are experiencing an active infestation, talk to your pharmacist about the best treatment options for your family.