Head Lice Removal and Prevention (Naturally, with no Chemicals)
Head lice are common in group settings like daycare and school. There are ways to avoid and prevent getting head lice, such as not sharing personal items like comb/brushes or hats and keeping jackets/sweaters from touching each other on hooks. Lice do not jump, but children often play close and have head to head contact and lice can be transferred that way. Long hair can be tied back or braided, short hair is easier to check.
Don’t panic if your child has head lice. Avoid the shampoo from the pharmacy as they have harsh chemicals and only kill the live lice but not the nits (eggs). There are inexpensive and effective ways to clear up head lice. Lice have a life cycle so you should repeat the process every 3 days for 10 days to prevent lice that hatch from reproducing. You can call the process “spa time” so your child doesn’t feel shame or embarrassment because of the situation.
HOW TO TREAT HEAD LICE NATURALLY Supplies you will need can be purchased from a dollar store: Coconut or olive oil (to saturate the hair and smother and kill live lice and loosen nits/eggs) Shampoo and a large bottle of white hair conditioner A fine tooth coomb (does not have to be a lice comb, fine tooth comb works) Paper towel Shower cap/hair clips Plastic table cloth or garbage bag (to put on the floor to catch drips) 3 Towels (to put around shoulders, 1 after each hair washing) Spray bottle (for water)
STEPS FOR HEAD LICE REMOVAL Have a station set up with all your materials. Provide a comfortable chair for your child as they will be sitting when you apply and comb through the hair. Place a plastic tablecloth or garbage bag under the chair. Provide a tablet or TV show to occupy your child.
SPA TIME 1st step is to apply a liberal amount of oil on your child’s dry hair. Saturate thoroughly. The more the better! This step smothers/suffocates live lice and makes it easier to remove later. Use shower cap, leave on for 1 hour or more 2nd step or variation. 1 shampoo to help wash out the oil (it’s ok if it’s still oily at this step)(You can sleep with the oil in and wash and comb the next day) 3rd step is to apply a liberal amount of white hair conditioner on your child’s damp hair (use a clean towel. Wash and dry towels in hot water/hot drier) 4th step is to Comb out your child’s hair using small sections at a time and comb in all directions. Wipe the comb with paper towel. The lice are brownish in colour and will show up on the paper towel after you comb through a section of hair. Your child may not have many lice, but one will keep multiplying so check to see if any show up on the paper towel. Clip hair that has been combed through. Use the water bottle to keep hair damp, easier to comb through damp hair Comb through all sections of hair wiping the comb on paper towel between each combing 5th step Shampoo hair. It is ok if all product does not wash out. Dry hair or let dry naturally. Repeat this process every 3 days to catch any live lice that may hatch. Laundry and sanitize combs and Towels Wash all bedding and towels /or place bulky items in a hot dryer for at least 30 mins. This will kill any live lice. Stuffed toys should be put in a hot dryer or place in a sealed plastic bag to suffocate live lice) Combs and brushes should be washed in hot water Lice need a blood meal and do not multiply on children’s soft toys. Vacuum couches and chairs Follow this procedure every 3 days for 10 days to clear up the situation. Treat family members if necessary as well. Keep a sense of humour and remember it’s no one’s fault. These things happen!
Bethelene Hart/Parenting Coach Registered ECE Collaborative Practice