Headlice: The Best Removal Methods

The problem with traditional chemical remedies are that they are creating more and more resistant strains of head lice. Scientific researchers estimate that up to 90 percent of lice infestations do not respond at all to chemical treatments for that very reason. However, the good news is that there are many natural treatments to choose from that are both successful and completely safe for you and your loved ones.

One effective treatment for headlice involves tea tree oil. Tea trees are native to Australia and produce a fragrant oil with antifungal and vermicidal properties. Visit your local health food store to find a lice treatment with tea tree. Popular tea tree treatments include special shampoos, conditioners, and hair oils.

A unique way to get rid of headlice that is becoming increasingly popular these days is to use mayonnaise. The theory is that the oil in the mayonnaise smothers the lice and kills them. The method is to apply a thick layer of mayonnaise to the hair and then cover it with a shower cap and leave it overnight. The next day the hair must be combed with a lice comb, and then shampooed. The treatment may need to be repeated several times.

A very effective method of lice removal is shaving a child’s head. If the hair is very short, the lice cannot hold on. Also, it is easier to comb out lice and nits when the hair is short. It is, however, important to make sure that it will not cause great emotional distress to the child to be sporting a shaved head.

As a last resort, many parents use a time-intensive, yet chemical-free, technique which involves simply combing the lice and nits from the child’s head twice daily, for a period of up to two weeks. While certain success is guaranteed, this is the most time-consuming treatment method, and is usually the least preferred.

Using chemical treatments for the removal of headlice is not only potentially dangerous for your family, but also often ineffective. As if that weren’t bad enough, chemical treatments tend to create more resistant lice populations. Herbal and manual home remedies for head lice are safe and effective. Of course, you should always check with your doctor before undergoing any herbal treatment.

Among the home remedies for head lice, tea tree oil is a very good treatment for headlice. Tea trees make a very fragrant oil that has antifungal properties. Some treatments that will have the oil will include special shampoos, conditioners, and hair oils. Another effective, though severe treatment, that should be discussed is shaving the child’s head for lice removal. When the hair is really short, there isn’t enough space for the lice to live. Plus, it is easier to comb through the hair to remove lice. Be sure your child will be alright with their new buzz cut before getting out the clippers.

- norman horowitz