The Best Treatment for Head Lice
- The Green Elephant
- Mar 12, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
In a rush? Here's a quick rundown.
Head lice are tiny insects that live on the scalp — they're common in childcare and school settings but not harmful, just a nuisance.
Treatment involves lice shampoo or conditioner, thorough combing with a fine-toothed comb, and repeating daily for 7-10 days.
Prevention includes tying long hair back, weekly hair checks, and not sharing hats, brushes, or hair accessories.
If over-the-counter treatments fail, consult a doctor, pharmacist, or dermatologist for stronger options.
Head lice are a fact of life for many families, especially those with young children in daycare or school. While they're a nuisance, they're not harmful and can be treated effectively with the right techniques.
In this guide, we'll walk you through how to remove head lice and nits safely, prevent reinfestation, and keep your household lice-free for good.
What Are Head Lice?
Head lice are tiny, wingless insects that live on the scalp and feed on human blood. They're about the size of a sesame seed and can be tan, grey, or brown in colour.
These parasites lay eggs, called nits, which attach firmly to the hair shaft near the scalp. Nits are often mistaken for dandruff, but they don't flake off easily. Because head lice are highly contagious, they're common among children in daycare or school settings.
The Louse Life Cycle
The life cycle of a louse consists of three stages and lasts about three weeks — making prompt treatment essential to break the infestation.
Eggs (Nits) — Tiny, oval-shaped, and yellowish or white. They're glued to the base of hair strands and take about 7-10 days to hatch.
Nymphs — Baby lice that hatch from the nits. They're smaller than adult lice and mature within 7-10 days, feeding on blood to survive.
Adult Lice — About 2-3 mm long and can lay up to 10 eggs per day. They live for about 30 days on a human scalp but die within 24-48 hours if removed.
Symptoms of Head Lice
Common signs of head lice include persistent itching and visible lice or eggs in hair.
Itching — Lice bites cause itching due to an allergic reaction to their saliva. The itching may be mild or intense, depending on sensitivity.
Sores on the scalp, neck, and shoulders — Scratching the scalp can cause red sores or irritation, which may lead to secondary infections if left untreated.
Visible lice — Careful inspection under bright light may reveal live lice crawling through the hair, especially near the scalp.
How Do Children Get Head Lice?
Head lice spread primarily through close contact and sharing personal items. They crawl from person to person but don't jump or fly.
Sharing personal items — Items like combs, hairbrushes, hats, and pillows can transfer lice from one person to another.
Direct head-to-head contact — Lice crawl from one scalp to another during close interactions, such as hugging or playing.
Infrequent hair checks — While lice don't discriminate based on cleanliness, infrequent hair checks may allow an infestation to go unnoticed.
How To Get Rid of Head Lice
Effective treatment involves manual removal, medicated shampoos, and thorough cleaning of personal items, combined with regular checks to catch and remove any remaining lice.
What You'll Need
Fine-toothed lice comb
Lice treatment shampoo or conditioner
A bright light and magnifying glass
A towel to cover shoulders
Hair clips for sectioning
A bowl of warm, soapy water
Step-by-Step Treatment
Use a lice shampoo or conditioner according to the instructions
Divide the hair into small sections using hair clips
Use a fine-toothed lice comb, starting from the scalp and pulling through to the ends — wipe the comb after each pass
Inspect the entire head and repeat the combing process daily for 7-10 days
Clean all items used by the infected person to prevent reinfestation
Post-Treatment Care
To prevent reinfestation, follow these steps to eliminate any remaining lice or nits:
Wash infected items in hot water — Wash clothing, pillowcases, and hats in hot water (at least 60°C) and dry them on high heat.
Clean hair care items — Soak combs, brushes, and hair accessories in hot water for at least 10 minutes.
Seal items that can't be washed — Items that cannot be washed should be sealed in plastic bags for two weeks to kill lice.
Clean the home environment — Vacuum carpets, furniture, and car seats to remove stray hairs with attached nits.
What To Do If Treatment Fails
If lice persist despite treatment, consider professional help. Some lice are resistant to common treatments.
Consult your doctor — They can recommend stronger treatments or prescription medication if over-the-counter methods fail.
See a pharmacist — Pharmacists can recommend additional options, including sprays, mousses, and natural remedies.
Visit the Department of Health website — For more information and guidelines, visit the NSW Health website.
How To Prevent Head Lice
Prevention is easier than treatment. Teaching children good hair care habits can significantly lower the chances of an outbreak.
Tie hair back — Keeping long hair in a ponytail or braid reduces the chance of lice transfer.
Weekly checks — Regularly inspecting hair helps catch infestations early before they spread.
Don't share hats or brushes — Avoid sharing hats, hair accessories, and personal grooming items to minimise the risk of transmission.
Head Lice and Childcare
At The Green Elephant, we prioritise the health and safety of all children in our care. If we detect head lice, we notify parents promptly and provide guidance on treatment. Children with active infestations must complete treatment before returning to childcare.
For any concerns or further information, please contact us.
FAQ
How do I know if my child has head lice?
Common signs include persistent itching (especially behind the ears and at the nape of the neck), visible lice crawling through the hair, and tiny nits attached to hair shafts near the scalp. Nits look like dandruff but don't flake off easily.
How long does it take to get rid of head lice?
With consistent treatment, you can eliminate lice within 7-10 days. It's essential to comb daily with a fine-toothed lice comb and repeat treatment as directed to catch any newly hatched nymphs before they mature.
Can head lice jump or fly?
No, head lice cannot jump or fly. They spread by crawling from one person's hair to another during close contact, or through sharing items like hats, brushes, and pillows.
Do head lice mean my child has poor hygiene?
Not at all. Head lice don't discriminate based on cleanliness — they're simply attracted to human blood. Any child can get head lice, regardless of how often they wash their hair.
When can my child return to childcare after head lice treatment?
At The Green Elephant, children with active infestations must complete treatment before returning. Once treatment has begun and live lice are no longer present, children can usually return to care. Contact your centre for specific guidelines.
Questions About Our Health Policies?
Book a tour and learn how The Green Elephant keeps children safe, healthy, and happy in our care.
Comments