Natural Ways to Prevent and Treat Head Lice

Natural Ways to Prevent and Treat Head Lice

When your child starts school, head lice become a sudden and very real worry. The thought of using chemical treatments can be daunting due to potential side effects. Wouldn’t it be great if there were natural ways to prevent lice and treat them effectively? The good news is, there are!

Tips for Lice Prevention

• Coconut, tea tree oil, lavender, eucalyptus, rosemary, lemongrass, and peppermint are scents popularly believed to repel lice. Using any coconut-scented shampoo and conditioner is an easy way to increase your defense. Adding a teaspoon each of tea tree oil and lavender oil, or any of the above-mentioned scents, to the bottle should help further. Alternatively, you can purchase a ready-to-go product such as the Ellouse hair care line, which can be found by clicking here.

• Spritz your child’s hair and backpack with a repellent daily before heading off to school. For a DIY spray, combine 10 drops of lavender essential oil and two ounces of water in a spray bottle. You can add tea tree oil for an extra boost, but you may find the scent less appealing.

• Remind your children never to share combs, brushes, hair accessories, hats, or clothes.

• Tie back long hair—braids, clips, and barrettes are all helpful.

• If your child does end up with lice, contact their care provider immediately and consider a more natural (but still highly effective) treatment and removal method such as those provided by head lice professionals, Larger Than Lice ®️.

Take Special Note:

• Be careful with eucalyptus and peppermint oils as they can be dangerous for the breathing of children under age two and should probably be avoided for children under five.

• Rosemary may not be safe during pregnancy as it may increase blood pressure and cause contractions.

• Never use undiluted essential oil directly on the skin.

• Always consult your child’s care provider before starting any homemade or professional treatment or prevention method.

• If you or your child experience itching or skin irritation after application, discontinue use immediately.

Preventing and treating head lice naturally is not only possible but can be highly effective. By using natural repellents and taking preventive measures, you can protect your family from lice without resorting to harsh chemicals. If an infestation occurs, seek guidance from a healthcare provider and consider natural treatment options like those offered by Larger Than Lice ®️. Contact our meticulous professionals here.