Skip to content

Head Lice – Natural Ways to Get Rid of Head Lice Without Shaving Your Head

natural ways to get rid of head lice

* Pest Goodbye may earn a commission for purchases made using our links.  Please see our disclaimer to learn more.

What are some natural ways to get rid of head lice?

Back when I was younger and in elementary school we would be called class by class down to an office near the gymnasium once a year.  There we would meet a doctor would weigh us, measure our height, check the arch on our feet (I always failed this one as I am somewhat flat footed), check our spine and lastly check for hair lice.  I am uncertain if they still do this or to what degree it is still done.  However, every now and then one of my friends would be sent home early after the exam and return a couple days later with a cleanly shaved head.

Shaving your head is actually an effective means to get rid of head lice and eggs, however, it is also drastic and there are a number of other natural treatments available today.  Many families today will have to deal with head lice at some point.  They are common.  In fact, although there is not much reliable data available today on the topic, an estimated 6 to 11 million children between the ages of 3 and 11 will need to deal with head lice and properly treat the infestation.  And while head lice are by no means enjoyable – the scratching, the itching – there are a number of effective and reliable ways available today that you can undertake to rid yourself and your family of these unwanted pests.

What Are Lice?  What Kinds of Problems Can Head Lice Cause?

Lice are very small insects (about the size of a sesame seed) known for producing somewhat intense itching on the scalp, neck and ears of their host.  Lice feed off of blood, and the intense itching is a direct result of their bite.  An infestation of head lice most often occurs in children and is usually a direct result of the transferring of lice from one child’s head of hair to another.  They actually have a tendency to move from host to host fairly easily.  If a single member of your household is exposed, it may be likely that more will be.  The same holds true with the classroom, if a single member your child’s class is dealing with head lice, and if left untreated, there is a chance your child will need to deal with the problem as well.  An infestation is by no means a sign of inferior personal hygiene, nor is it a sign of unclean living conditions.

Lice are not particularly dangerous to your own health or the health of your children.  Aside from the fairly intense itching, sores on the neck, scalp and shoulders may occur as a result from the scratching.  The biggest drawbacks in regards to having them are the uncomfortableness and social stigma that come along with them.

Common Seasons for Head Lice

Fall and winter are the two seasons where head lice are most prevalent.  September is actually National Head Lice Prevention Month most likely due to the fact that children are returning to school from a summer break around that time.

The Transmission of Head Lice

Head lice do not jump and do not have wings making flight impossible.  They travel from host to host by direct head to head contact, often within family members or children who have close contact with one another either in the classroom or while at play.  They will also travel from one host to another via combs and brushes, hair accessories, hats and scarfs, pillows, towels and upholstery.

Do Head Lice Die off Naturally?

The typical lifespan of a louse involves their egg stage which will last approximately 6 to 10 days before hatched, a nymph stage that will last 8 to 12 days and an adult stage that will last approximately one month.  A female is capable of laying approximately 10 eggs in a single day, however.  So, yes, a single louse does die fairly quickly without treatment, however, the rate of reproduction coupled with the irritation they cause does create a problem that needs to be addressed immediately.

Chemical based shampoos that contain pyrethrin are typically recommended and are oftentimes very reliable when used as directed.  For those individuals who may feel uncomfortable with applying a harsh chemical shampoo to their child’s scalp, there are a number of natural treatments worth trying.

Natural Ways to Get Rid of Head Lice

So what are some of the commonly used natural ways to get rid of head lice?  Below are a few:

Thoroughly Combing the Hair

Combing of the hair is one of the most effective natural ways to get rid of head lice.  A thorough combing should be carried out daily for approximately three weeks.  This will help ensure that all of the lice and eggs have been eliminated from the head.  Listed below are a few combs that can be used (links to Amazon.com).  It is also important to regularly wash any pillowcases and bed linens while treatment is ongoing.

V-Comb – Electric Head Lice Comb – By: V-Comb Nit Free Terminator Lice Comb – By: Nit Free

Anise oil

Anise oil is said to be effective in coating and suffocating lice.  You can find anise oil in most health food stores or on amazon.com.  Out of the list of oil type natural remedies, anise oil is said to be the most effective.  Below links are from Amazon.com.

Super Strength Anise Oil – By: LorAnn Pure Anise Oil – By: OliveNation

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is a popular essential oil used to treat lice naturally and have virtually no side effects, aside from the risk of allergy. For this reason, one should apply a couple of drops to the back of the head and wait approximately one half hour to ensure there is no allergic reaction before applying to the entire scalp.  Below are a couple tea tree oils and shampoos available on Amazon.com.

Organic Tea Tree Oil – By: Eve Hanson Tea Tree and Rosemary Lice Treatment Shampoo – By: HoneyDew

Other Oils Used as Effective Treatments for Lice

  • Olive Oil. This is another commonly used home remedy that some find effective in treating lice.  Like anise oil, it will effectively coat and suffocate the lice.  Olive oil is also readily available in most grocery stores if your home does not have any on hand.
  • Coconut oil.
  • Lavender essential oil. We have mentioned using lavender essential oil previously on this site to help with silverfish.  This powerful essential oil can also be used for head lice as well.  This is said to slow down the lice and make them easier to remove.

In Conclusion

If your child or any family member is dealing with head lice, it can be extremely uncomfortable and fairly embarrassing for them.  However reassure them that they are not the only one and there is nothing at all to be embarrassed about.  Many others have dealt with head lice before and many others will deal with head lice in the future.  Head lice can usually be handled utilizing natural methods.  If none of these remedies seem to be working, you may want to move onto to prescription medication.

Like this article?  Pin it on Pinterest!

Head lice problem

J. Jefferies

My goal with this website is to research and convey any information I come across to help others rid their homes of pests (both inside and out). I truly hope you enjoy and utilize the information found in this website, say goodbye to those troublesome pests and reclaim your residence. Live well and be well.

Back To Top
Search