Quick Answer
It is possible to get rid of head lice without shaving your head, but it can be more challenging. The most effective way to treat lice is to use an over-the-counter or prescription medication designed specifically to kill lice, combined with thoroughly combing out the nits (lice eggs) from the hair using a fine-tooth nit comb. Shaving the head is sometimes recommended because it’s easier to see and remove all nits when the hair is very short, but shaving is not required for successful treatment.
What are the treatment options for getting rid of head lice without shaving your head?
There are several treatment options that can effectively kill lice and eliminate an infestation without having to shave the head:
Medicated lice shampoos, rinses, lotions or creams
Products that contain pyrethrins or permethrin are very effective at killing live lice when applied properly. Some popular over-the-counter options include Rid, Nix, A-200 Pyrinate, R&C Shampoo, and others. These products work by suffocating and paralyzing lice.
Follow the instructions carefully, including leaving the product on for the recommended amount of time before rinsing out. Using a fine-tooth lice comb after treatment can help remove dead lice and nits. Treatments usually need to be repeated 7-10 days later to kill any newly hatched lice.
Prescription products like Ovide, Sklice and Ulesfia also kill lice and are alternatives if OTC treatments fail.
Manual removal of nits
Removing all nits (the tiny lice eggs attached to hair shafts) with a lice comb is a critical part of getting rid of lice. Fine-tooth combs designed for lice removal can eliminate the nits during and after medical treatment. It’s tedious but important work. Combing may need to be repeated every 2-3 days for at least 2 weeks until no more nits are spotted.
Alternative treatments
Dimethicone oils and lotions work by coating lice to suffocate them, and may also physically block nits from attaching to hair. Products like NYDA, LiceMD, and Clear Lice are popular non-pesticide options.
Some natural treatments like oils (tea tree, coconut), mayonnaise, vinegar rinses, or heat treatments (blow dryer) are able to kill some lice, but aren’t as reliable as medicated and nit combing options.
Lice removal services
Salons, lice removal clinics and mobile lice treatment services use special combs, tools and techniques to remove lice and nits. This thorough nit-picking can eliminate an infestation without traditional pesticide treatments.
Why is shaving the head recommended by some for treating lice?
Shaving the head (or buzzing hair very short) is often recommended when dealing with a stubborn, recurring lice problem for several reasons:
- It allows for easy visual inspection and removal of every single nit on the scalp.
- Nits firmly attached within a few millimeters of the scalp are impossible to fully remove by combing. Shaving detaches these nits.
- It may help remove any live lice or nits that were missed during previous treatments.
- Research shows nit removal rates are higher when hair is shortened to less than 0.2 inches long.
- Some lice treatments may be more effective when applied directly to the scalp rather than through long, thick hair.
However, shaving is not mandatory. Diligent, repeated combing and manual nit removal can successfully eliminate lice without cutting or shaving the hair. Studies show similar clearance rates when comparing shaving to chemical treatments plus nit combing.
What are the pros and cons of shaving your head to get rid of lice?
Pros of shaving your head for lice removal:
- Guarantees that all nits will be removed, not just the ones combed out
- Eliminates the need to comb through hair every day for weeks
- May reduce the chance of a repeat infestation
- Makes it easier to spot reinfestation if lice return
- Provides a “fresh start” after a difficult, failed treatment
Cons of shaving your head for lice removal:
- Doesn’t allow for early detection of newly hatching lice as easily
- Hair needs to grow out for at least 2 weeks after the last treatment before being considered lice-free
- Quickly growing stubble can cause discomfort and make combing difficult
- Some lice treatments irritate the scalp, which may be worse on a shaved head
- Not accepting of having a shaved head due to societal norms, especially for girls
Tips for dealing with head lice
- Carefully follow all instructions when applying medicated lice treatment products. Leave on for the full recommended time before rinsing out.
- Use a nit comb to remove lice eggs. Comb daily until no nits are spotted for 2 full weeks.
- Check everyone in the household and treat those with evidence of lice. Treat again 7-10 days later if live lice are still seen.
- Machine wash and dry bedding, hats, towels on high heat. Store stuffed animals in bags for 2 weeks.
- Soak combs, brushes, hair accessories in rubbing alcohol or hot water (at least 130°F) for 5-10 minutes.
- Vacuum furniture, car seats and any upholstered areas the infested person touched.
Getting rid of lice takes patience, persistence and thoroughness when using lice products, nit combing, cleaning and repeat treatments. While shaving the head makes the process easier, it is possible to eliminate lice successfully without cutting your hair as long as you are diligent.
How to prevent getting head lice
Here are some tips to help prevent head lice infestations:
- Avoid head-to-head contact with anyone who has lice
- Don’t share combs, brushes, hats, helmets, headphones or other personal items
- Keep long hair pulled back or braided at school/daycare
- Check children’s heads weekly for signs of lice
- Use medicated shampoo weekly as a preventive if lice are common locally
- Thoroughly clean spaces where an infected person spent time
While lice outbreaks are common in schools, camps, sports teams and other places where kids gather in close proximity, taking preventive steps can reduce the odds of infestation. Teach kids not to share personal items like brushes and hats, and to avoid head-to-head contact. Check everyone in the household if one person has lice and treat promptly to avoid spreading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get rid of lice and nits without chemicals?
It is possible to get rid of lice without chemical treatments, though it requires diligent manual removal of all nits. Frequent fine-tooth combing, 10-20 strokes per section of hair, must be done daily for at least 14 days. Some claim covering hair in substances like oil, mayonnaise or vinegar can help detach nits and suffocate lice, but clinical evidence is lacking.
Does tea tree oil kill head lice?
Pure tea tree essential oil has been shown in some studies to kill head lice if directly applied and left on for at least 30 minutes. However, it appears less effective than traditional lice products. Essential oils can help but should not be used alone. Combing out nits is critical.
Can you get rid of lice by shaving your head with a razor?
Yes, shaving the head with a manual razor is an effective way to mechanically remove all the lice and nits. Using a razor ensures the hair is cut close enough to the scalp to detach even firmly adhered nits. However, medicated treatments plus nit combing can clear lice without shaving, if done thoroughly.
Does lice shampoo work if you don’t comb out nits?
No, medicated shampoo alone is not enough. The nits attaching eggs to hair shafts will remain and hatch new lice in 7-10 days. Lice shampoos kill live lice but combing out nits is critical for eliminating an infestation completely.
Can you use regular shampoo after using lice treatment?
It’s best not to use regular shampoo for 1-2 days after applying lice medication. Using regular shampoo too soon can reduce the residual action of the treatment. Lightly rinsing hair is okay but avoid Normal washing for 24-48 hours.
Conclusion
While shaving the head can simplify and streamline getting rid of head lice, it is absolutely possible to eliminate lice successfully without cutting or shaving the hair. The key is using an effective medicated lice treatment correctly, combined with diligent nit combing daily for 2 full weeks. It takes dedication to manually remove every single nit, but combing works if done thoroughly and consistently after each treatment. Taking preventive measures can also reduce the risk of infestation. With patience and persistence, it’s possible to remove lice and nits without drastic haircutting methods.