Head Lice Product Review – What really works
Here is what I have tried so far in the battle against nits!
Product |
How it works | Pros | Cons | Effectiveness | Cost |
Rating |
Nit comb | Using lots on conditioner, sections of the hair are combed using a special fine toothed comb to physically remove head lice and their eggs. Must be repeated every 3 -7 days | Cheap | If sections are missed the head lice life cycle will continue. Hard work, kids hate it, difficult on thick hair. Takes around 20 mins to do a proper job. | The only effective way to remove head lice eggs (nits). | * | ** |
Full Marks | A combination product with a chemical solution and nit comb. Works by dehydrating the louse. The nit comb is included to remove the eggs | Kills head lice in 10 minutes.The oily solution makes combing through thick curly hair a breeze.Next to no smell. | Add another 20 mins to do the nit combing. In my opinion the packaging suggests an application will kill both nits and lice – this is not actually the case without physical combing. Very oily texture residue even after two shampoos. Do NOT use in the bath like I did opt for the washing out in the shower, otherwise an oil slick over toys and children ensures | Initially relief but I obviously wasn’t very effective with the combing as we were re-infested after a few days. This could also be because Catherine was back at an infested nursery. | ** | *** |
Tea Tree oil (Melaleuca oil) | Tea Tree oil is rich in monoterpenoids, which are insecticidal agents toxic to a louse’s nervous system, but generally safe for human use. | The only natural solution treatment and naturally pesticide free | Do a patch test first.You will need to experiment with concentrations. Strong yet clean smell. Expensive especially in small quantities. | You can read more in a scientific published paper hereWorks well as a spray on dry hair (using water as a carrier – shake well before use). | *** | *** |
Head Lice Fact Sheet – know thy enemy!
Treatment – Destroy the enemy!