If you've had lice before, you know that it can be one of the most infuriating experiences ever. The itchiness and irritation it causes, plus the idea of little bugs basically crawling around in your hair follicles is anything but fun. However, there are a lot of natural ways to prevent lice before it actually happens to you and gets that bad.
But first, what exactly is lice and where can it affect you? The CDC explains, "The head louse, or Pediculus humanus capitis , is a parasitic insect that can be found on the head, eyebrows, and eyelashes of people. Head lice feed on human blood several times a day and live close to the human scalp. Head lice are not known to spread disease." Yeesh!
A really close friend of mine had a really bad case of lice once, and it spread everywhere. After seeing everything that she had to deal with, I knew that I had to make sure to protect and prevent myself from the same situation. While it can be hard to get rid of, I found out that there are a lot of simple ways to steer clear of the nuisance. Here are some simple, natural ways that can prevent you from getting lice:
Massage Coconut Oil In Your Hair
Kirkland Organic Coconut Oil, $27, Amazon
Although coconut oil may not be helpful for curing lice once you have it, applying coconut oil will increase the oil in your hair, making it unlikely for lice to thrive in it. According to Jill Taft, founder of Logic Products, "Coconut oil is often difficult to wash out and will leave the hair greasy for several days, which is actually helpful. Lice do not like an oily living environment and will find it hostile. Even though it may not look very appealing, coconut oil will make it more difficult for lice to cling to the hair.”
Use Tea Tree/Peppermint Oil Products
Earth's Nectar Mint Leaves & Tea Tree Shampoo, $22, Sephora
The Mayo Clinic explains, "Early studies have found that tea tree alone or in combination with other agents may be effective against lice. However, large, well-designed trials are still needed before a strong conclusion can be made." However if you want to avoid getting lice altogether, using tea tree and peppermint oil is a great way to keep your scalp healthy.
Don’t Share Hairbrushes
Sephora Collection Gloss: Dual Boar Paddle Brush, $22, Sephora
The CDC explains that hairbrushes uncommonly contribute to the spread of lice. However, there is a possibility that it may occur. So to be on the safe side, I would refrain from sharing hairbrushes with others altogether.
Use Homeopathic Lice Preventing Spray
LiceLogic Hair Nit Spray - Peppermint, $19, Amazon
You can also use homeopathic lice preventing spray to avoid the pesky critters. There are a lot of sprays that use natural ingredients if you want to avoid chemicals.
Try Using Olive Oil
Bragg Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, $19, Amazon
Similar to coconut oil, olive oil also contains ingredients that cause your hair to be greasy, which may prevent lice from growing on your scalp. Just pour and massage into your hair.
Avoid Hugging People Who Have Lice
Usually I'm all about hugging — believe me. And it actually makes me unhappy to have to include this on the list, but the CDC explains that the easiest way to get lice is by direct head-to-head contact. In case your BFF gets a bad case of lice, you may want to stop the hugging for a short period of time.
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