Lice treatment without chemicals

"Dear Parent or Guardian:

A case of pediculosis (head lice) has been reported in your child’s classroom..."

Oh, no. The dreaded "lice letter.” Worse yet, it may be your child who comes home with lice. It's estimated that 6 to 12 million people are infected with lice each year in the U.S., most commonly kids ages 3 to 11. Lice can't fly, jump or hop, but they sure can get around. Two things to remember: 1) it happens, and 2) t’s nothing to be ashamed of.

The best time to think about what you would do is before lice are detected. It's common for families to panic and rush to the drugstore for conventional over-the-counter remedies, or to the doctor for a prescription delouser. More often than not, the “cure” can be worse than the “disease”. The majority of conventional lice treatments contain potentially harmful pesticides, chemicals or both. The irony is these products, which can be expensive, may not work because lice quickly develop a resistance to them.

Fortunately, there are safe, natural solutions that do work for your family. One of the most effective ways to identify and eliminate lice and their eggs is by wet combing with conditioner and a metal lice comb.

For faster results and prevention, we found Happyheads to be the most effective, safest lice treatment available. Here's why we recommend their products:

• Free of pesticides and made with natural, organic ingredients

• Safe for all ages

• FDA-registered treatment

• Easy to use - no messy, stinky gels or foams

• Economical: one kit treats a family of four

• Smells good to you - not to lice - and it works!

Happyheads shampoo contains enzymes that break down the exoskeleton of the lice so they die quickly. This is a physical rather than chemical process, so it’s impossible for lice to develop a resistance to the enzymes.

For preventative care (especially when word is out about a friend/classmate with lice), we recommend weekly shampooing with Scootie Cootie Everyday Shampoo and Leave-in Conditioner. Lice have trouble laying eggs on hair that's lightly coated with the conditioner, and they don't like tea tree, peppermint, lavender and lemongrass essential oils. Hair is soft, shiny and conditioned - without lice.

Happyheads also makes a spray repellent made from geranium, lemongrass and peppermint essential oils that can also be used daily for preventive purposes.

More great tips to prevent lice:

• Do NOT let your kids share hats, helmets, brushes, combs, hair ties, bath towels or even wigs!

• Wear longer hair in braids or a tight bun.

• Blow dry hair. Dry heat kills lice and their eggs.

• Lice prefer clean hair, so avoid overwashing it.

Practice prevention, keep a nit comb on hand and be prepared with our safe, natural treatments.