Natural remedy for head lice

Head lice — what a nuisance! Contrary to popular belief, lice like all types of hair: clean, dirty, long, short, curly, or straight — they adapt to their environment by clinging on tightly and laying eggs known as nits. They do not jump, they do not fly, and they are transmitted by simple head-to-head contact. Which means children are the ideal targets, between school, the swimming pool, and all sorts of group outings. Lice treatments are often very expensive, sometimes (frequently?) ineffective, and far too chemical for our scalps!

Natural remedy for head lice

The most effective way to combat the louse parasite is to suffocate it using a fatty substance: we are thinking here of coconut oil, a natural vegetable oil that will also deeply nourish and hydrate the hair. For this recipe, you will need:

• A lice comb
• Coconut oil (or another very rich vegetable oil such as olive oil)
• Lavender essential oil
• White vinegar
• Natural anti-lice shampoo with essential oils
• A clean towel

How to get rid of lice naturally

Coat all of the hair with coconut oil, from root to tip.

Wrap the hair in a towel and leave overnight (or all day, whichever is more convenient).

Wash the hair with the anti-lice shampoo.

Separate the hair by combing through section by section with care, making sure to dip the comb in white vinegar between each stroke.

You will need to repeat these steps 7 days later.

Please note: This method is not suitable for children under 3 years of age due to the presence of essential oils.

Tips for avoiding an infestation

To avoid having to use the recipe above, it is best to take some simple but effective precautions to prevent your child from coming home with unwanted guests on their head:

Tie the hair up as soon as the length allows: opt for plaits or buns. Otherwise, a fairly short haircut should prevent lice from taking up residence;

You can also put a few drops of lavender essential oil behind the ears to repel these parasitic insects — for children over 3 years old only!

Do not hesitate to use a lice comb every now and then as a preventive measure.

Finally, encourage your child not to leave their hat, scarf, or any other item of clothing that comes into contact with hair lying around, as an extra precaution.