How long does a lice treatment appointment take?

Most appointments take 45–90 minutes depending on hair length and density.

Does heated-air lice treatment kill eggs (nits)?

Yes. Controlled heated air is designed to dehydrate live lice and their eggs during the appointment, followed by a thorough comb-out.

Is lice treatment safe for kids?

Yes. Our process uses no pesticides and works across most hair types and ages; we tailor the session for comfort.

Do I need to treat everyone in the household?

Check all close contacts the same day and treat anyone with evidence of lice to prevent ping-pong reinfestation.

Do I have to deep-clean the whole house?

Focus on the last 48 hours: hot wash and dry pillowcases and headwear, soak combs/brushes in hot water for 10 minutes, and vacuum where heads rested. Skip sprays and foggers.

What if OTC lice shampoo didn’t work?

OTC products may not kill eggs and some lice can be resistant. Our heated-air plus combing protocol targets both lice and eggs in one visit.

Do you offer a guarantee on lice treatment?

Yes. Lice Charmers provides a written guarantee with simple follow-up steps; ask our team for details when booking.

A small, wingless, blood-feeding insect adapted to humans. The head louse species is Pediculus humanus capitis, which lives on scalp hair.

Pediculosis means a lice infestation of the head, body, or pubic area. Pediculosis capitis refers specifically to head lice.

Lice Treatment: Fast, Effective Options

Q: What is a pediculicide?

A pediculicide is a lice-killing product for head, body, or pubic lice. It comes as lotions, shampoos, or sprays; some kill eggs (ovicidal) while others do not.

Q: How does an anti-louse or louse treatment product work?

Neurotoxic agents like permethrin, pyrethrins, spinosad, ivermectin, or malathion disrupt lice nerves or muscles, while physical agents like dimethicone or benzyl alcohol block breathing or dehydrate lice. Some are ovicidal; many are not.

Q: What are some preventative measures against lice?

Minimize head-to-head contact, avoid sharing hats and brushes, keep long hair tied or braided, and do weekly checks with a fine comb. Treat confirmed cases promptly.

Head lice are common and manageable. This lice treatment guide explains what works, what doesn’t, and where each option fits—so you can act with confidence.

Prefer quick, pesticide-free results? Book professional heated-air head lice treatment with a Lice Charmers lice clinic near you. Call or text to get started today.

Head lice treatment overview and key facts

Lice live on the scalp and feed on small amounts of blood. They don’t jump or fly.
Finding live, moving lice means active infestation; nits (eggs) alone don’t always mean you need to retreat.
Treat infested family members the same day and check close contacts.
Most products target live lice more than eggs, so timing and combing matter.

Head lice treatment life cycle basics and why retreatment matters

Eggs (nits) hatch in about 7–10 days. Many products don’t kill all eggs.
If your product isn’t fully ovicidal, plan a second treatment around day 9–10.
Combing removes eggs that survive and reduces reinfestation risk.

Over-the-counter head lice treatment: permethrin 1% (how it works, steps, shortcomings)

How it works: Nerve-targeting pesticide that kills live lice.
How to use: Apply to clean, towel-dried hair with no conditioner. Saturate from scalp to ends, wait per label, rinse over a sink (not in a bath/shower), and comb with a fine-tooth nit comb. Recheck every 2–3 days and retreat on day 9–10 if needed.
Shortcomings: Not 100% ovicidal (eggs can survive). Some lice show resistance. Requires careful timing and thorough combing. Can feel drying or irritating to sensitive scalps.

Want a one-visit solution? Lice Charmers’ heated-air head lice treatment dehydrates lice and eggs in a single appointment—no pesticides, no guesswork. Text or call to compare options.

Over-the-counter louse treatment: pyrethrins with piperonyl butoxide (how it works, steps, shortcomings)

How it works: Plant-derived pyrethrins plus booster; kills live lice, not eggs.
How to use: Apply to dry hair per label, rinse after the set time, then nit-comb thoroughly. Always retreat around day 9–10.
Shortcomings: Not ovicidal—retreatment required. Ragweed/chrysanthemum allergy risk. Resistance is common. Multiple rounds increase effort and cost.

Prescription head lice treatment: spinosad 0.9% (how it works, steps, shortcomings)

How it works: Targets lice and many eggs; often effective with a single application.
How to use: Saturate dry scalp and hair, wait per label, rinse, and comb if you want faster cosmetic cleanup. Retreat only if live lice are seen after 7 days.
Shortcomings: Cost can be higher. May need a prescription depending on product/market. Oily feel and mild irritation are possible. Rare retreatment still needed in some cases.

Prescription head lice treatment: ivermectin 0.5% lotion (how it works, steps, shortcomings)

How it works: Paralyzes lice and prevents survival of newly hatched lice.
How to use: Single application to dry hair; rinse after the labeled time. Combing is optional but helpful for speed.
Shortcomings: Cost may be high. Label age limits (typically ≥6 months). Not primarily ovicidal, so visible nits can remain. A small number of cases still need follow-up.

Ready to be done today? Book Lice Charmers’ heated-air head lice treatment for fast, pesticide-free results. Call or text to hold a spot.

Prescription louse treatment: benzyl alcohol 5% (how it works, steps, shortcomings)

How it works: Suffocates live lice, not eggs.
How to use: Apply to dry hair, wait per label, rinse, and nit-comb. Repeat on day 7.
Shortcomings: Always needs retreatment. Possible stinging/irritation. Can be messy and time-consuming when hair is long or thick.

Prescription head lice treatment: malathion 0.5% (how it works, steps, shortcomings)

How it works: Kills lice and some eggs (partly ovicidal).
How to use: Apply to dry hair, let it air-dry for the labeled time, then rinse and comb. Repeat day 7–9 if needed.
Shortcomings: Flammable product—avoid heat sources while it’s on the hair. Strong odor, longer processing time, age limits (often ≥6 years), and potential irritation.

Non-chemical head lice treatment: wet-combing and manual nit removal (how it works, steps, shortcomings)

How it works: Mechanically removes lice and eggs with a fine-tooth metal comb on wet, conditioned hair.
How to use: Comb in small sections from scalp to ends every 3–4 days for at least 2 weeks, wiping the comb on a white towel to check progress.
Shortcomings: Time-intensive and technique-dependent. Easy to miss tiny nits. Requires multiple sessions, consistent lighting, and patience.

Skip the cycle of retreatments. Lice Charmers’ heated-air head lice treatment targets lice and eggs in one visit. Text or call to compare cost and timing.

Professional heated-air head lice treatment

Why it’s best: Controlled heated air dehydrates lice and eggs right on the scalp—no pesticides, and highly effective against resistant lice. Most families finish in one visit, with minimal aftercare. Works across hair types and lengths.
What it solves: Avoids chemical side effects, retreatment schedules, and days of meticulous combing. Great for busy households and repeated school exposures.
Shortcomings (transparent): Requires specialized equipment and a trained technician; not a DIY option. Upfront cost can be higher than OTC products. Rare cases may need a short follow-up comb-out for cosmetic cleanup.

Head lice treatment process: what to expect at your appointment

You’ll check in and get a quick scalp exam to confirm active lice. The technician sections the hair and applies gentle heated air in a precise pattern from roots to ends. Most appointments last 45–90 minutes depending on hair length and density. After the heat step, we do a careful comb-out to clear loosened eggs and debris, then review how to take care of the home. You leave clean, comfortable, and informed—no pesticides, no long retreatment calendar.

Home and environment head lice treatment: smart cleaning and what to skip

Focus on the last 48 hours: wash pillowcases, hats, and hair accessories in hot water and high heat drying (≥130°F).
Soak combs/brushes in hot water for 10 minutes.
Vacuum car seats and sofas where heads rested.
Skip sprays/fogs; they don’t add benefit and can irritate.

School and community head lice treatment: return-to-school guidance

Most kids can return to school after treatment begins.
“No-nit” policies are generally discouraged because nits alone don’t prove active infestation.
Tell close contacts to check and treat if needed to prevent ping-pong spread.

Head lice treatment safety, myths, and troubleshooting

Safety

Follow age limits and label directions; don’t mix products or extend times.
Don’t use conditioner before applying many treatments—it can reduce effectiveness.
Rinse over a sink to limit skin exposure.

Myths

Oils, mayonnaise, and “suffocation” home tricks have inconsistent results.
Shaving the head is not required and can be upsetting for kids.

Troubleshooting

If lice persist: check for misdiagnosis (dandruff or hair casts), resistance, using conditioner before treatment, not saturating all hair, skipping retreatment, or re-exposure.

Next steps: switch treatment class (e.g., from OTC to heated-air), re-do combing under bright light, and treat all infested contacts on the same day.

Quick head lice treatment FAQ

Do I have to remove every nit? No—especially after heated-air or ovicidal products. Remove visible nits for cosmetic reasons.
How long do lice live off the head? Usually less than 1–2 days. Clean recent, head-touching items and move on.
Can I swim right after lice treatment? Wait per label; water and chlorine can reduce product effectiveness. Heated-air has no chemical wait time.

When you’re ready, Lice Charmers’ heated-air head lice treatment gives same-day relief without pesticides. Text or call to schedule.

Comprehensive Lice Treatment FAQ

Lice Treatment and Prevention

What is a pediculicide?

A pediculicide is a lice-killing product (for head, body, or pubic lice).
Comes as lotions, shampoos, or sprays; some kill eggs (ovicidal), others don’t.
Examples: permethrin, pyrethrins, spinosad, ivermectin, malathion, benzyl alcohol, dimethicone.

How does an anti-louse or louse treatment product work?

Neurotoxic agents (permethrin, pyrethrins, spinosad, ivermectin, malathion) disrupt lice nerves or muscles.
Physical agents (dimethicone, benzyl alcohol) block breathing or dehydrate lice.
Some are ovicidal (kill eggs); many are not—requiring retreatment and combing.

What are some preventative measures against lice?

Minimize head-to-head contact during play and selfies.
Don’t share hats, brushes, headphones, hair ties.
Keep long hair braided or tied; do weekly checks with a fine comb.
Treat confirmed cases promptly to reduce spread.

How is tea tree oil used in lice treatment?

Sometimes used as a home remedy or in “natural” sprays.
Evidence for killing lice/eggs is inconsistent; can cause skin irritation or allergy.
Not recommended as a stand-alone head louse treatment.

What are some common head lice treatments?

OTC: permethrin 1%, pyrethrins + piperonyl butoxide.
Prescription: spinosad 0.9%, ivermectin 0.5% lotion, benzyl alcohol 5%, malathion 0.5%.
Non-chemical: wet-combing with a metal nit comb.
Device-based: professional heated-air head louse treatment.

What is involved in head louse treatment?

Confirm live lice; choose a pediculicide or heated-air service.
Saturate hair per label, time it, then rinse over a sink.
Comb meticulously in sections; repeat checks for 2–3 weeks.
Treat/check close contacts the same day and do simple home cleaning.

Are there any home remedies for treating head lice?

Oils, mayonnaise, or “suffocation” methods have variable results and are not ovicidal.
Wet-combing is the most reliable non-chemical option when done thoroughly.
Avoid flammable or harsh substances (kerosene, insecticides not for humans).

How does dimethicone suffocate lice?

Coats lice and blocks spiracles (breathing openings), causing suffocation and water loss.
Works mechanically, so resistance is unlikely; often needs thorough application and a repeat.

What are the benefits of using a nit comb regularly during lice treatment?

Removes eggs and small nymphs that treatments may miss.
Provides progress tracking (what’s on the towel/comb).
Reduces need for additional chemical applications.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of chemical versus natural lice treatments?

Chemical: usually faster with labeled directions; risk of irritation and possible resistance; some not ovicidal.
Natural/physical: fewer chemical exposures; may be slower and technique-dependent; evidence varies.
Heated-air: pesticide-free, targets lice and eggs, but requires professional equipment.

How long does it typically take for a lice treatment to be effective?

Many products kill live lice within hours; itching may improve in 1–2 days.
If non-ovicidal, a second treatment around day 7–10 is typical.
Continue checks/combing for 2–3 weeks.

What are the potential risks or side effects of lice treatments?

Scalp irritation, stinging, dryness; rare allergic reactions (e.g., to pyrethrins).
Malathion is flammable while wet; follow heat warnings.
Overuse/misuse increases irritation and treatment failure.

Is it necessary to treat the entire household if one person has lice?

Check everyone closely the same day.
Treat only those infested (or with clear evidence).
Re-check close contacts in 7–10 days.

How does a louse-comb aid in the removal of lice and nits?

Fine, tight teeth catch eggs and nymphs at the scalp.
Sectioning hair and combing root-to-tip removes what fingers miss.
Wiping on a white towel shows progress.

What ingredients are commonly found in pediculicides for effective lice treatment?

Permethrin, pyrethrins + PBO, spinosad, ivermectin, malathion, benzyl alcohol, dimethicone.
Some are ovicidal (spinosad, malathion to a degree); others require retreatment.

How can delousing be incorporated into a routine for preventing lice infestations?

Do a quick weekly comb check, especially after camps/sleepovers.
Keep a nit comb handy; educate kids about head-to-head contact.
Treat promptly at first signs.

What steps should be taken to ensure a home is nit-free following an infestation?

Wash/dry (high heat) items that touched the head in the past 48 hours.
Soak combs/brushes in hot water (10 min); vacuum sofas/car seats.
Bag unwashables for 48 hours; skip pesticide sprays.

How can identifying and removing nits early prevent a full-blown lice infestation?

Early nit removal prevents hatching, cutting the lifecycle.
Reduces total lice load and re-exposure to others in the home.

What techniques improve the effectiveness of nit combs?

Use bright lighting, magnification if needed.
Apply conditioner or water mist for slip; comb small sections.
Angle the comb against the scalp, wipe on a white towel each pass.

Why are nits often more difficult to treat than adult lice?

Cemented to hair shafts and tiny; many products are not fully ovicidal.
Hidden near warm scalp areas (nape, behind ears).

What preventive measures are effective against nits specifically?

There’s no nit-specific blocker; prevention is avoiding head contact, routine checks, and early removal.
Keep hair tied back and don’t share headgear.

Super Lice Treatment

What are super lice and how are they treated?

Super lice are head lice with resistance to common OTC pyrethroids.
Treat with spinosad, ivermectin, malathion, dimethicone, thorough wet-combing, or heated-air treatment.
Switch treatment class if OTC fails; treat contacts and recheck.

What factors contribute to the development of super lice?

Repeated, sub-lethal exposures (under-dosing, rinsing too soon).
Overuse of the same active ingredient across a community.
Skipping retreatment or poor saturation/combing.

What role does skin care play in preventing lice infestations?

Healthy scalp makes it easier to spot nits/lice and reduces confusion with dandruff.
Treat scratching lesions gently to avoid infection.
Clean hair doesn’t prevent lice—contact prevention and checks do.

Can items like mayonnaise be effective in treating head lice?

Inconsistent results and not ovicidal; can be messy and irritating.
Prefer evidence-based options: proper pediculicides, wet-combing, or heated-air.

Why is it recommended to bag and dry items in plastic to prevent lice spread?

Lice survive <1–2 days off scalp; nits need warmth to hatch.
Bagging for 48 hours or using a hot dryer removes risk from recent items.

How often should furniture be cleaned to prevent a lice infestation?

Once on treatment day (vacuum where heads rested) is typically enough.
Repeat after the recheck if desired; widespread spraying is not needed.

What information updates should one look for regarding lice treatment resistance?

Public health or school nurse notices; product labels and instructions.
Reputable medical sites summarizing resistance trends and new options.

How can one ensure that lice treatments remain effective against resistant strains?

Follow label timing exactly; avoid conditioner before treatment if advised.
Ensure full saturation, retreat on schedule, comb thoroughly.
If failure occurs, switch class (e.g., to spinosad/ivermectin or heated-air).

Louse Overview

What is a louse?

A small, wingless, blood-feeding insect adapted to humans.
Head louse species: Pediculus humanus capitis; lives on scalp hair.

How do lice reproduce and spread?

Females lay nits cemented near the scalp; eggs hatch in ~7–10 days.
Spread mainly by head-to-head contact; pets do not spread human head lice.

Lice Treatment for Pediculosis

What is pediculosis?

Pediculosis means lice infestation (head, body, or pubic).
Pediculosis capitis refers specifically to head lice.

What are the symptoms of pediculosis?

Itching, tickling sensation, sleep disruption.
Excoriations (scratch marks), visible nits close to the scalp, and sometimes live lice.

How can one identify a louse infestation?

See live, moving lice or viable nits within ¼ inch (6–7 mm) of the scalp.
Use a fine metal comb under bright light for confirmation.

What are the potential complications of a lice infestation?

Secondary skin infection from scratching, swollen lymph nodes, sleep loss.
Social stress but no disease spread from head lice.

Why is it important to check for nits attached to the hair close to the scalp?

Nits close to the scalp are more likely viable (warmth).
Distant nits are often empty shells and less relevant.

What are the most effective methods to cure a lice infestation?

Properly applied pediculicide (preferably ovicidal) plus combing.
Heated-air treatment for pesticide-free, one-visit results.
Synchronized contact checks and simple home cleaning.

How does lice shampoo differ from regular shampoo in treating lice?

Lice shampoo contains pediculicides or physical agents; designed to kill lice/eggs.
Regular shampoo cleans hair but does not kill lice.

Types of Lice

What are human lice and how are they treated?

Head lice, body lice, pubic (crab) lice are human-specific.
Head lice: treatments listed above.
Body lice: focus on laundering/hygiene and clothing changes.
Crab lice: treat with appropriate pediculicides and manage contacts.

What is pediculosis capitis?

The medical term for head louse infestation.

What is a body louse and how does it differ from other types of lice?

Lives in clothing seams, moves to skin to feed; associated with poor laundering/crowding.
Can transmit certain diseases (unlike head lice).

What is a crab louse and how is it different from other types of lice?

Pthirus pubis; squat, crab-like body with strong claws for coarse hair.
Typically infests pubic hair; causes intense itching.

What are the common symptoms of a head lice infestation?

Itching, nits near scalp, small sores from scratching, sometimes visible lice.
Irritation is often worse at nape and behind ears.

How do head lice differ in appearance from other types of lice?

Head lice are elongated and adapted to scalp hair.
Crab lice are short and wide; body lice are similar to head lice but live in clothing.

What are the distinguishing characteristics of crab lice?

Broad, crab-like shape; powerful claws for thick hair.
Often found on pubic hair; visible dark spots (feces) on underwear/skin.

What are the primary habitats of body lice?

Clothing seams, bedding in poor hygiene conditions; they visit skin to feed.
Control focuses on laundering and improved hygiene.

Lice Treatment for Nits or Lice Eggs

What are nits in the context of lice?

Eggs laid by lice and glued to hair shafts.
Usually found within ¼ inch of the scalp when viable.

What is a nit and how does it relate to lice?

A nit is the egg case; when it hatches, it releases a nymph.
Empty shells remain attached unless combed off.

What does it mean for a treatment to be no-nit?

Could mean a school policy requiring all nits removed (discouraged in many places).
Or a product/approach that claims no nit-combing required due to ovicidal/heat effect.

How long does it take for lice eggs (nits) to hatch?

Typically 7–10 days, faster with warmth and humidity.

What is the life cycle of a nit?

Egg → embryo → hatch (nymph) → adult in about 3 weeks total (egg to adult).

What are the benefits of using a nit comb regularly?

Removes viable eggs and speeds cosmetic clearance.
Lowers the chance of retreatment and re-infestation.

How does the visibility of nits vary on different hair types and colors?

On dark hair, nits often look white/tan and stand out.
On light hair, they can appear translucent; angled lighting helps.

Can nits survive after treatment and for how long?

If the product is not ovicidal, some nits may survive and hatch in 7–10 days.
As hair grows, distant nits are usually empty.

What are the signs that nits are no longer viable after treatment?

Flattened/dull appearance or an open cap (hatched).
Located farther than ¼ inch from the scalp due to hair growth.

How do treatments specifically target the removal of nits?

Ovicidal agents (e.g., spinosad; malathion to a degree) and heated-air reduce viability.
Manual nit-combing physically removes remaining eggs/shells.

What is the importance of following up treatment with nit combing sessions?

Captures late hatchers and missed eggs.
Confirms clearance and reduces the need for more chemicals.

Can nits cause itching and discomfort similar to adult lice?

Nits themselves don’t bite; itching is mainly from lice feeding and skin irritation.
Nits can feel like grit close to the scalp.

How do environmental conditions affect nit viability?

Warm, humid conditions near the scalp favor hatching.
Away from the scalp (cooler/drier), nits are unlikely to hatch.

Related Services

Lice Treatment and Prevention

What is a pediculicide?
How does an anti-louse or louse treatment product work?
What are some preventative measures against lice?
How is tea tree oil used in lice treatment?
What are some common head lice treatments?
What is involved in head louse treatment?
Are there any home remedies for treating head lice?
How does dimethicone suffocate lice?
What are the benefits of using a nit comb regularly during lice treatment?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of chemical versus natural lice treatments?
How long does it typically take for a lice treatment to be effective?
What are the potential risks or side effects of lice treatments?
Is it necessary to treat the entire household if one person has lice?
How does a louse-comb aid in the removal of lice and nits?
What ingredients are commonly found in pediculicides for effective lice treatment?
How can delousing be incorporated into a routine for preventing lice infestations?
What steps should be taken to ensure a home is nit-free following an infestation?
How can identifying and removing nits early prevent a full-blown lice infestation?
What techniques improve the effectiveness of nit combs?
Why are nits often more difficult to treat than adult lice?
What preventive measures are effective against nits specifically?

Super Lice Treatment

What are super lice and how are they treated?
What factors contribute to the development of super lice?

Lice Treatment Environmental and Miscellaneous Concerns

What role does skin care play in preventing lice infestations?
Can items like mayonnaise be effective in treating head lice?
Why is it recommended to bag and dry items in plastic to prevent lice spread?
How often should furniture be cleaned to prevent a lice infestation?
What information updates should one look for regarding lice treatment resistance?