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Head lice and their removal has become one of the hottest topics in the playground. Along with the overwhelmingly large number of products available, talk to any group of mums and you’ll find that almost every one of them will have some home remedy.

If you’re new to the head lice game, you may want to try a range of products and settle on something that you’re comfortable with.

Three different ways of attacking a head lice problem

Hit them strong and hit them hard!

There are a number of head lice treatment products on the market. While some don’t like the idea of chemicals in such close contact with their child’s skin, others find it reassuring for the very same reason – with the thought that if there’s chemicals involved, they must be doing a thorough job.

Go the more ‘natural’ route

Also available are natural products based on essential oils and pyrethrin. Because these products aren’t as strong as the chemical-based ones, they usually need to be left in the hair longer to take effect.

Homemade

Like all good homebrew recipes, everyone has a different one that they swear by. Mostly though, they are made up of things that you could find in the kitchen or bathroom. Almost all are bulked out with thick conditioner. Popular recipes usually include: tea-tree oil, eucalyptus oil, vinegar, olive oil, orange oil, lavender oil.

Head lice treatments

Tips from the trenches

1. Apply the treatment to dry hair and then WRAP IT UP. Use a shower cap, a plastic bag or glad wrap – whatever works – because the minute the treated hair starts to dry, the treatment may cease to work.

2. Be generous with the treatment. Make sure that every part of the scalp and hair is covered with the treatment.

3. Leave it in for a l-o-n-g time. Most treatments recommend leaving in for 10-20 minutes and if you’re using a chemical treatment you should heed this advice, but if your using essential oils you can really leave it in for as long as your child will tolerate it.

4. Don’t rush the combing. Doing the shampoo treatment is only half the job.

5. Don’t try to remove every egg because you’ll only send yourself blind. If you follow with repeat treatments every 3-4 days for two weeks, you’ll catch the eggs as they hatch.