Know “does hairspray kill lice? Here’s a guide on how to get rid of lice and nits using hair spray and also learn some fact-based methods.
As a hair stylist, I know those there’s nothing more annoying that pesky small creatures roaming around your scalp and hair – lice! According to the Journal of Paediatric drugs vol. 1,3 (1999), the best way to remove lice from hair from the use of a louse comb.
But, I recently came across information on how using hairspray can get rid of lice. I was absolutely intrigued and thought “Is this actually true?”. And I found the answer!
Why You Should Trust Haireveryday?
The author of this article, Amy Angelos has a degree in Cosmetology from The Salon Professional Academy in San Jose, California with 10 years of experience in dealing with hair care, scalp care, and hairstyling. As she is adept at styling hair of various textures from straight, wavy to curly and African American, Amy knows what kind of products and procedures suit each hair type and person. Our Editor Leah Marie Priest has also tested these hair products and processes and fact checked this article to give you an unbiased review about every product. Each of our articles are also reviewed by a team of medical professionals so that you get the most accurate and expert-reviewed information.
What Is Lice and How It Spreads
Lice are tiny insects that live on the scalp, hair, and clothing of humans and animals. They are wingless and feed on human blood. Lice eggs, also known as nits, are small, oval-shaped, and usually attached to the base of the hair shaft.
Lice can spread easily from person to person through direct contact with the hair or clothing of an infested person. They can also spread through the sharing of personal items such as combs, brushes, hats, and headphones. Lice infestations are common among school-aged children and their families.
It is important to note that lice do not jump or fly, but they can crawl quickly. They are not a sign of poor hygiene and can affect anyone regardless of their cleanliness. In fact, lice prefer clean hair as it is easier for them to attach their eggs to the hair shaft.
To prevent the spread of lice, it is essential to avoid sharing personal items and to regularly wash clothing and bedding in hot water. If an infestation is suspected, it is important to seek treatment promptly to avoid further spread.
Does Hairspray Kill Lice?
Effect of Hairspray on Lice
As a common household item, hairspray is often suggested as a potential treatment for lice infestations. Some people believe that hairspray can suffocate or dehydrate lice, leading to their eventual death. However, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims.
Hairspray may temporarily immobilize lice, making them easier to remove with a comb. However, it is not a reliable method for eradicating a lice infestation. In fact, using hairspray as a primary treatment method may actually make the problem worse by allowing the lice to continue reproducing and spreading to other individuals.
Scientific Evidence
Studies have shown that lice have the ability to survive for extended periods of time without air, making it unlikely that hairspray would be an effective method for killing them. Additionally, hairspray is not formulated to kill insects and may contain harmful chemicals that could be dangerous if applied directly to the scalp.
The most effective treatments for lice infestations include over-the-counter shampoos specifically designed to kill lice and their eggs, as well as thorough combing with a fine-toothed comb. It is important to follow the instructions on these products carefully and to repeat treatments as necessary to ensure that all lice and eggs are eliminated.
In conclusion, while hairspray may have some temporary effects on lice, it is not a reliable or effective method for treating a lice infestation. It is important to seek out proven treatments and follow proper hygiene practices to prevent the spread of lice to others.
Does Hairspray Kill Nits (Lice Eggs)
As mentioned earlier, hairspray is not an effective treatment for killing adult lice. But what about their eggs? Can hairspray kill lice eggs, also known as nits?
Unfortunately, the answer is no. Hairspray may immobilize the eggs, making them easier to remove with a nit comb, but it will not kill them. The active ingredients in hairspray are not designed to penetrate the hard outer shell of the egg and kill the developing louse inside.
In fact, using hairspray on lice eggs may even make the problem worse. The sticky residue left behind by the hairspray can make it harder for other treatments, such as medicated shampoos, to penetrate the egg and kill the louse inside.
If you suspect that you or your child has lice, it’s important to use a proven treatment method that is designed to kill both the adult lice and their eggs. This may include medicated shampoos, prescription treatments, or natural remedies like tea tree oil or neem oil.
In addition to treatment, it’s important to take steps to prevent the spread of lice to others. This may include washing all bedding and clothing in hot water, vacuuming carpets and furniture, and avoiding close contact with others until the infestation is fully treated.
Overall, while hairspray may be a useful tool for immobilizing adult lice, it is not an effective treatment for killing lice eggs. It’s important to use proven treatment methods and take steps to prevent the spread of lice to others.
Risks of Using Hairspray on Lice
As a professional in the field of lice treatment, I have encountered many parents who have attempted to use hairspray as a lice treatment. While hairspray may seem like a quick and easy solution, it is important to understand the risks associated with using hairspray on lice.
Firstly, hairspray is not designed to kill lice. While it may immobilize the lice temporarily, it will not kill them. This means that the lice will continue to lay eggs and multiply, leading to a worsening infestation.
In addition, hairspray contains chemicals that can be harmful to both humans and pets. When hairspray is applied to the hair, these chemicals can be absorbed through the scalp and enter the bloodstream. This can lead to adverse health effects, especially in children and those with sensitive skin.
Furthermore, the use of hairspray on lice can also lead to a flammable situation. Hairspray is highly flammable and can ignite if exposed to heat or flames. This can be especially dangerous when using a hair dryer or other heat styling tools.
Overall, while hairspray may seem like a quick and easy solution for lice treatment, it is important to understand the risks associated with its use. It is always best to seek professional lice treatment to ensure effective and safe removal of lice and nits.
How Does Hairspray Kill Lice?
So if you are wondering how, basically, hairspray can first and foremost ruin the breeding ground for the lice because of its waxy or sticky texture.
It makes it harder for lice to move around the scalp and hair and thus slows down the rate of infestation, as the lice cannot attach themselves to the hair follicle in order to lay their eggs, as the hair follicles are well coated by the hairspray.
Hence, when there are no new eggs on the head, the lice cannot lay eggs and thus, there won’t be a spread of lice.
Hairspray in itself can cause the lice to suffocate and restrict their movement to an extent that can hinder their chances of survival.
Also, when the hairspray covers the bodies of the lice, their air passages get blocked and they find it hard to breathe hence, they die over time.
Making sure you use the hairspray the right way is very important. You will have to spray the hairspray closer to your roots than all over your hair.
Also, remember that your hair needs to be completely dry before spraying it on your head. Thus, the hairspray will have a better effect and coat the scalp and hair properly (thereby also coating the lice and nits).
Do not overspray it; simply spray randomly, just enough to be able to coat your hair with an even layer.
Expert Recommended Shampoos To Kill Lice
There are plenty of good lice reduction and prevention shampoos out there. Here are the top 6 best-rated lice reduction shampoos you can try.
RID Daily Defense Lice Shampoo and Conditioner
RID Daily Defense Lice Shampoo is a lice infestation inhibitor. While it will not get rid of existing lice on the head, it can be used by people who wish to prevent getting lice from another during a lice outbreak (like in case of school children).
Lice Shield Shampoo and Conditioner
Lice Shield Shampoo is a 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner that replaces your regular cleansing shampoo and conditioner and is most often used on children (but can also be used by adults).
Using this product will help prevent the infestation of lice and is mainly used as a deterrent that prevents the spread of lice. It will not kill the existing lice on the head.
Lice Combat Shampoo
Lice Combat Shampoo comes in a kit that includes a leave-in cream along with a lice/nit comb. This product is not only helpful in killing the lice, but can also help prevent the spread of lice from another’s head to yours.
My Hair Helpers Lice Removal Shampoo
This product is yet another kit that comes with a nit comb, a hairspray, a hair mousse, lice removal oil, along with a shampoo and conditioner that all go together. It helps eliminate lice
Lice Logic Clear and Free Shampoo
This shampoo is an enzyme-based shampoo that can help get rid of both lice and nits from the head. It is also safe for daily use. It can destroy lice without damaging the hair with harsh chemicals, as it has completely natural ingredients.
Safe Solutions Lice R Gone Non Toxic Shampoo
This product is also an enzyme-based shampoo that is all-natural and can help remove both lice and also nits as soon as it comes in contact with this product. It can also prevent future lice infestation. It is completely pesticide–free as well.
The final takeaway
I hope that this article has been able to put an end to all those doubts about this “hairspray killing lice” theory by answering all your questions.
I’m sure there are many of you out there dealing with lice infestation issues and are having a tough time trying to get rid of them! Well, here’s the best remedy out there to help get rid of lice.
Make sure not to overdo the hairspray or hair gel application, because of its side effects, but use it the right way to get rid of the lice in the hair, in addition to using a good lice reduction or prevention shampoo.
Also Read:
- Hair Sprays To Cover Bald Spots
- Alternatives To Hairspray
- How To Remove Nits From Hair Without A Comb
To Summarize