Do Over-the-Counter Lice Treatments Still Work?
Parents grab over-the-counter lice treatments the second they spot a bug. It feels easy. It feels fast. It feels like the logical first step. But OTC lice shampoos don’t always do what the box promises. Families end up spending money, repeating treatments, and still dealing with live lice a week later. Today’s lice don’t respond…
Read MoreLice at School: What Really Spreads It (and What Doesn’t)
School season always brings homework, missing water bottles, and (almost inevitably) head lice. Kids spend all day shoulder-to-shoulder, so lice spread fast once they show up in a classroom. Parents hear every rumor in the book, and most of them aren’t even close to true. A lot of families panic-clean their homes when they really…
Read MoreDo Oils and Scents Really Repel Lice?
When it comes to keeping lice away, parents are always on the lookout for natural, non-toxic solutions. One of the most common pieces of advice floating around is that certain scents — like tea tree oil, lavender, or peppermint — can help repel lice. But do they really work? The short answer: while lice don’t…
Read MoreHow to Spot Lice Early: The First Signs Parents Always Miss
Nobody wants a full-blown lice infestation. The earlier you catch the bugs, the easier they are to get rid of. Unfortunately, most parents don’t notice lice until it’s a full blown ordeal — itchy heads, live bugs, nits galore, the works. The good news is that early signs show up long before your kid starts…
Read MoreBusting the “Dirty Hair” Myth Once and For All
Few things bring more stress (or embarrassment) to families than hearing the word “lice” in regards to one of their kids. And unfortunately, one of the biggest misconceptions out there only makes it worse: the idea that lice are a sign of dirty hair or poor hygiene. Let’s set the record straight once and for…
Read MoreThe Hidden Cost of DIY Lice Removal
When lice show up, most families head straight to the drugstore aisle. A box of lice shampoo seems like a quick fix — cheap, easy, and something you can do at home the same day. But what many parents don’t realize is that DIY lice removal often comes with hidden costs: repeat treatments, wasted time,…
Read MoreWhy Fall is Peak Lice Season (and How to Stay Ahead of It)
Fall brings crisp air, new routines, and — unfortunately — a surge in lice cases. After a summer of camps, playdates, and travel, kids return to classrooms where close contact is unavoidable. Add in sports practices, after-school activities, and weekend sleepovers, and it’s easy to see why lice spread so quickly this time of year.…
Read MoreWhen Lice Keep Coming Back: Understanding Reinfestation vs. Incomplete Treatment
Nothing’s more frustrating than thinking you’ve kicked lice to the curb, only to have them pop back up a week or two later. But here’s the thing: it’s not always a “new case” — and it doesn’t always mean someone did something wrong. When lice return, it’s usually the result of one of two things:…
Read MoreThe Psychology of Itching: Why You Scratch Just Thinking About Lice
You’re reading about lice … and suddenly your scalp starts to itch. No bugs in sight, but your brain is already on high alert. This reaction is completely normal — and surprisingly common. It’s called “phantom itching,” and it’s more about psychology than an infestation. Itching is one of the first things people associate with…
Read MoreWhat NOT to Do When You Discover Lice
Discovering lice can send even the calmest parent into a mayonnaise-fueled spiral — but take a deep breath. Lice aren’t dangerous, and they’re very common. How you respond in those first few moments can set the tone for how quickly and easily the problem gets solved, and for how your child remembers their bout with…
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