Head lice infestations are a common challenge many households encounter. Many wonder if conditioner can effectively address these tiny insects. Understanding conditioner’s role clarifies its utility in managing head lice.
What Conditioner Does to Lice
Conditioner does not kill or drown head lice. Its primary effect is to temporarily immobilize them, making them easier to manage. The conditioner coats the lice, reducing their ability to move quickly, cling to hair strands, or breathe efficiently. This temporary stunning effect typically lasts about 20 minutes.
This coating action also lubricates the hair, aiding in the removal of both lice and their eggs, known as nits. While conditioner does not directly affect nit viability, it significantly reduces hair shaft friction. This allows a fine-toothed comb to slide more easily, dislodging firmly cemented eggs.
Using Conditioner for Lice Combing
Conditioner is essential for effective mechanical removal of lice and nits. To use conditioner for lice combing, apply a generous amount to dry hair, saturating from the scalp to the ends. Use a regular comb to thoroughly detangle the hair.
Divide the hair into small sections for systematic combing. Place a fine-toothed lice comb flat against the scalp and draw it through each section, from roots to ends. After each stroke, wipe the comb on a white tissue or paper towel to check for removed lice or nits. Continue this process for each section, repeating combing multiple times for thorough coverage. Once finished, clean the comb, for example, by scrubbing it with an old toothbrush.
Why Conditioner Alone Isn’t Enough
Relying solely on conditioner will not eliminate a head lice infestation, as it does not kill adult lice or unhatched nits. The immobilizing effect is temporary; once rinsed or dried, any missed lice regain mobility.
Lice lay multiple eggs each day, typically ranging from 3 to 8. If even a few nits or adult lice are missed during combing, the infestation cycle continues as new lice hatch and mature. Using conditioner as the only treatment method will likely lead to re-infestation.
Comprehensive Lice Management
Effective head lice eradication often requires a multi-faceted approach. Regular and repeated combing sessions with conditioner are important to remove newly hatched lice before they can lay eggs, breaking the parasite life cycle.
Over-the-counter or prescription medicated treatments are also available. Some treatments kill both lice and eggs, while others may require a second application after a week to target newly hatched nymphs. Check and treat all household members who may be infested simultaneously to prevent re-infestation. Cleaning household items, such as washing bedding and clothing in hot water, and soaking combs, can help manage the infestation. Extensive house cleaning is generally not necessary, as head lice do not survive long away from a human host.