Dealing with a head lice infestation can be a frustrating experience, often leading individuals to seek immediate solutions. The persistent itching and the thought of tiny insects inhabiting one’s hair can prompt desperate measures, including considering a complete head shave. This consideration stems from a desire for a swift end to the discomfort and worry associated with lice.
The Effectiveness of Shaving for Lice
Shaving one’s head can eliminate a head lice infestation, as lice and their eggs, known as nits, primarily reside on the hair shaft. Head lice are parasitic insects that feed on human blood and attach eggs close to the scalp. They require hair to live, typically dying within 1 to 2 days without a blood meal.
Complete head shaving removes the habitat necessary for lice and nits to thrive, effectively eradicating the infestation. While effective, this method is often considered extreme given other treatment options. Lice can establish themselves on hair as short as 1/8 inch, so a very close shave is required. Even then, mobile lice might temporarily remain on the scalp.
Comprehensive Lice Treatment Approaches
Beyond shaving, several effective and less invasive methods exist for treating head lice infestations. Over-the-counter (OTC) treatments include permethrin and pyrethrin, synthetic and natural pyrethroids derived from the chrysanthemum flower. These disrupt the nervous system of lice, leading to paralysis and death. A second application is often recommended 7 to 10 days after the first to kill newly hatched nymphs before they can lay new eggs.
When OTC treatments are ineffective, possibly due to increasing resistance, prescription medications become an option.
Prescription Medications
Malathion lotion (Ovide): Affects the lice’s nervous system. Flammable and requires caution.
Spinosad topical suspension (Natroba): Derived from soil bacteria, it causes paralysis and death. Often requires only a single application.
Ivermectin lotion (Sklice): Disrupts the nervous system of lice. Often requires only a single application.
Manual removal, often called wet combing, is another safe and effective approach. This method involves applying conditioner to wet hair and systematically combing through small sections with a fine-toothed nit comb from scalp to tip. The conditioner stuns lice and makes hair slippery, facilitating physical removal along with nits. This process needs to be repeated regularly, every few days for at least two to three weeks, to ensure all lice and newly hatched nymphs are removed.
Practical Considerations for Head Shaving
Deciding to shave one’s head for lice involves various personal and practical considerations beyond immediate eradication. The most apparent implication is the significant change in appearance, which can have social and emotional effects. For some, especially children, a shaved head might lead to embarrassment or self-consciousness.
From a practical standpoint, a shaved scalp requires diligent care to maintain its health and protect it from environmental elements. Exposed skin is more susceptible to sunburn, necessitating regular sunscreen, even on cloudy days. The scalp may also feel colder in chilly weather, making head coverings necessary.
Hair regrowth is a factor, as hair grows about half an inch per month, meaning it can take several months to achieve even a short buzzcut. The initial regrowth period might present an “awkward” phase as hair density and length return. Shaving does not affect the hair’s natural texture or thickness upon regrowth, as it only removes the external shaft without impacting the follicle.