Lice? Psssh, no thanks.
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Don't forget to add a lice-prevention shampoo to your back-to-school checklist. Because let's face it, these pesky little critters are the worst. Here's what lice look like, if you're wondering—and once they settle into your home, it can be challenging to drive these buggers away.
Luckily, many shampoos prevent lice infestation from happening in the first place. That's why we found expert-approved, top-rated and easy-to-use lice-prevention shampoos.
We've compiled a list of a variety of options, from all-natural formulations to affordable choices that won't break the bank. And if your little ones are already in school or daycare, these are the best shampoos for kids to keep in regular rotation. We also spoke with Dr. Arianna Rodriguez, ND, doctor of naturopathic medicine, about what to look for in lice prevention shampoos to make the selection process quick and painless.
Lice may be tough. But remember, you can win this battle. To help you, Dr. Rodriguez suggests keeping these tips in mind when shopping for lice-prevention shampoos.
Look for active ingredients: When picking a lice-prevention shampoo, Dr. Rodriguez says you'll want to make sure it's got the good stuff. "Look for active ingredients like benzyl alcohol, ivermectin, malathion, permethrin, pyrethrins, and piperonyl butoxide," she tells Today's Parent. "These ingredients pack a punch against lice."
Try natural treatments: "While there are natural products that you can try for treating lice infestation, many of them have not been proven to be effective at killing both the lice and nits.," says Dr. Rodriguez. "Some essential oils that may be effective against lice are rosemary, tea tree, peppermint, and cinnamon."
Read labels carefully: You don't want to use products containing ingredients that are not safe for children or have unpleasant odors. "Some ingredients are also flammable and should be used with care," adds Rodriguez.
Follow directions: If you're dealing with a lice infestation, the key to success is following all treatment/usage instructions to a T. "This helps avoid infestations and reinfestations that may occur," says Dr. Rodriguez.
Seek a doctor: Sometimes it's best to call in the cavalry. If you've tried topical treatments for a week and they're not working, Dr. Rodriguez says it's time to reach out to your healthcare provider for additional treatment.
If you're looking for a hair product that's both a shampoo and a lice repellent, don't worry, Lice Shield has you covered. This two-in-one formula gently cleanses and conditions your hair while also keeping lice and super lice at bay.
Each bottle is brimming with natural essential oils of citronella, rosemary, lemongrass, cedar and geraniol. These oils smell great to humans, but make lice and other gnarly bugs want to head for the hills.
This shampoo is a great lice deterrent, but keep in mind that it does not kill lice or eggs. It's ideal for kids attending busy schools and daycare centers that may be prone to infestations due to crowded settings.
Who says you need to break the bank to get quality hair care? This Amazon lice-prevention shampoo proves that you can have it all! Not only does it gently clean, hydrate, and detangle your hair, but it also contains Quassia extract to keep lice at bay. And at under $15, it's a no-brainer for parents with more than one kid.
With a 4.1-star rating and hundreds of five-star reviews to boot, it's easy to see why this lice prevention shampoo is a bestseller. It's made with plant-based ingredients and doesn't contain any pesticides or fragrances, so it's super gentle on your skin and eyes.
It's unique in that it can be used on both dry and wet hair, and it's hypoallergenic and dermatologist-endorsed. Instead of just repelling lice, it actively kills and removes existing infestations while leaving an herbal scent behind these bugs hate. That prevents them from returning.
Say goodbye to chemicals and pesticides with this shampoo and conditioner duo from My Hair Helpers. Packed with essential oils that lice absolutely hate, it's the perfect solution for all hair types, from curly to fine to thick.
Plus, the soothing power of peppermint keeps your child's scalp happy and protected against future lice infestations.
Think of this preventative shampoo as the knight in shining armor that can save you from the lice dragon. Its ingredients (rosemary, citronella and tea tree oil) are its sword and shield, giving you the 'hairy' tale ending you deserve. Gentle enough for daily use without irritating your scalp, this cleansing product leaves a subtle herbal scent behind that kids love and lice hate.
It won't leave hair feeling oily or greasy afterward either thanks to the proprietary blend of organic rosemary, citronella, tea tree oils.
If your kid brings home lice from school, it's like playing the worst game of hot potato. Instead of a potato, it's a bunch of tiny bugs that you don't want to catch. Luckily, there's a whole arsenal of lice-prevention shampoos for adults.
This best-seller from Amazon ensures lice stay far away with every wash. While it may not kill all lice, this pesticide-free shampoo has a special Lice Defense Factor that does everything to keep them at bay.
It neutralizes the static charge in hair that attracts those little buggers, prevents them from attaching and stops them from laying eggs.
Don't let the stress of shampooing your kid's hair turn into a lice nightmare. This minty lice prevention spray is here for extra backup, and here's the kicker: it's under $20. Because it's portable, you can take this spray with you wherever you go, whether it's in your purse or your kid's backpack.
With each spray, you treat tresses to spearmint essential oil, which deters lice without harsh chemicals and leaves your kid's locks smelling great. Spritz it on clothing and stuffed animals (yep, lice hide there too—still be sure to put them in a plastic bag for a while) in your kid's room to keep the bugs away.
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Bryce Gruber is a Jewish mom to five growing kids. She loves writing shopping and trend content and catching up on pop culture. When she's not raising her children, she can be found hiking local mountains, traveling to sunny beaches and trying to get a handle on the endless laundry life provides.