You're Lice-Free – Now What?
Congratulations, the hard part is over! Following a professional, thorough comb-out, the lice and nits have been removed from the hair. But to guarantee that the infestation doesn't return, it is critical to follow some basic aftercare protocols for your home and personal items.
The Good News About Head Lice
Before you turn your house upside down, take a deep breath. Head lice do not live in your environment; they are human parasites that require a host to survive. They cannot live on pets, they do not fly or jump, and they generally die within 24 to 48 hours once off a human head. You do not need to bag up your entire house for weeks or spend a fortune on bug sprays!
Essential Environmental Cleaning
Focus your energy on items that have been in direct contact with the affected person's head over the last 48 hours:
- Bedding & Towels: Strip the bed, including pillowcases, sheets, and blankets. Wash them in hot water and dry them on the highest heat setting for at least 30-40 minutes. Heat is the enemy of lice.
- Clothing: Follow the same hot wash and hot dry process for any clothing (hoodies, coats, hats, scarves) worn recently.
- Hair Accessories & Brushes: Gather all combs, brushes, hair ties, and headbands. Boil them (if the material permits), run them through the dishwasher on a sanitizing cycle, or seal them in a Ziploc bag and place them in the freezer overnight.
- Stuffed Animals & Throw Pillows: If an item cannot be washed and dried, simply toss it in the dryer on high heat for 30 minutes. If it cannot handle heat, seal it in a plastic garbage bag for 48 hours. Any lice will die without a host.
Vacuuming
Give a good vacuuming to carpets, rugs, car seats, and fabric furniture where the affected person might have rested their head. Remember, lice do not burrow or jump into upholstery. A simple vacuum will pick up any stray hairs that might contain nits or any weakened adult lice.
Ongoing Prevention
For the next week, we strongly recommend keeping long hair tied back in a braid or tight bun. Use a preventative mint or tea tree spray each morning before school or activities, as lice naturally repel from these scents. Finally, conduct a quick "peace of mind" comb-through with your metal lice comb once a week to catch any potential exposures early.