Uh-Oh, School Called: Lice Outbreak

Uh-Oh, School Called: Lice Outbreak

Let’s face it—lice is one of those parenting nightmares that shows up out of nowhere. Whether you got the school nurse call or spotted something suspicious while brushing your child’s hair, don’t panic. With the right products, a solid plan, and a calm approach, you can completely eliminate lice without harsh chemicals or trauma. Here’s your step-by-step guide.

Mother checking daughter's hair

Step 1: Confirm the Infestation

Use a fine-toothed lice comb under bright light to inspect behind ears & at the nape. Look for live lice (fast-moving) and nits (white/yellowish eggs stuck to shafts).

Pro Tip: Section hair into 4–6 parts to catch hidden eggs.

Using lice comb

Step 2: Apply Treatment

Choose an FDA-cleared OTC or prescription product based on severity:

Nix Ultra 2-in-1
$36.79
Saturate dry hair, massage into scalp; leave per directions to kill lice & eggs.
RID Super Max Kit
$22.02
Includes treatment & surface spray. Follow closely for best results.

Step 3: Comb While Wet

After rinse, towel-dry hair. While damp, use a fine-tooth comb (e.g. Nit Free Terminator) from scalp to ends, wiping on white paper each pass.

Step 4: Clean Your Environment

  • Wash bedding, hats, scarves & clothes in hot water + high-heat dry.
  • Seal non-washables in airtight bags 2+ days.
  • Vacuum mattresses, furniture & car seats.
  • Soak combs in hot water 10 min (Professional Kit).
Cleaning bedding

Step 5: Repeat & Prevent

  • Re-comb every 2–3 days for 2 weeks; retreat ~day 9 if needed.
  • Discourage head-to-head contact.
  • Don’t share brushes/hats; use Rosemary Repel.
  • Clean brushes after each use with Ship-Shape Cleaner.

Natural & Holistic Alternatives

Apple Cider Vinegar
$32.90
Mix ¼ cup ACV + ¼ cup warm water; apply to dry hair, wrap 20 min, rinse & comb. Repeat every other day for 2 weeks.
Coconut Oil
$9.98
Warm ½ cup oil, apply thick, cover overnight; shampoo ×2 & comb. Repeat every 2–3 days.
Shower Caps
$5.99
Use with oils to suffocate lice—cover overnight.
Neem Oil
$9.49
Dilute 2 Tbsp in 1 cup water, massage 2–3 min, cover overnight, shampoo ×2 & comb. Repeat 3–4 days.
Lavender Oil
$18.99
15 drops in ¼ cup water, spray roots, air-dry, comb. Repeat daily.
Baking Soda Spray
$7.99
2 Tbsp each in 1 cup water, spray roots 20 min, rinse & comb. Every 2–3 days.
Preventive Spray
$19.97
Daily on hair & scalp to repel lice. Safe ≥2 yrs.

Holistic Pro Tip: Consistency + combing + cleaning = success.

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