If you’re reading this, chances are that either you or someone close to you is fighting head lice. I’ve been there and done that, and trust me, it’s stressful and quite exhausting, too. But don’t worry—you’re not alone in feeling this way. Moving forward, this post will guide you through the process of naturally treating head lice using essential oils. Just like you and me, many people prefer a natural alternative to chemical treatments, and essential oils can often be quite effective.
If you have never tried essential oils, the concept may seem unfamiliar to you. But trust me, they do magic if applied rightly. Understanding the types of oils and their application methods is crucial. . Stick with me, and I’ll take you through every step.
The Best Essential Oils for Head Lice Treatment
- Tea Tree Oil
The most beneficial aspect of tea tree oil is its strong anti-parasitic properties. It has the ability to effectively starve lice and destroy their eggs. I like using it because it works quickly. Since it’s antibacterial, it can treat scratching-related scalp infections.
- Lavender Oil
Lavender oil does have a pleasing smell and is non-irritating to the scalp. However, don’t let this fool you; lavender oil is actually a fairly effective lice repellent. I always recommend using lavender oil when treating children, as it calms the scalp and somewhat relaxes them.
- Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil tends to cool the scalp, thereby refreshing an itchy scalp, and also presenting a scent that lice detest. I have found that using peppermint oil in a mixture with other oils makes the treatment even more effective.
How to Use Essential Oils for Head Lice
- Ready Your Essential Oil Blend
In a mixture of 2 tablespoons of carrier oil, mix olive oil or coconut oil with 10-15 drops of your desired essential oils. As you must know, carrier oils play an important role; they dilute the essential oils, which thereafter become safe for the scalp. I personally love using coconut oil since it is also effective at loosening lice eggs from the hair shaft.
- Massage the oil blend into the scalp.
Partition the hair into sections and apply the oil mixture directly to your scalp and roots. Be sure to cover every area of the scalp. Take a comb and work the oil throughout the hair. This is an important step; you really want lice and eggs fully covered.
- Leave it on for a few hours.
Put on a shower cap and let it sit for at least 2-4 hours. Sometimes, I put it on overnight for an even more effective result. The shower cap should prevent lice from escaping and facilitate the penetration of oils into the scalp.
Removing Lice with a Fine-Toothed Comb
- Divide the hair into small sections.
- Comb from roots to ends, wiping the comb on a tissue after each pass.
- Take your time. You must remove all the eggs to prevent reinfestation.
This is going to take a little patience, but I’ll say it is worth it. You may need to repeat the oil treatment two to three times over the coming week, along with the combing process, to eliminate all lice and eggs.
Precautions when using essential oils
- Test for allergies.
Now comes the important part: the patch test. Before applying the oil blend, apply a little to the inside of your elbow. After 24 hours, you should no longer experience any irritation.
- Keep oils away from the eyes.
Some essential oils, like peppermint, sting in the eyes. Be cautious with applications peripherally around the hairline.
- Use age-appropriate oils.
Not all essential oils are safe to use on small children. If you are treating this on a child, stick with mild oils, such as lavender.
Can Essential Oils Prevent Head Lice?
Here’s what I do:
- Mix a few drops of essential oil with your regular shampoo or conditioner.
- In a spray bottle, mix water with a few drops of some essential oils that are known to ward off lice and create a lice-repellent spray. Every now and then, I spritz this concoction on hair and pillows.
While this may be an additional step and somewhat inconvenient, it provides reassurance during school sessions when lice outbreaks are more prevalent.
