These tiny pesky wingless insects are mostly found on children’s scalp and hair, especially between the ages of 3 and 11. Even if carrying head lice doesn’t mean a poor personal hygiene, people suffering from head lice are often unjustly judged which can cause a lot of embarrassment. Thankfully, natural and vegan solutions exist to get rid of them.
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What’s Head Lice?
Head lice are parasitic insects that live on the scalp and feed on human blood. They are small, about the size of a sesame seed and are grayish-white in color. They can cause intense scalp itching and discomfort.
Transmission
Head lice are usually transmitted through close personal contact with an infected person. This can include sharing combs, brushes, hats, or other hair accessories, or through direct head-to-head contact with an infected person. It is less common, but still possible, for head lice to be transmitted through shared clothing, bedding, or furniture.
Symptoms
The most common symptom of head lice is intense itching on the scalp. The itching is caused by an allergic reaction to the lice saliva. Other symptoms may include a tickling feeling on the head, the presence of nits on the hair shafts, and sores or scabs on the scalp from scratching.
Prevention
To prevent the spread of head lice, avoid sharing combs, brushes, hats, or other hair accessories with others. It is also important to avoid direct head-to-head contact with an infected person. Regularly washing clothing, bedding, and hair accessories in hot water can also help prevent the spread of head lice.
Vegan Remedies to Get Rid of Head Lice
While there are many over-the-counter treatments available, some people prefer to use natural products to get rid of head lice. Here are some natural and vegan remedies that may help.
Olive Oil
Applying olive oil to the scalp can suffocate the lice and make it easier to comb them out. Cover the scalp with a shower cap and leave the oil on overnight. In the morning, comb through the hair with a lice comb to remove the dead lice and nits.
Extra Virgin Organic Olive Oil
Tropical Holistic Store
- 100% pure and natural olive oil
- Made from premium olives grown without agricultural chemicals or impurities
- Vegan, cruelty-free
- 4 fl oz / 118 mL
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has natural insecticidal properties that may help kill head lice. Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with coconut oil or another carrier oil, apply it to the scalp, and leave it on for at least 30 minutes. Comb through the hair with a lice comb to remove the dead lice and nits.
Handcraft Tea Tree Essential Oil
Handcraft Blends
- 100% pure tea tree essential oil
- Anti-fungal / antimicrobial properties
- Helps preventing dryness and clearing blocked pores
- Premium therapeutic grade
- Vegan, cruelty-free
- 4 fl oz / 120 mL
Coconut oil
Coconut oil can help suffocate and kill lice. Apply coconut oil to the scalp and hair, cover with a shower cap, and leave it on overnight. In the morning, comb through the hair with a lice comb to remove the dead lice and nits.
Raw Extra-Virgin Organic Coconut Oil
Garden of Life
- Keeps hair healthy and moisturized
- 100% unrefined organic coconut oil
- Not hydrogenated, bleached, or deodorized
- Non-GMO, USDA Organic certified
- Gluten-free
- Vegan, cruelty-free
- 29 fl oz / 857 mL
Garlic & Lime Juice
Garlic has natural antiparasitic properties that may help kill head lice. Crush a few cloves of garlic and mix them with lime juice. Apply the mixture to the scalp and leave it on for 30 minutes to an hour. Rinse the hair with warm water and comb through it with a lice comb.
Fresh Garlic Bulbs
Kejora
- Organic garlic bulbs
- Vegan
- 5 bulbs
100% Organic Lime Juice
Santa Cruz
- 100% Organic Lime Juice
- Vegan
- 16 fl oz / 473 mL
Salt & Vinegar
Salt can dehydrate and kill lice and nits. Mix a quarter cup of salt with a quarter cup of vinegar and spray it onto the scalp. Cover the head with a shower cap and leave it on for two hours. Afterward, rinse the hair with warm water and comb through it with a lice comb.
Organic Pure & Unrefined Himalayan Pink Salt
Wild Foods
- 100% natural salt
- With 80+ minerals and electrolytes
- Vegan
- 16 oz / 454 g
Organic Non-GMO Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
Lucy's
- Certified organic raw apple cider vinegar
- USDA Certified Organic
- Non-GMO Project Certified
- Vegan, cruelty-free
- 2x 34 fl oz / 2x 1006 mL
Even if well-documented and carefully written, this content should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Consult a qualified health care provider before making any health care decisions about any specific medical condition.
