How to Treat Lice

Comprehensive Guide to Treating Head Lice

Head lice infestations are a common concern, especially among children aged 3 to 11. While these tiny parasites do not transmit diseases, they can cause significant discomfort and stress. This guide provides an in-depth look into effective treatment strategies, including a detailed “how-to” section for managing infestations. Proper treatment not only eliminates lice but also prevents reinfestation and the spread to others. The easiest and most effective way to treat lice is to find your nearest Lice Clinics of America location and schedule an appointment. To learn more about other treatment options, keep reading.

Understanding the Importance of Effective Lice Treatment

Treating head lice requires diligence, as a single untreated case can lead to repeated infestations. Many treatment methods exist, including professional services, over-the-counter products, prescribed medications, and manual removal approaches. The key to successful eradication is using an appropriate method correctly and ensuring follow-up care to prevent reinfestation.

Professional Lice Removal Clinics

For far too long, parents and caregivers have endured time-consuming, expensive and only moderately effective over-the-counter head lice treatments. These treatments, along with home remedies for lice, are often inconvenient and can sometimes cause injury.

Lice Clinics of America (LCA) and our lice treatment centers exist to provide you with the safest, most effective urgent care head lice treatments that work every time, for everyone. We believe it’s important to provide lice treatment options that fit all families’ needs and budgets. Your family can receive effective head lice treatment in-clinic or at-home.

Tried solving at home?

Wondering why you still have lice if you’ve tried treating head lice on your own? It’s all about the eggs! Despite over-the-counter products claiming that they can kill lice and eggs, there’s nothing on the market that can penetrate the lice eggshell.

Unless all lice AND EGGS are eradicated, the lice infestation will continue. Lice will keep laying eggs and those eggs will hatch to lay more eggs. If even one egg is missed, the cycle doesn’t end.

Treatment Options for Head Lice

Effective treatment of head lice can involve a combination of chemical and mechanical methods. Below, we outline the most reliable treatments available today.

Lice Clinics of America

LCA uses the only FDA-Cleared medical device to effectively treat lice and their eggs in a single 60-90 minute treatment, guaranteed.

  • Fastest and Most Effective Solution: Lice Clinics of America’s treatment works because it gets to the root of the problem, which are the nits (lice eggs).
  • Proven Success: Lice Clinics of America has treated over 1 million lice cases, and has earned over +35,000 5-star Google Reviews. LCA is the most trusted network in the USA for professional lice treatment.
  • FDA-cleared: LCA clinics use the AirAllé®, an exclusive FDA-cleared medical device that kills head lice and lice eggs in a single treatment. 
  • Natural Treatment: LCA’s AirAllé®device uses heated air to effectively treat lice and their eggs. This natural solution has been proven to be more effective than the pesticides used in OTC solutions.
  • Lice Remover Kits: In addition to heated-air treatments, LCA also has at home Lice Remover Kits. 
  • Lice Protection Plans: LCA also offers lice protections plans, so you and your family can enjoy peace of mind even in the case of reinfestation.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Treatments

OTC treatments are widely available at pharmacies and typically contain active ingredients that target lice but may not always kill nits (lice eggs). Common options include:

  • Pyrethrins: Natural insecticides derived from chrysanthemum flowers. Pyrethrins attack the nervous system of lice but do not kill unhatched eggs. A second treatment is necessary at day 10 after the first application to eliminate newly hatched lice.
  • Permethrin Lotion 1%: A synthetic version of pyrethrins, this treatment is generally safe and effective for children aged 2 months and older. Similar to pyrethrins, permethrin may not kill all nits, requiring a second application.

Prescription Treatments

For persistent or severe infestations, a doctor may prescribe stronger medications. These include:

  • Spinosad 0.9% Suspension: Kills both lice and nits, usually eliminating the need for a second treatment. Approved for children aged 6 months and older.
  • Malathion Lotion 0.5%: Effective against live lice and some nits. It requires application for 8-12 hours before being washed out. Due to its flammability, caution should be exercised when using it near heat sources. Suitable for children aged 6 years and older.
  • Benzyl Alcohol Lotion 5%: Works by suffocating lice but does not kill nits. A second treatment is necessary. Approved for children aged 6 months and older.

Manual Removal of Lice and Nits
(Nit Picking)

Especially with chemical treatments, manually removing lice and nits using a fine-toothed lice comb is essential. Nits are tightly attached to hair shafts and can survive chemical treatments. Manual removal prevents re-infestation and is especially useful for young children who may not tolerate medicated treatments well.

How to Treat Lice

A Step-by-Step Guide

Prepare the Area and Individual

Before you begin the removal process, you need to set up a proper work area to ensure efficiency and minimize the spread of lice.

What You’ll Need:

  • A well-lit space (natural daylight is best, or use a bright lamp)
  • A fine-toothed lice comb (preferably metal with closely spaced teeth)
  • Hair clips or ties for sectioning hair
  • A bowl of warm, soapy water or diluted vinegar for rinsing the comb
  • Paper towels or tissues to wipe the comb
  • A towel to cover the shoulders and catch falling lice/nits

Setting Up:

  • Choose a comfortable location where the person being treated can sit still for an extended period.
  • Cover their shoulders with a towel to catch loose lice and nits.
  • Gather all necessary supplies within reach to avoid interruptions.

Dampen the Hair and Detangle

Working with damp hair makes it easier to control lice and nits, as they move more slowly when wet.

Dampen the Hair:

  • Use plain water to lightly mist the hair.

Detangling the Hair:

  • Use a wide-tooth comb to remove knots and tangles before beginning the lice removal process.
  • This helps prevent unnecessary discomfort and makes combing smoother.

Section the Hair and Start Combing

Now that the hair is damp and detangled, section it off to ensure thorough lice removal.

How to Section the Hair:

  1. Divide the hair into small, manageable sections using hair clips.
  2. Start at the nape of the neck, as lice prefer warm areas close to the scalp.
  3. Work one section at a time, moving from the bottom to the top of the head.

Combing Out Lice & Nits:

  1. Take a small section of hair and place the lice comb as close to the scalp as possible.
  2. Slowly pull the comb down to the ends of the hair, making sure to catch any lice or nits.
  3. After each pass, wipe the comb on a paper towel or rinse it in the soapy water.
  4. Repeat multiple times per section, ensuring all lice and eggs are removed.

Tips for Effective Combing:

  • Work methodically and check each section multiple times.
  • Focus on the scalp since lice lay their eggs near the roots of the hair.
  • Use a magnifying glass if needed to spot tiny nits.
  • Be patient—a full combing session can take 1 to 2 hours, depending on hair length and thickness.

Dispose of Lice and Clean the Environment

Once you’ve finished combing, it’s crucial to properly dispose of any lice and prevent re-infestation.

How to Dispose of Lice and Nits:

  • Submerge lice and nits in a bowl of soapy water for 5-10 minutes before discarding.
  • Seal the paper towels used for wiping the comb in a plastic bag before throwing them away.

Cleaning the Home to Prevent Reinfestation:

  • Wash and dry all pillowcases, sheets, towels, and any clothing items that treated family members have used in the last 24 hours.
  • PLEASE NOTE: Studies show that it is extremely rare for lice to be on carpets, furniture, brushes, stuffed toys, or combs. That said if it gives you peace of mind, you can vacuum and/or use a sticky lint roller on any soft surfaces.
  • There is no need to use any bug bombs or furniture sprays that claim to kill lice. They are not necessary and may be toxic and ineffective.

Follow-Up Checks and Continued Combing

Lice eggs hatch in 7-10 days after being laid, so ongoing checks are necessary.

Daily Checks:

  • Inspect the scalp every day for two weeks, looking for any new nits or lice.
  • If you find any, remove them immediately with the lice comb.

Repeat Combing Sessions:

  • Perform a thorough combing session every 2 to 3 days for at least two weeks.
  • Continue until no more lice or nits are found during a session.

Follow these steps, every day, for the next 2 weeks to be lice free. Or, skip the hassle and find your nearest lice clinic.

Our Revolutionary Technology

LCA clinics use the AirAllé®, an exclusive FDA-cleared medical device that kills head lice and lice eggs in a single treatment. This revolutionary device is used by certified technicians in our clinics to provide a safe, fast, and highly effective lice treatment. Treatments take about an hour.

After our certified technicians apply the heated air, they will comb out the dead lice and eggs, followed by a soothing topical rinse. Clients will leave our friendly clinics lice-free—guaranteed!

The Science Behind The Device

The AirAllé device utilizes microprocessor-controlled heated air to kill lice and eggs through dehydration. This is a powerful alternative to treating head lice with pesticides, herbal lice remedies, suffocation products or lice combs.

The device, which was invented by scientists at the University of Utah, kills lice and eggs through a specific combination of temperature, airflow, time, and technique.

Moms talk about head lice

Tired of never-ending lice treatments? You’re not alone. Moms share their journeys from frustration and repeat infestations to fast, effective relief—thanks to our revolutionary heated air technology.

No more combing, no more chemicals, no more stress. Just one treatment, and you’re done. Watch the video to hear how our solution changed everything.

Lice Clinics of America's Treatment Options

Technician performing heated air head lice treatment on blond child

Professional Heated-Air Treatment

Just book an appointment and then come to our professional lice removal clinic. In as little as one hour, with no pain or toxic chemicals involved, you or your child will leave lice-free, guaranteed.

Lice Clinics of America’s Signature AirAllé Treatment is a 3-step lice-removal process that includes:

  • Our FDA-cleared AirAllé® medical device, a heated-air lice treatment used to dehydrate lice and their eggs (nits).
  • A pain-free comb-out to remove dead lice and eggs from the hair.
  • A soothing topical rinse application.

One. Two. Three. And voila! You are lice free. Once and For All.

This professional lice treatment option is available at all Lice Clinic of America locations.

Lice Clinic of America at home handheld heated air lice treatment kit

OneCureâ„¢ Home Treatment Kit

OneCureâ„¢ Home Treatment Kit is the first and only at-home solution clinically-proven to kill lice, super lice, and 99.2% of eggs, all in a single treatment. Guaranteed. OneCure uses the same non-toxic, pesticide-free technology proven in our clinics, only you perform the treatment at home.

The OneCure lice treatment process includes the following three steps:
  • Kill the head lice and eggs (nits) using our FDA-cleared OneCureâ„¢ device that takes about 35 min.
  • Apply the provided non-toxic, pesticide-free gel.
  • Remove the dead lice and eggs (nits) using a metal lice comb.

Because hair length and thickness and level of infestation varies, total treatment time will vary as well. But your home treatment process may be done in as little as 1 hour. This lice treatment option is available in participating lice treatment clinics. Please check with your location Lice Clinics of America lice removal clinicians.
Lice Clinic of America professional strength topical treatment kit

CURE! Lice Remover Kit

Our most affordable option, the CURE! Lice Remover Kit, which is our home treatment kit, allows you to treat head lice with a safe, non-toxic, and pesticide-free gel that kills lice and super lice. Guaranteed.

Our CURE! Lice Remover Kit was developed for our professional head lice treatment clinics and includes everything needed to effectively treat lice:

  • Easy-dispense applicator to evenly distribute gel throughout hair, from roots to ends, to coat lice and eggs.
  • Proprietary, mess-free liquid gel that clings to hair and stays in place – no drips. It’s harsh on lice and super lice, yet with no harmful chemicals or pesticides.
  • Premium metal lice & nit comb to remove eggs and dead lice.

Two treatments, ten days apart, and you’re lice-free. Guaranteed.
This lice treatment option is available for purchase on Amazon and in participating clinics.

Most Common Lice FAQ's

What is the most effective way to treat head lice?

The most effective way to treat head lice is a professional, FDA-cleared lice treatment from Lice Clinics of America. Lice Clinics of America offers a one-and-done treatment using a medical heated-air device that safely dehydrates lice and their eggs in a single session. 

How long does it take to completely get rid of lice?

With Lice Clinics of America, lice and their eggs can be eliminated in just one session, making it the fastest way to get rid of lice. In fact, most heated-air treatments take just 1 hour to be lice free. If using over-the-counter treatments or home remedies, the process can take weeks, as multiple treatments are needed to break the lice life cycle. Daily combing and checking for any remaining nits (eggs) is key to ensuring complete removal.

Can lice be treated without using chemicals?

Yes, lice can be effectively treated without chemicals. Lice Clinics of America uses a non-toxic heated air treatment that dehydrates lice and eggs without the need for pesticides. Manual lice combing and natural suffocation methods can also be used, but they require more time and effort compared to professional treatment.

How can I prevent lice from coming back after treatment?

To prevent lice from returning, avoid direct head-to-head contact and wear long hair pulled back in a bun, braids or a ponytail; regularly check for lice, and educate family members about lice prevention. Head lice cannot survive when removed from the head. They dehydrate and weaken quickly. Although it is extremely unlikely to get head lice other than by head-to head contact, you may choose to wash and dry all pillowcases, sheets, towels, and any clothing items that treated family members have used in the last 24 hours. Lice Clinics of America offers preventive products that can help keep lice away. LCA also offers Lice Protection Plans to protect you and your family in the case of reinfestation.

What do lice look like?

Lice are tiny, wingless insects that live on the scalp and feed on blood. An adult louse is about the size of a sesame seed, with six legs and a tan, brown, or grayish color, making them blend in with hair. Unlike dandruff or dirt, lice move quickly when exposed to light, making them harder to spot.

What do nits look like?

Nits (lice eggs) are tiny, oval-shaped, and usually yellowish-white or tan in color. They are firmly attached to the hair shaft near the scalp and do not move when brushed or shaken. Unlike dandruff, nits won’t flake off easily and must be removed by combing or professional treatment. They are most commonly found near the nape of the neck and behind the ears.

How to check for lice?

To check for lice, use a fine-toothed lice comb on damp, well-lit hair. Start at the nape of the neck and work up, combing through small sections of hair, wiping the comb on a white paper towel to look for live lice or nits. Pay close attention to the back of the neck and behind the ears, as lice prefer these warm areas. If unsure, Lice Clinics of America offers professional lice screenings for accurate detection.

How to get rid of lice?

The fastest and most effective way to get rid of lice is professional treatment at Lice Clinics of America, where an FDA-cleared, heated air medical device dehydrates lice and nits in one session. For at-home removal, use a lice comb daily, apply an OTC lice treatment. Although it is extremely unlikely to get head lice other than by head-to head contact, you may choose to wash bedding, hair accessories, and clothing in hot water. Avoid ineffective home remedies like mayonnaise or vinegar, as they do not kill lice eggs. Follow these steps, every day, for the next 2 weeks to be lice free. Or, skip the hassle and find your nearest lice clinic.

Did you know the most popular over-the-counter lice product sold today is less than 45% effective in killing lice and eggs?

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