(203) 557-8939

Ineffective Home Lice Treatment

Our clients often ask us why they need our service when they can buy lice shampoos, such as Rid, at their local pharmacy. Here’s why we don’t recommend lice shampoos: It is important to remember that there are 3 parts to a lice infestation:

  • Adult and adolescent lice bugs
  • Nymphs, which are baby lice
  • Lice eggs, called nit

Over-the-counter lice shampoos are designed to kill only the adult and adolescent bugs, but they are not guaranteed. These shampoos work by attacking the bugs’ central nervous system. Because the “nymphs” (bugs under 4 days in age) don’t have a fully developed nervous system, they cannot be killed.

In addition, lice shampoos do not kill “nits.” So, no matter how many times you use a powerful pesticide, it will never address the whole problem. While you may succeed in killing the adult bugs, their eggs and babies will remain, starting the cycle all over again. This is why lice are so hard to eliminate!

In addition, lice shampoos often contain toxic chemicals that can enter your system through the skin on your scalp. Strains of chemically resistant adult lice have become more and more common, so, in many cases, these shampoos are completely useless. Children under the age of two, people with asthma, allergies and seizures, and pregnant or breastfeeding women should always consult their physician before applying these shampoos.

The only way to guarantee the complete removal of head lice is by first using an effective metal nit comb, followed by hand picking out each and every remaining bug and nit, one strand of hair at a time.

The Hair Genies trained lice treatment technicians are your best defense against these parasites!