Lice are tiny parasitic insects that live on the scalp and feed on human blood. They are a common problem, especially among children. Lice spread through direct head-to-head contact and by sharing personal items like hats, helmets, hairbrushes, towels, and bedding. Once lice take up residence on the scalp, they can be difficult to get rid of. Their eggs, called nits, cling tightly to the hair shaft and are resistant to many conventional treatments. Finding safe, effective, and natural ways to deter lice is a priority for many parents. Certain smells are known to repel lice and can be used as part of an integrated lice management plan.
What are lice?
There are three main types of lice that affect humans:
- Head lice are tiny wingless insects that infest hair on the head and neck. They feed on blood from the scalp and lay eggs close to the scalp. Head lice are highly contagious through close personal contact and sharing of personal items.
- Body lice are similar to head lice but infest clothing instead of scalp hair. They come out onto the skin to feed. Body lice spread through prolonged close contact and are associated with poor hygiene.
- Pubic lice, also known as crabs, live primarily in pubic hair but can also be found in other coarse hair, like eyelashes, armpits, beards, mustaches, and chest hair. They spread through sexual contact and close personal contact.
This article will focus specifically on head lice, the type most commonly found on the scalp and hair of children. Identifying safe and effective smells to repel head lice can help limit transmission and infestation.
Head Lice Facts
- Head lice are 2-3 mm long, about the size of a sesame seed.
- They are grayish-white in color and have six legs with claw-like appendages to cling to the hair shaft.
- Only live on human heads and feed on human blood.
- Do not transmit disease but can cause itchiness and discomfort.
- Move quickly and avoid light, making them hard to spot.
- Cannot jump or fly, they crawl and spread head-to-head.
- Lay 6-10 eggs (nits) per day cemented to the hair shaft.
- Nits hatch in 7-10 days and reach maturity in 2-3 weeks.
- Are highly contagious, spreading rapidly through schools and families.
Knowing the biology and behavior of head lice can help identify fragrances and oils that can deter them from infesting hair.
Essential Oils Known to Repel Lice
Certain natural oils have smells that can help repel and discourage head lice. Integrating these into hair care routines can be part of an effective lice management plan.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has demonstrated anti-lice activity in several studies.
- Contains the compounds terpinen-4-ol, 1,8-cineole, and alpha-terpineol that have insecticidal effects against lice.
- Repels lice and may also kill lice eggs and newly hatched nymphs.
- Shown to be more effective than chemical treatments like permethrin.
- Has a strong medicinal aroma that lice find repulsive.
Regular use of tea tree oil can help deter lice infestations. It’s best incorporated as a preventive measure.
Lavender Oil
Lavender oil contains the bioactive compounds linalool and linalyl acetate.
- Has insecticidal and repellent effects against lice.
- Linalool impacts the nervous system of insects.
- Lavender aroma is offensive to lice but pleasant for humans.
- Also has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Lavender oil can be applied topically or diffused at night to deter lice.
Rosemary Oil
Rosemary essential oil contains substances like 1,8-cineole, alpha-pinene, and camphor.
- Exerts insecticidal effects, disabling lice.
- Repels lice through its strong aroma.
- Also has antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Improves scalp health when applied topically.
Rosemary oil is another essential oil that can help prevent lice infestations.
Lemongrass Oil
Lemongrass oil provides a strong lemony aroma from citral and geraniol compounds.
- Has potent insect repellent properties.
- Offensive smell causes lice to avoid hair treated with lemongrass.
- Provides antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Improves hair strength, luster, and texture with regular use.
Using lemongrass oil can help discourage lice and promote healthy hair.
Eucalyptus Oil
The active components in eucalyptus oil include eucalyptol, alpha-terpineol, and camphor.
- Exhibits fumigant activity against lice, suffocating them.
- Has a strong medicinal scent that lice avoid.
- Also has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiviral properties.
- Stimulates scalp circulation when massaged in.
Eucalyptus oil can play a role in keeping lice away from the scalp.
Other Smells that Deter Lice
In addition to essential oils, there are some other smells that can help repel lice:
Vinegar
- Acetic acid in vinegar creates an unfavorable environment for lice.
- Acts as a detangling agent, making hair inhospitable.
- Disrupts the scent-tracking ability of lice.
- Should be diluted to avoid excess skin irritation.
A vinegar hair rinse can discourage lice infestation.
Garlic
- Contains allicin, diallyl disulfide, and diallyl trisulfide which have insecticidal effects.
- Pungent garlic scent is offensive to lice.
- Also has antifungal, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties for scalp health.
- Should be diluted before applying to scalp to prevent irritation.
Using garlic in shampoos or scalp treatments can deter lice.
Cucumber Slices
- The acidic enzymes in cucumbers create an inhospitable scalp environment for lice.
- Combating pH also makes it harder for nits to attach to the hair.
- Refreshing cucumber scent repels lice.
- Cucumber also soothes and cools the scalp.
Placing cucumber slices around the hairline can help prevent migrating lice.
Mint Leaves
- Menthol in mint has insect repellent properties.
- Tingling sensation of mint is unpleasant for lice.
- Mint also has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic benefits for skin and scalp.
- Aromatic compounds deter lice from taking up residence.
Using mint leaves in hair can discourage lice.
How to Use Lice Repellent Smells
There are a few ways to harness the lice-repelling power of these smells:
Essential Oil Sprays
Create a hair detangling spray with 5-10 drops of essential oil like tea tree, lavender, lemongrass, or rosemary mixed with water in a spray bottle. Mist onto dry or damp hair focusing on the scalp and hairline.
Essential Oil Shampoos
Add several drops of one or more essential oils to a mild shampoo base. Lather through hair and let sit briefly before rinsing out. Use 2-3 times per week.
Vinegar Rinses
Combine 1 part vinegar with 3 parts water for a treatment rinse. Rinse hair with the solution after shampooing. The vinegar smell dissipates as hair dries.
Garlic Shampoos
Steep crushed garlic in shampoo overnight then strain out the garlic pieces before use. The potent garlic infuses into the shampoo. Use on scalp and work through the hair.
Cucumber Hair Masks
Puree cucumber in a blender then comb the mixture through clean damp hair. Let sit for 15-30 minutes before rinsing out. The refreshing cucumber fragrance stays.
Mint Scalp Treatments
Steep dried mint leaves in hot water to make a strong mint tea. Let cool fully before applying it to the scalp and massaging in. Rinse out after 10-15 minutes.
Are Smells Enough to Get Rid of Lice?
While repellent fragrances can help deter lice, they may not be enough to fully eliminate an existing infestation. Once lice have set up residence, a more comprehensive treatment approach is required. Here are some additional tips for getting rid of lice:
– Use a nit comb or lice comb to mechanically remove lice and nits after shampooing with a lice treatment product. Combing helps lift lice from their grip on hair strands.
– Apply an anti-lice product like permethrin or pyrethrins and let it soak on the hair according to label instructions. This will kill live lice.
– Carefully pick out visible nits from the hair shafts using fingernails or a lice comb. Nits can be difficult to remove completely.
– Wash and disinfect all hair accessories, bedding, clothing and upholstery that came in contact with infected hair to prevent reinfestation.
– Soak combs and brushes in hot water over 130°F to disinfect.
– Repeat anti-lice treatments 7-10 days later to kill any newly hatched nymphs. Consistent combing is key.
– Be vigilant about checking the whole family’s heads for any signs of lingering lice. Retreat if necessary.
Which Smells Work Best?
All of the smells discussed can help repel lice and deter infestations when used regularly. However, some key ingredients stand out as being particularly potent and effective:
Tea tree oil
Studies demonstrate tea tree oil’s ability to kill and repel lice. The terpinen-4-ol compound penetrates the exoskeleton. Start incorporating diluted tea tree oil into hair care routines.
Lemongrass oil
Lemongrass contains high levels of insect-repelling citronellal. The strong lemony aroma drives lice away. Use lemongrass oil shampoos or scalp treatments.
Garlic
Garlic is a potent odor offender for lice. It also disrupts the adhesion of nits to the hair shaft. Look for shampoos containing garlic or make DIY garlic rinses.
Vinegar
The acidic nature of vinegar alters the scalp pH, making attachment difficult. The sour smell is unattractive to lice. Do vinegar rinses as preventive measures.
Safety Precautions When Using Oils
Essential oils can cause reactions in some individuals. Keep these precautions in mind:
– Perform a patch test before widespread use. Apply a diluted oil mix to skin and watch for reactions.
– Dilute oils properly in carrier oils or shampoos. Using undiluted oils risks skin irritation.
– Avoid getting oils in eyes. Flush immediately with water if this happens.
– Consult a doctor before use if you have sensitive skin or are pregnant/nursing.
– Monitor for redness, itching, or other negative reactions and discontinue use if necessary.
– Keep oils away from children’s reach without supervision.
When used correctly, essential oil smell repellents are a safe and effective tool against lice!
Conclusion
Head lice infestations can be frustrating, uncomfortable, and highly contagious. Finding natural smell deterrents is an important part of limiting the spread of lice, especially in schools and group living settings. Certain botanical oils, vegetables, herbs, and other DIY smell solutions make hair inhospitable environments for lice. Smell repellents are best incorporated as preventive measures before lice take hold. Once present, a more comprehensive lice elimination plan is required. Being proactive and vigilant about repellent smells can help reduce lice transmission and infestation this season!