There are multiple tried and true home remedies and medical interventions proven to eliminate lice and nits. But, recently, a new "lice treatment method" has been making its rounds on the Internet: applying hair dye.
Does hair dye kill lice? Can coloring kill adult lice and eggs? This article will get to the bottom of this question and discuss the best methods to eliminate both lice and nits.
Does Hair Dye Kill Lice?
There is currently no scientific evidence to suggest that hair dye is an effective treatment for lice. While some people claim to have had success using permanent box hair dye to treat lice, the effectiveness of this method has not been thoroughly studied.
Some of the ingredients in box dye, such as ammonia and hydrogen peroxide, may have the potential to kill lice, but this has not been proven through scientific research.
It's important to note that using hair dye to treat lice can be risky and potentially harmful, as the chemicals in hair dye can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. Additionally, hair dye is not designed to be used on the scalp, and improper application can cause damage to the hair and scalp.
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It's always best to use treatments that have been proven to be effective and safe for treating lice, such as over-the-counter lice shampoos or prescription medications.
Hair Dye Does Not Kill Lice Eggs (or Nits)
Hair dye is not scientifically proven to treat a head lice infestation (and can actually be damaging to your hair.) All of the evidence we have comes from unverified testimonials.
The idea of using hair dye to remove head lice eggs might seem like a good plan, but it is not for everyone and is not the primary usage of this product.
With so many scientifically proven lice and nit remedies (backed by scientific evidence and proven effective), chances are you can find a better option than hair dye.
Nits are unhatched lice eggs with a hard protective shell. Their shell is so hard that hair dye is ineffective against them.
Additionally, nits' shells have a natural glue-like substance that adheres to your hair, and hair dye is not strong enough to dissolve this substance and remove them.
So, even if the hair dye does effectively kill the lice on your scalp, you'll need to apply it repeatedly to kill the newly hatched lice - this isn't good for your hair or scalp (more on this later).
Hair Dye Is Not a Scientifically Proven Treatment
It is worth noting that hair dye is not a scientifically proven method of treating and eradicating head lice and nits. All of the "evidence" out there comes from unverified testimonials.
So, if you do try to use hair dye to remove nits, do so with the knowledge that it does not work for everyone and that it was not designed for this purpose.
With so many scientifically proven lice and nit remedies out there, chances are you can find a better option than hair dye.
Dangers of Using Hair Dye for Lice Removal
There are always some dangers when it comes to dyeing your hair, and these are especially true when it comes to using hair dye for lice removal. We'll take a look at all of the dangers below.
Hair Damage and Reactions
Hair dye can damage your hair, causing it to thin or dry out. There is also the risk of irritation or an allergic reaction to the dye, such as itching, burning, redness, swelling, and hives or welts.
All of these reactions can occur on your scalp, neck, hands, or face, depending on where the hair dye makes contact with your skin.
For these reasons, it is not recommended to attempt to use hair dye to remove lice from your hair unless you have dyed your hair before and had no negative reactions.
Respiratory Issues
As with any hair dye or any other lice treatment, avoid getting the dye in or near your eyes, nose, and mouth, and dye your hair in a well-ventilated area.
Doing so will reduce the chances of developing respiratory issues or a serious eye injury. Some have gone blind following a hair-dyeing session due to the harsh chemicals in hair dye.
Skin Irritation in Kids
It is also not recommended to use hair dye as a lice treatment on children, as hair dye is rarely ever safe for a child's hair and skin.
Kids have finer hair and more sensitive skin than adults, so there's a real chance that the hair dye could cause more harm to your child than to the lice in their hair.
Proven Methods to Get Rid of Lice and Nits
It could take several weeks to get rid of lice and nits. Hatched lice leave behind nits that hatch within three days - this process repeatedly occurs if the infestation is not adequately controlled.
If you have lice, you have to be diligent in killing head lice and nits permanently. It may seem to be a daunting process, but ridding your hair of lice yourself is possible!
Let's look at three proven methods for removing lice from your hair.
Lice Shampoo or Kit
The easiest way to kill and remove lice and nits is to use a lice shampoo or an over-the-counter lice elimination kit. Most of these kits or shampoos are meant to be used in addition to a fine-toothed comb.
Over-the-counter lice treatments often do not kill nits, so they may need to be applied more than once to kill the recently hatched nymphs.
If you're looking for a one-shot treatment, you will need to talk to a doctor about available lice treatments - there are some stronger treatments that work after just one application.
Apple Cider Vinegar
A combination of apple cider vinegar (ACV), coconut oil, and regular shampoo is another treatment that people use at home to get rid of lice. The ACV smothers the adult hair lice and dissolves the nits' glue.
The coconut oil further smothers the live lice, and a vigorous shampoo dislodges the lice and nits from your hair.
People experience varied results from this at-home treatment, but it doesn't work consistently, if ever. We recommend spending your money on a doctor's visit (or using medicated shampoos).
Alcohol
An alcohol treatment is another option to consider if you want to eradicate lice. Rubbing alcohol is a very strong ingredient that will suffocate and loosen the lice and nits along with the plastic bag. All you need to do is apply alcohol all over your head, avoiding your face and eyes.
Once applied, cover your hair with a shower cap or plastic bag and allow the treatment to sit for about half an hour. You should follow up this method with shampoo to wash the alcohol from your hair and scalp.
Then use coconut oil or another hair moisturizing treatment to rehydrate your hair.
This step is extremely important, as alcohol is incredibly drying to the hair. Some people substitute sesame seed or tea tree oil for coconut oil. It's important to note that these DIY remedies aren't designed for killing lice.
Note: All of these lice removal methods should be repeated every three days for about two weeks to ensure that all of the lice are removed. Also, to be thorough, each treatment should be followed by a close inspection of your scalp to ensure you have removed as many of the lice as possible.
Does Hair Dye with Ammonia Kill Lice?
Hair dye with ammonia has not been proven to kill lice. While ammonia can help open up the hair cuticle and allow hair dye to penetrate the hair shaft more deeply, it is not an effective treatment for lice. Ammonia can irritate the scalp and skin, but it will not kill lice or their eggs.
Does Hair Dye Kill Lice and Nits?
Lice are resistant to most chemical treatments, including hair dye. While hair dye may temporarily color the nits, it will not kill them. If you have lice, using an approved lice treatment is important to effectively eliminate the infestation and remove the nits from the hair shaft.
Does Hair Dye Kill Lice and Eggs?
While hair dye may color the lice and eggs to make them less visible, it will not prevent the eggs from hatching because hair dye isn't strong enough to kill the eggs or the lice. If you have lice, use an approved lice treatment to remove them completely, and do not rely on hair dye.
Does Bleach Hair Dye Kill Lice?
Don't use bleach hair dye to try killing lice- it won't work. Lice are highly resilient and can survive most chemical treatments, including bleach hair dye. Lice eggs, or nits, are even more resilient and can withstand bleach hair dye as well. Make sure to use a lice treatment that is specifically designed to eliminate lice and their eggs.
Does Box Hair Dye Kill Lice?
While it's tempting to turn to box hair dye for a quick fix, it's not an effective treatment for lice. Lice are hard to eliminate as they can withstand hair dyes, and box hair dye is no exception. Box hair dye is formulated to penetrate the hair shaft and add color- It's not strong enough to eliminate lice.
Does Blonde Hair Dye Kill Lice?
Blonde hair dye doesn't have any properties that make it more effective than other hair dyes for killing lice. Lice are notoriously tough and can survive most chemical treatments, including blonde hair dye. While it can tint nits and make them less visible, it won't eliminate them or stop them from hatching.
Does Permanent Hair Dye Kill Lice?
Permanent hair dye is not an effective treatment for lice infestations. Live can survive chemical solutions like permanent hair dye just as well as any other kind of hair dye. That's why it's crucial to use approved lice treatments that are specifically designed to target and kill lice and their eggs for effective elimination.
Related Articles
If you have an infestation of head lice, chances are the best solution for your problem is not hair dye. Hair dye is not scientifically proven to treat a head lice infestation (and can actually be damaging to your hair).
Head lice treatments that contain ingredients like benzyl alcohol and pyrethrins are proven to be more effective than DIY at-home lice treatments and products.
The idea of using hair dye to remove head lice eggs might seem like a good plan, but it is not for everyone and is not the primary usage of this product.
With so many scientifically proven lice and nit remedies, chances are you can find a better option than hair dye. If none of the above methods work to completely rid your hair and scalp of lice and nits, we recommend that you consult a doctor to get a prescription-strength lice removal treatment.
