Head lice are a common nuisance that can affect anyone. These tiny insects live on the scalp and feed on human blood. An infestation of head lice, known as pediculosis, causes itching and discomfort. While lice do not transmit disease, they spread easily through close personal contact and sharing belongings like hats, combs, and pillows. Getting rid of head lice requires diligence and patience. Topical insecticide shampoos are often a first line treatment, but resistance is increasing. Many parents are also hesitant to use pesticides on their children. This has led to interest in alternative approaches, including the use of natural oils.
How Do Natural Oils Work Against Lice?
There are a few ways that natural oils are thought to help eliminate head lice:
- Suffocation – Coating the hair and scalp with thick oils can essentially smother lice and eggs by blocking their access to oxygen.
- Disrupting wax coating – Some oils may dissolve the waxy coating on a louse’s exoskeleton, causing them to dehydrate and die.
- Repellent effects – Strong herbal scents from oils like tea tree, lavender, and eucalyptus may deter lice from taking up residence.
Not all oils have been scientifically proven effective, but many parents find them worth trying before turning to medicated pediculicides. Oils provide an alternative treatment approach without chemicals. Some oils also have additional benefits for hair and scalp health.
Which Natural Oils Can Kill or Repel Lice?
There are many different oils with anecdotal evidence and research supporting their use against lice:
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has strong insecticidal activity against head lice.[1] In fact, one study found a single application of 5% tea tree oil shampoo was over 97% effective at killing lice.[2] The powerful scent may also deter lice from taking up residence in hair. Caution should be used, as undiluted application can cause skin irritation.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil appears promising as a topical treatment thanks to the medium-chain fatty acids that work to dissolve the waxy coating on lice.[3] These lauric, capric, and caprylic acids may essentially suffocate lice. Coconut oil also helps kill louse eggs by preventing them from hatching.[4]
Olive Oil
Olive oil may not kill lice, but is often used to help remove nits (lice eggs). Applying olive oil generously to the hair and scalp can loosen the sticky glue that attaches nits to the hair shafts, allowing for easier nit combing.[5] The thick oil also helps to suffocate live lice.
Lavender Oil
Lavender oil has been traditionally used as an insect repellent. One study found lavender oil decreased lice movement and inhibited egg hatching.[6] The calming floral scent makes it a popular choice for children. Dilute before use to prevent skin irritation.
Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil contains the compound 1,8 cineole, which has potent fumigant activity against lice.[7] The strong medicinal scent may repel lice infestation as well. Dilute before applying to scalp.
Neem Oil
Extracted from the neem tree, this oil showed good insecticidal activity against lice in one recent study.[8] Neem oil is considered safe to use topically but has a strong garlic-like smell.
Application Techniques for Oils
There are a few effective methods for applying oils to combat head lice:
Soak Hair
Generously coat the entire scalp and hair with oil and leave on for at least 8 hours or overnight with a shower cap. This smothering effect often kills many lice. For even coverage, apply oil to wet or damp hair in small sections. Combining oils can increase effectiveness. Wash out after several hours by shampooing at least twice.
Scalp Massage
Massaging diluted oil directly into the scalp can help kill lice and suffocate eggs while also soothing itchiness. Leave on for 1-2 hours then shampoo out.
Nit Loosening
Apply a cheap oil like olive, mineral, or vegetable oil generously to hair before covering with a shower cap overnight. The oil will help loosen glue and allow nits to slide off the hair shaft during combing.
Leave-In Treatments
Lightly applying a leave-in oil or oil-based conditioner that contains oils like lavender, neem, or tea tree may help repel lice and kill any live bugs.
Other Important Steps for Treating Lice
While oils can go a long way to killing and preventing lice, they work best when paired with thorough nit combing and other hygiene measures:
Nit Removal Combing
Meticulously combing through the hair with a fine-toothed lice comb is vital for removing nits and catching live lice. This should be done daily during treatment and for 2 weeks after no more live lice are spotted to catch any eggs that may hatch.
Heat Treatment
Heat above 130°F helps kill lice and eggs. Use a specialized heat emitting comb, blow dryer, or handheld heater after applying oil to potentially increase effectiveness.
Cleaning
Machine wash and heat dry bedding, hats, pillows, and other items that touched the head. Items that can’t be washed should be bagged up for 2 weeks. Clean combs and brushes in hot soapy water.
Prevent Reinfestation
Avoid head-to-head contact. Don’t share personal items. Soaking hair weekly in an oil hair bath may help repel lice. Check for lice regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best oil to kill lice?
Tea tree oil appears most effective, based on clinical studies. Coconut, olive, neem, and lavender oils also show promise in research and anecdotal reports. Combining a few oils may help increase effectiveness.
How long should you leave oil in hair for lice?
For best results, oils should be massaged in and left to soak on the hair for a minimum of 8 hours. Many recommend leaving on overnight with a shower cap or towel wrap.
Can you get rid of lice without chemicals?
Yes, with diligence it is possible to get rid of lice without traditional pesticide treatments. Combining thorough nit combing, cleaning methods, and natural oils can eventually eliminate a lice infestation. Prevention helps avoid repeat issues.
Does vegetable oil kill lice?
There is limited research on plain vegetable oil for lice. However, vegetable oil may help loosen nits and possibly suffocate live lice much like olive or coconut oil. It lacks insecticidal compounds found in herbal oils though.
Can you use olive oil to kill lice?
Applying olive oil likely won’t kill adult lice, but helps loosen nits from the hair shaft. Leaving thick olive oil on overnight with a shower cap may have a suffocating effect on live lice. Olive oil is often used to aid nit combing.
Conclusion
Natural oils like tea tree, lavender, coconut, and neem oil show promise in helping to eliminate and repel head lice without the need for traditional insecticide treatments. Using oils can be an effective addition to diligent nit combing, cleaning, and hygiene habits. While not a standalone cure, some oils appear to kill and repel lice thanks to suffocating effects, dissolving wax coatings, and insecticidal properties. More research is still needed, but many parents report safe success using these natural topical treatments. When using caution and patience, it is possible to get rid of lice without subjecting your family to risky pesticides.