Head lice: How to get rid of them and stop them coming back.

December 25, 2025 by Nadia

Unfortunately, head lice are a widespread issue, and they can be harder to avoid than you might expect. This is particularly true when school resumes after the holidays, as children have been socializing during the summer.

It often begins with one or two kids scratching their heads, and before long, the entire family has to be cautious about getting lice.

Then comes the lice removal treatment, which is hardly anyone’s idea of fun. It can be uncomfortable, takes up your time, and there’s no assurance that once the lice are gone, they won’t return.

The spread of lice

Typically, it’s children who facilitate the rapid spread of lice. As noted in the Care Guidebook, kids are most vulnerable during the summer months. When school starts again, the conditions become perfect for lice to flourish.

It’s crucial to keep in mind that lice cannot jump or fly; they spread by crawling from one hair to another.

A widespread myth is that lice can be transmitted through hats and brushes. However, Care Guide indicates that the risk of this occurring is quite low, as lice that have fallen from hair are significantly weakened.

How to identify lice

While lice can cause itching and discomfort, they are not life-threatening. Nevertheless, they can escalate into a significant issue rather quickly. Care Guide notes that symptoms, such as an itchy scalp, typically manifest 4-6 weeks after infection.