Does Dawn Dish Soap Kill Lice? This short yet informative article debunks the myths and brings you the truth, backed by science!
Dawn dish soap isn’t just for dishes. It has numerous uses in and around the house. Among the various questions raised about its other potential uses, Does Dawn Dish Soap Kill Lice is a particularly interesting one. Let’s look into this more and find out the truth.
Read Does Mouthwash Kill Lice Here
What Is Lice?
Lice are tiny blood-sucking, flightless parasites that feast on human blood. There are three varieties of lice. But the specie that affects the most is head lice causing ‘Pediculosis capitis.’ A female louse can lay up to 6-8 eggs per day.
Does Dawn Dish Soap Kill Lice, Eggs, and Nits?
Dawn dish soap is not an effective or proven method to kill lice or lice eggs (nits). As Dawn is full of harsh chemicals, its usage can cause dryness, irritation, and scalp sensitivity. That’s why avoid this product at all costs.
Other Ways to Kill Lice
Try the below all-natural home remedies to get rid of head lice infestation once and for all.
1. DIY Eucalyptus Oil Remedy
According to well-reputed research, eucalyptus essential oil is effective against head louse.
Supplies
- 1 Teaspoon of Eucalyptus Essential Oil
- 3 Tablespoon of Olive Oil
- Mixing Bowl
Directions
- Stir eucalyptus essential oil and olive oil in a bowl.
- Now, apply it all over your hair, starting from the roots and working towards the end and scalp as well. Leave it overnight.
- Next morning, wash your strands with shampoo and lukewarm water.
- Repeat this method three times a week for up to 2-3 weeks to notice positive results.
2. Wet-Combing
Easy and affordable but time-consuming, wet-combing is a fool-proof method to eradicate head lice.
Supplies
- Fine-Toothed Comb
- Hair Conditioner
- Paper Towel
Directions
- First, clean your hair with a shampoo followed by a conditioner.
- Place a towel around the shoulders to catch any lice or nits that might fall during the combing process.
- Starting from the scalp, comb your hair all the way to the end.
- After each stroke, check the comb for lice or nits. Wipe the comb clean on a white paper towel or rinse it in a bowl of warm water.
- Once all the hair has been combed through, wash the strands.
- Repeat this process every 3-4 days for at least two weeks.
3. Olive Oil
According to Gibson County Health Department, olive oil smothers and kill head lice within 6-8 hours.
Supplies
- Olive Oil
- Shower Cap
Directions
- Apply olive oil all over your hair and put on a shower cap afterward.
- Leave the oil for 6-8 hours, preferably overnight.
- The next morning, wash strands as you usually do.
4. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a scientifically proven home remedy against head lice. Plus, this oil offers lots of hair benefits as well.
Supplies
- Coconut Oil
- Bath Cap
Directions
- Cover your hair with coconut oil and put on a bath cap.
- Wait overnight and wash your hair the next morning.
- Repeat this remedy 3-4 times a week, and you’ll get positive results within a week.
Notes:
- It’s recommended to try the above methods on a small portion of your strands to make sure you are not having any kind of side effects.
- Avoid the above remedies if you have scalp-related issues.
- While trying these lice removal methods, don’t let the solution get into your eyes. If it happens, then wash with lots of tap water.
- The above home remedies are for adults only and not for children.
Lice Prevention Tips
After eliminating lice with the above hacks, follow the below tips to prevent their infestation in the first place.
- Try to avoid shared spaces where hats and clothes may be hung on common hooks.
- Don’t share the bed with a lice-infected person.
- If there’s a lice outbreak at your child’s school or among their friends, do regular checks so you can start treatment quickly when needed.
- Avoid any kind of physical contact, such as hugging or kissing.
- Clean your bedcovers, pillowcases, clothes, and other washable accessories on a regular basis.
- Leave your unwashable belongings under direct sunlight for a couple of hours.
- Avoid sharing headphones, comb, and clothing accessories with a lice-infested person.
- If someone in your family is infected by lice, then always keep their clothes and other wearables in a plastic zipper bag.
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