Like most children Harriet had already been exposed to the possibility of head lice at nursery. During her reception year there were several outbreaks of unwanted visitors – just as there are in every school.
Twice Harriet came home with one live louse in her hair but didn't go on to have an infestation. We used Lice Repellent Vosene Kids 3in1 shampoo regularly. Harriet loves the scent of tea tree so that's a real bonus.
Even though Harriet has avoid an infestation of head lice we always check her hair at least weekly – and being a strawberry blonde, they are easy to detect as we have found on the two occasions mentioned.
Wet combing is another way to get rid of lice and their eggs. This needs to be done with conditioner left on hair with a fine-toothed comb, then the hair is rinsed. Alternatively you can use, as we have, Lice Repellent Vosene Kids Conditioning Defence Spray which helps to remove tangles after washing and helps keep head lice at bay. Again Harriet loves the smell of citronella so she's happy having it sprayed on her hair.
PWT rating: ♥♥♥♥♥
If anyone in the family does get an outbreak of head lice try using Hedrin Once Spray Gel which is a 15 minute treatment containing Penetrrol® which helps to penetrate louse eggs physically as opposed to chemically (head lice become immune to chemical treatments). Hedrin is applied to dry hair and left on for a minimum of 15 minutes. Shampoo is then applied (as Hedrin contains an anti-foaming agent the shampoo will not lather readily) and worked thoroughly into the hair before rinsing well.
Check that all head lice have gone within two to three days of the application to complete the treatment. All members of a family should be treated if necessary.
You should also inform your child's school so that other parents can be alerted to the possibility of head lice in their children's hair.
PWT rating: ♥♥♥♥♥