Hair colour has long been rumoured to kill head lice, with some people thinking that the chemicals in dyes, especially peroxide, would act as a deadly remedy. In this article, we will answer the age-old question will hair colour kill head lice?
Head lice have developed immunity to hair colouring
Head lice have continually evolved to survive, and this has meant that hair colouring which was once poisonous to head lice is no longer. Peroxide was the favourite but that doesn’t have the punch it used to have.
Head lice have become immune to serious neurotoxins and pesticides, so hair colouring, which itself has become less chemically driven and more ‘natural’ doesn’t stand a chance.
What happens to head lice when you dye your hair?
When you dye your hair, you are dying the head lice and their eggs, the nits, so these change colour and make it even harder to see and therefore remove. Effectively you are camouflaging them even more! Dye your hair pink and pink head lice will be crawling about and pink eggs will be attached to your hair shafts.
What should you do if you find head lice?
Don’t dye your hair, instead get removing the head lice and nits with a nit comb. Only after the infestation has been removed and shut down should you then dye your hair.
Can you go to the hairdresser in this situation?
Hairdressers are legally obliged to ask you to leave if they find evidence of a head lice infestation, so don’t go to the hairdressers if you know you have head lice. You need to remove them and shut the infestation down before you go and get your hair professionally dyed.
If you find head lice and need the infestation cleared quickly so you can go and have your hair dyed at the hairdressers, contact The Hairforce. 2 appointments, 7 days apart and it will be sorted for you.
If you want professional help checking and clearing head lice, The Hairforce is here to assist, with specialist clinics throughout the country.
Find your nearest clinic in London and the South East here.
For enquiries in Scotland, please contact the Hairforce Glasgow Clinic here.