Ohio State University Extension Bulletin

Head Lice

Bulletin 893-01

Some Alternative (Non-Insecticidal) Head Lice Products

Trade Name
(Company)		 Active
Ingredient
and Percent
Concentration		 Type of
Product		 Awarenessw Issues, "Claims"a and
Additional Package
Contents
Gels, Shampoos, Sprays
HairClean 1-2-3®
(Quantum)

Hair Clean 1-2-3

Coconut oil, anise oil, ylang ylang oil Spray
  • "Proven clinically."
  • "Intended to remove and/or kill lice and nits from the head.*" ("*Lice/nit death results from physical combing action.")
  • Apply product to dry hair and leave on for 15 minutes, then use comb to remove head lice and nits.
  • "To ensure long-term success, treatment must be repeated seven days after initial treatment."
  • Kit includes a long-toothed, metal nit comb.
Lice B Gone®
(Safe Effective Alternatives, Inc.)

Lice B Gone

Enzymes of natural vegetable extract Spray
  • "Effective in removing head lice and nits."
  • Apply product to dry hair and leave on for a minimum of 30 minutes in order to soften the glue, then comb hair carefully with a fine-tooth comb to remove all head lice and nits.
  • "Most cases require only one application."
  • Available in 4 oz. or 16 oz. (4 applications) spray bottles.
Acu-Med® Lice Cure
(Health Enterprises, Inc.)

Acu-Med

Tea tree oil, ylang-ylang, eucalyptus, citronella Spray
  • "All natural and non-toxic."
  • "Effective in the removal of the eggs from the hair."
  • Kit includes a long-toothed, metal nit comb, 5x magnifier, tweezers, and cleaning brush.
Licefreee!®
(Tec Laboratories, Inc.)

Licefreee!

Natrum muriaticum 1x Gel
  • "Homeopathic pediculicide."
  • "Kills lice dead."
  • Apply product to dry hair and leave on for at least 60 minutes with a shower cap, then use a fine-tooth comb to remove dead lice and their nits.
  • "A second treatment in 7-10 days to kill any newly hatched lice is recommended."
  • Kit includes a short-toothed, plastic nit combb and 2 treatment (shower) caps.
Not Nice To Lice®
(Ginesis)

Not Nice to Lice

Enzyme cleaners with protease Shampoo
  • "Eliminates both lice and their eggs (nits)."
  • Directions specify a 4-step application process (30 minutes), then "comb through the hair with any fine tooth comb to assist in removing the nits that have been released."
  • "It is important to keep this cleanser out of the eyes to prevent eye irritation."
Nit Combs b
Acu-Med® Lice Comb (Health Enterprises, Inc.)

Acu-Med Lice Comb

Mechanical action Long- and short-tooth metal pin inserts ('ultimate comb); long-toothed (1.5 inches), metal comb ('deluxe')
  • Two designs: the 'ultimate' comb and the 'deluxe' comb. The 'ultimate comb' plastic frame holds a short- or long-tooth metal pin insert. The 'deluxe' comb has a molded plastic handle with fine metal teeth.
  • The 'ultimate' comb "works on all hair types, lengths and styles."
  • Shampoo with a pediculicide before combing.
  • Can be sterilized by boiling for re-use.
  • A 5x magnifier, tweezers, and cleaning brush are included in the kit with either comb.
Lice Comb by HairClean 1-2-3®
(Quantum)

Hair Clean 1-2-3

Mechanical action Long-toothed (1.5 inches), stainless steel, metal comb
  • "Easiest lice comb."
  • "Won't pull or tear hair."
  • "Use again and again."
  • "Sure-grip handle."
  • "Easy to clean."
Family Medical Aids® Nit-Comb® (Apothecary Products, Inc.)

Family Medical Aids Nit-Comb

Mechanical action Short-toothed, aluminum metal comb
  • "Extra-fine tooth design."
  • Shampoo with a pediculicide before combing.
  • Run the comb through each small section of hair 3 times.
  • Boilable.
LiceMeister® (National Pediculosis Association)

LiceMeister

Mechanical action Long-toothed (1.5 inches), stainless steel, metal comb
  • "Makes lice and nit removal easier than ever before!"
  • "Boilable."
  • "Reusable."
  • "Sturdy plastic handle."
Electronic Devices
LiceGuard® Robi Comb®
(ARR Health Technologies, Inc.)

LiceGuard Robi Comb

Electro-mechanical action Hand-held electronic comb
  • Do not use on wet hair or in a room with high humidity.
  • Unit must be dry prior to use.
  • "Electronic head lice detector and remover."
  • "Electronically kills lice."
  • Use at least 5 minutes daily for about 2 weeks.

aBeware of any false advertising. Carefully read the label and all directions before purchasing a product. It is not necessary or advisable to apply insecticides to clothing, mattresses, or other places in the environment for head lice control.

bPlastic nit combs typically are not useful because the teeth tend to bend and spread apart and thereby bypass nits and head lice; they also tend to break easily. Short-toothed combs, whether plastic or metal, are ineffective in combing through many types of hair.

cPiperonyl butoxide included as a synergist to increase insecticidal activity.

dBe aware of potential for an allergic reaction. Immediately consult a physician if an allergic response is indicated, and avoid future use.

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