18/01/2026
Getting head lice, or nits, is an almost inevitable part of your child going to nursery or primary school
It’s very difficult to prevent getting head lice. They live on clean, dirty, long and short hair and spread by direct head to head contact.
They can’t fly or jump, they climb from one person’s hair to anothers, which is why schools recommend tying your child’s hair up if they have long hair.
Once detached from the hair, head lice usually die within 12-24 hours so you’re unlikely to pick up nits from a pillow or piece of headwear.
What is the best way to get rid of them?
Here are our top tips for the wet combing method:
Before wet combing with a nit comb, detangle your child’s hair and wash with their normal shampoo in the bath.
Squeeze excess water out and apply LOTS of conditioner, right the way through the hair.
If hair is long, section hair with clips to make it easier to cover the whole head and not miss any parts.
Get your nit comb and start on the scalp, pulling the comb right the way to the end of the first section of hair.
After each swipe, wipe the comb clean on tissue, paper or in water in the sink.
Repeat until you have gone through the entire head of hair.
Don’t rush this process, take your time and ensure you get all of the lice and eggs.
Repeat the wet combing process on days 5, 9, 13 and 17 to make sure you catch new eggs hatching the whole way through their reproductive cycle.
Don’t forget to treat the entire household at the same time, otherwise the cycle will just start all over again!
You can also pick up treatment lotions in your local supermarket and pharmacy, speak to your pharmacist for advice.
Good luck!
