What NOT to Do When You Discover Lice
Discovering lice can send even the calmest parent into a mayonnaise-fueled spiral — but take a deep breath. Lice aren’t dangerous, and they’re very common. How you respond in those first few moments can set the tone for how quickly and easily the problem gets solved, and for how your child remembers their bout with lice. While there’s no shame in finding lice, there are a few missteps that can make the situation worse. Let’s walk through what not to do — and what to do instead.
What to Do Instead: Do a little research. Professional lice clinics use safe, effective methods that don’t rely on harsh chemicals and actually remove all lice and eggs in one go.
Don’t Shave Your Kid’s Head
Unless your child was already planning on a buzz cut, shaving their head should be a last resort, not your first move. It’s dramatic, often upsetting for the child, and totally unnecessary.
What to Do Instead: Let the professionals handle it. Lice and nits can be completely removed without needing to chop an inch. Keep your kid’s hair — and their dignity — intact.
Don’t Start Cleaning the Entire House
There’s no need to bag up stuffed animals for two weeks or bleach every surface. Lice don’t survive long off the scalp, and your energy is better spent elsewhere.
What to Do Instead: Focus on the basics — wash pillowcases, hats, and brushes in hot water. Vacuum the couch if your child naps there. That’s it.
Don’t Rely on Internet DIY Hacks
Mayonnaise, coconut oil, essential oils … TikTok and parenting forums are full of lice “cures.” Most of them are messy, unproven, and in many cases, ineffective.
What to Do Instead: Stick to methods backed by science and experience. Professional treatment ensures that nothing is left behind. No guesswork required.
Don’t Ignore the Rest of the Household
Lice can spread fast through shared spaces, especially in households with multiple kids. Treating just one person and calling it good can lead to a cycle of re-infestation.
What to Do Instead: Check everyone. Even if others aren’t itching, have them screened by a professional. Many clinics offer family packages or quick head checks to make it simple.
Don’t Shame or Blame
Lice don’t care about hygiene or how often you wash your hair. Anyone can get them. Shaming a child (or yourself) only makes the situation harder.
What to Do Instead: Reassure your child that lice are a normal part of life, and that it says nothing about them or your parenting.
Don’t Delay Treatment
It’s tempting to wait and “see if it gets better,” but lice won’t go away on their own. The longer you wait, the more time they have to spread.
What to Do Instead: Book a professional treatment as soon as you can, or begin a thorough at-home combing routine if you’re experienced and equipped to do so.
Stay Calm, Be Smart, Act Fast
The biggest mistake you can make with lice is waiting too long or trying to do too much. With a focused, informed response, lice don’t stand a chance.
If you’re unsure where to start, your local lice clinic can walk you through the next steps and get your family back to normal fast. No drama, no guesswork — just relief.