How does lice shampoo affect hair? - briefly
Lice treatment shampoo contains potent insecticidal chemicals that remove natural oils, causing dryness and reduced elasticity of the hair. Repeated applications may increase scalp irritation and weaken the hair shaft.
How does lice shampoo affect hair? - in detail
Lice‑removal shampoo contains insecticidal agents such as permethrin, pyrethrin or dimethicone, combined with surfactants that lower surface tension and enable the active compound to spread through the hair mass. These chemicals target the nervous system of the parasite, causing paralysis and death, while the surfactants facilitate contact with each strand and the scalp.
The formulation interacts with hair in several ways. Surfactants can strip natural oils, reducing the lipid layer that protects the cuticle. Dimethicone, a silicone‑based substance, coats the shaft, creating a barrier that immobilizes eggs but may also increase slip and reduce grip. Repeated exposure to potent insecticides can lead to protein denaturation, resulting in a slightly rougher texture and diminished elasticity. The scalp may experience mild irritation due to the neurotoxic action on insects, which can extend to human skin in sensitive individuals.
Typical outcomes include:
- Effective elimination of live parasites and most nits
- Noticeable dryness or brittleness of hair after multiple applications
- Possible mild erythema or itching of the scalp
- Slight alteration of hair shine due to residue from silicone‑based agents
To preserve hair health while using these products, follow these practices:
- Apply the shampoo no more than the recommended number of times, usually once or twice within a short interval.
- After treatment, rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water to remove all residues.
- Condition the hair with a moisturizing, protein‑rich conditioner to restore lipid balance.
- Limit the use of heat styling tools for several days to reduce additional stress on the shaft.
- Conduct a patch test on a small scalp area before full application to detect potential allergic reactions.
When used according to instructions, lice‑targeted shampoo achieves its primary purpose—eradication of infestation—while the described side effects remain manageable with proper post‑treatment care.