How many times a week should I wash my hair with lice shampoo? - briefly
Use lice shampoo once a week, following the product’s instructions, and repeat after 7–10 days only if live lice remain. This schedule aligns with the typical life cycle of head‑lice eggs and minimizes scalp irritation.
How many times a week should I wash my hair with lice shampoo? - in detail
The recommended frequency for using a pediculicidal shampoo depends on the product’s active ingredient, the severity of the infestation, and the age of the user.
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Standard regimen: Most over‑the‑counter formulations containing 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrin advise a single application, followed by a repeat after 7 days to eliminate newly hatched nymphs. This two‑dose schedule is sufficient for most mild to moderate cases.
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Severe or resistant infestations: When heavy infestation or documented resistance is present, a three‑dose protocol is often employed: initial wash, repeat after 3–4 days, and a final dose at day 7. This schedule targets eggs that hatch earlier than the typical 7‑day cycle.
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Children under 2 years: Many manufacturers restrict use to children older than 2 years. For infants, a dimethicone‑based lotion applied daily for 3 days is preferred, avoiding repeated shampoo use.
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Scalp health considerations: If the scalp is irritated, dry, or contains open lesions, limit applications to the minimum effective number (usually two). Allow at least 48 hours between washes to prevent excessive stripping of natural oils.
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Follow‑up: After the final treatment, comb the hair with a fine‑toothed lice comb daily for 5 days to remove any remaining nits. Repeat the combing process for another week if any live nits are observed.
In summary, the typical schedule is one wash, a second application after 7 days, and an optional third dose at day 3‑4 for resistant cases. Adjustments are made for young children, scalp sensitivity, and infestation intensity. Always adhere to the specific instructions on the product label and consult a healthcare professional if uncertainty remains.