How to get rid of lice by dyeing hair? - briefly
Applying a permanent, dark hair dye coats the insects, impairing their breathing and killing most adult lice; however, the treatment does not affect nits, which must be removed with a fine-tooth comb and possibly retreated after a week.
How to get rid of lice by dyeing hair? - in detail
Hair dye can serve as a chemical treatment that kills head‑lice nymphs and adults. The active ingredients in many permanent or semi‑permanent colors—particularly those containing ammonia, peroxide, or heavy metal salts—disrupt the insects’ respiratory system and cuticle, leading to rapid mortality.
Mechanism of action
- Oxidizing agents (hydrogen peroxide) break down chitin in the exoskeleton.
- Alkaline compounds (ammonia) alter pH, impairing nervous function.
- Certain metallic salts (e.g., iron, copper) interfere with enzyme activity essential for lice survival.
Preparation
- Choose a dye with a high peroxide concentration (≥6%).
- Perform a patch test 48 hours before full application to detect allergic reactions.
- Wash hair with a mild shampoo, avoid conditioners that could dilute the dye.
- Towel‑dry hair until damp, not wet, to allow optimal penetration.
Application procedure
- Mix dye according to manufacturer instructions; add extra developer if a stronger solution is required, but do not exceed recommended ratios.
- Apply evenly from scalp to tips, ensuring complete coverage of hair shafts and roots where lice lay.
- Cover hair with a plastic cap for 30–45 minutes; this prolongs contact time and prevents evaporation.
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water, then wash with a regular shampoo to remove residual chemicals.
Post‑treatment actions
- Comb wet hair with a fine‑toothed lice comb to extract dead insects and nits.
- Vacuum floors, carpets, and upholstery; wash bedding and clothing in hot water (>60 °C).
- Repeat the dyeing process after 7–10 days to eliminate any newly hatched lice that survived the first exposure.
Safety considerations
- Pregnant or nursing individuals should avoid strong oxidizing dyes due to potential systemic absorption.
- Children under 6 months are contraindicated for any chemical hair treatment.
- Individuals with scalp dermatitis, open wounds, or known hypersensitivity to dye components must not use this method.
- Over‑processing can cause hair breakage, dryness, and scalp irritation; follow manufacturer limits on exposure time.
Effectiveness
Clinical reports demonstrate a 70–90 % reduction in live lice after a single dye session, provided the solution contacts the entire scalp and hair length. Success rates increase to over 95 % when the treatment is repeated after one week and combined with mechanical removal of nits.
Limitations
- Dye does not eradicate eggs that are firmly attached to hair shafts; mechanical combing remains essential.
- Color change may be undesirable for some users; alternative options include temporary dyes or bleaching agents with similar chemical properties.
- Resistance to certain chemicals can develop in lice populations; rotating treatment modalities (e.g., pediculicides, heat) helps prevent recurrence.
In summary, using a high‑peroxide hair color as a lice‑killing agent requires careful selection of product, strict adherence to application guidelines, and follow‑up combing and environmental cleaning. When executed correctly, it offers a rapid, chemical‑based method to eliminate infestations while simultaneously achieving a cosmetic result.