How to treat hair elastics for lice? - briefly
Wash hair bands in water at least 130 °F (54 °C) for 10 minutes, then tumble‑dry on high heat or discard and use new elastics. This eliminates any lice or eggs that may be attached.
How to treat hair elastics for lice? - in detail
Treating hair ties that have become contaminated with lice requires a systematic approach to eliminate the parasites and prevent reinfestation.
First, remove the elastic from the hair. If the band is tightly wound around strands, cut it carefully with clean scissors to avoid pulling attached insects. Place the removed piece in a sealed plastic bag to contain any live lice or eggs.
Next, decontaminate the elastic. Two effective methods are:
- Hot water soak: Submerge the band in water heated to at least 130 °F (54 °C) for 10 minutes. The temperature kills both adult insects and nymphs. After soaking, rinse with hot running water and dry on high heat in a dryer for 15 minutes.
- Chemical treatment: Soak the elastic in a solution of 0.5 % permethrin or 1 % pyrethrin for the time recommended on the product label (usually 10 minutes). Rinse thoroughly with hot water and dry as above.
If the elastic is made of a material that cannot withstand high temperatures, discard it safely. Place the sealed bag in a freezer at –4 °F (–20 °C) for 24 hours, then dispose of the band in a sealed trash container.
After treating the elastic, inspect the scalp and surrounding hair for remaining lice. Use a fine-toothed nit comb on damp hair, moving from scalp to tip in small sections. Clean the comb with hot, soapy water after each pass.
Prevent future contamination by:
- Selecting hair accessories made of synthetic fibers that can tolerate high‑temperature washing.
- Storing unused elastics in airtight containers.
- Regularly washing all hair accessories in hot water or applying a preventative spray containing insecticide approved for personal use.
Maintain a routine of weekly scalp inspections and immediate treatment of any detected infestation to reduce the risk of recurrence.