The trick with lice shampoo is to get it on the scalp. Live head lice don't travel too far away from the warmth of the skin so getting as close as possible makes all the difference. To prepare the hair for lice shampoo, follow these steps:
- Wash the hair but do not use conditioner or combination shampoo/conditioner.
- According to the directions of the product you are using, dry the hair if necessary. Usually, Pyrethrins with piperonyl butoxide is applied to dry hair and Permethrin is applied to wet hair.
- Comb hair out to get rid of knots.
- Put a towel around the person's shoulders to protect her or him from the lice-killing shampoo.
- Divide the hair into sections, so you can easily reach the scalp.
It's not mandatory to wear gloves with over-the-counter lice shampoos, but it wouldn't hurt. If you are using a prescription shampoo, absolutely wear gloves. These are powerful chemicals that can cause reactions very similar to pesticides. If any lice shampoos are accidentally ingested, call 911 immediately.
