Can rubbing alcohol kill head lice?
I was a bit alarmed by the question “Can rubbing alcohol kill head lice?”
It is quite understandable that, when faced with persistant head lice, the thought of doing ANYTHING to get rid of the little critters would appeal….desperation is a powerful emotion!
But can rubbing alcohol kill head lice?
The chances are that rubbing alcohol could stun head lice making them easier to remove with a good quality nit comb. However, there is no evidence to suggest that the alcohol would kill head lice. An awful lot of alcohol would need to be rubbed in during the attempt to asphyxiate (suffocate) head lice and the consequences of that do not bear thinking about:
- consider how unpleasant the stench of alcohol being rubbed into the scalp to kill head lice would be.
- the alcohol (especially when rubbed) would irritate the scalp leaving it extra sensitive during nit combing (an activity that can leave the scalp tender anyway if done too long).
- the hair would be stripped of its natural oils leaving it frizzy and dry.
- there is a risk of flammability making this a high risk approach to killing head lice.
When answering the question “Can rubbing alcohol kill head lice?” , Freedom From Head Lice would express extreme reservations about taking such an aggressive approach to attempting to kill head lice.
Examining posts on this site will reveal alternative strategies to eliminate head lice that are less risky and much more effective.
The approach that I would personally recommend from experience is the Best Head Lice Remedy by Joy Elizabeth. A full review of this product can be found if you CLICK HERE.
2 Responses to “Can rubbing alcohol kill head lice?”
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Yes rubbing alcohol works 100% it kills lice, eggs and what ever done it outside to my 7 and 9 yr old sons and caught 5 lice they were all dead isoprop alcohol instanly dries out the little bastatrds so there dead just do it away from and fire source and then wash there hair wih shampoo then conditioner to give hair its moisture thats it cheap and effective
Yes rubbing alcohol work. I am a hair stylist and we use it in the shops if someone comes in with it. I do not use it on the hair however I use the treatments, but it works great on bedding carpet stuffed animals (if your child won’t let you give them a bath) coats boots basically everything. If is a lot cheaper than the bedding spray. The main thing to remember is you have to treat again in 7 days and section through the hair 1/16 sections and pick every nit out I have a toddler and it took me 3 hours the first day and then about 1 to 1 1/2 hours the days after. You have to get out the the nits. Also to prevent tea tree shampoo works and grease their hair. My daughter uses a leave in ethic hair conditioner and the only times she has got it since is when we neglected to put it in.