Head lice are most common among children because they tend to engage in more head-to-head contact. But adults can get lice from a person who is infected and require the need for lice treatment. A quick hug or selfie with a friend is enough to start a new infestation. Adults can also pick up head lice from children in the home who have it.
Bottom line: Anybody who has hair on their head has an equal opportunity to get lice. Nevertheless, there are still certain patterns we tend to see when it comes to head lice in adults.
Moms Often Catch Lice Before Dads
Moms tend to get the brunt of childhood doozies, and head lice are no exception. We tend to see head lice more in moms than dads because moms have longer hair. Lice cannot hop, jump or fly, so they crawl onto the strands and make their way to the scalp. Having long hair makes this journey easier.
Additionally, moms are the ones who tend to fuss over their children’s hair. If they share brushes and hair accessories, they are more at risk for spreading lice. However, washing, combing, braiding, etc. does not pose any additional risk. Ninety percent of head lice cases are shared through head-to-head contact.
There is also the theory that lice do not like testosterone. Some experts believe that men are less likely to get lice because they have more testosterone than women and boys. However, it’s worth pointing out that adult men are more likely to be bald or have regular buzz cuts, making them less likely to need lice treatment.
Either way, moms and dads typically pick up lice from their kids who bring them home from school or daycare.
Can Adults without Kids Get Lice?
One might assume that people without kids are safe from lice, but this isn’t necessarily true. While they may be at a lower risk, they can still pick them up from nieces, nephews and friends’ kids. Play wrestling with a nephew or taking selfies with a niece are still common sources of transmission.
It’s also possible for people to pick up lice while traveling or riding public transportation, especially in other countries. For example, in the Netherlands, parents are less picky about removing lice from their children’s hair. Therefore, lice spreads to a larger percentage of the adult population compared to here in the U.S.
What Happens if I Need Lice Treatment as an Adult?
If you turn up with head lice, it’s important to have everyone in the household checked. The parasites probably came from one of the kids, but it’s possible that you got them from work or a friend. Once everyone in the household is checked, you can start lice treatment. Only treat those who have confirmed cases of lice.
Adults are often concerned about their privacy, but this is not a problem for My Hair Helpers. You can order our products online and have them shipped to your home. We also have a mobile lice removal service and three salons that serve Southern California. All products are made from safe, all-natural ingredients and come with a 30-day worry-free guarantee.
Even though adults are less likely to get lice, they aren’t exempt from them. If you’re experiencing the symptoms of a lice infestation – itching, trouble sleeping, a tickling sensation in the hair – contact My Hair Helpers for fast, effective treatment that works.
