Is your child attending camp this summer? Summer camp is a great opportunity for kids to come together and have fun while learning lifelong lessons. But because it does bring kids close together, head lice are a concern. According to a survey by the University of Michigan, 60 percent of camp leaders said that head lice infestations are a significant challenge at camp.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways that you can keep your child lice-free this summer. This way, they can have fun and keep busy while you get peace of mind. Here are some of our best lice-free tips to follow!
Brush Up on the Camp Head Lice Policy
Many camps have head lice policies, so find out what they are prior to bringing your child. Some camps conduct head lice checks while others do not. If your camp lacks a head lice policy, you’ll want to check your child or have them checked by a professional when they return home. This will prevent the spread of lice in your household.
Suggest Camp Head Lice Checks
If your child’s camp does not provide head lice checks, you can make a suggestion. Camps don’t want head lice any more than you do, but they’re often busy and understaffed. Fortunately, there are services like My Hair Helpers that will come directly to the camp and provide head lice checks. These checks are done by trained experts, who can also provide on-the-spot treatment with parent approval.
Make a No Share List
Lice are most commonly spread through head-to-head contact. However, in rare cases, they can be spread through hair brushes, combs, hair accessories and hats. Even though the chances for catching lice are low, it’s still best that your child does not share these items. Make a list so that they know what not to share.
Use a Head Lice Repellent
Head lice have an acute sense of smell and do not like the scents of rosemary, tea tree oil and mint. Find a lice repellent spray that contains these ingredients and spray your child’s hair in the morning before camp. If it’s a sleepaway camp, show them how to safely use the spray on their own. My Hair Helpers has an effective lice spray made from all-natural ingredients.
Tie Back the Hair
It’s recommended that girls wear their hair tied back into a braid or tight bun. Not having loose hair greatly reduces the chances that a louse will attach themselves to a strand of hair. As an added bonus, wearing the hair in tight buns or braids keeps campers cool in the summer sun.
Head lice love summer camps because many children are brought close together. But by following the tips above, you can protect your child from lice while ensuring that they have a great experience at camp! To learn more about the head lice services for camps, contact My Hair Helpers today.
