With school starting up for the 2021-22 season, parents have a lot on their minds! Aside from the normal activities like buying school supplies and packing healthy lunches, parents also have to worry about sending their kids to school in a pandemic.
One thing we can all agree on: this year is going to be a learning experience for everyone. Because many students have been staying at home, germs are going to be spreading like crazy. It’s not just COVID to worry about but other colds and viruses as well.
Another thing that we’re expecting to see an uptick in is head lice cases. Now that kids are back together, they’re going to be sharing everything – and this includes head lice. Below are some of our best tips for staying lice free this back-to-school season.
Avoid Close Contact – This Includes Selfies!
Lice spread mostly through head-to-head contact. It should be easier to keep kids away from each other with the social distancing requirements, but no policy is perfect. Kids are still going to get close during recess, reading time, group projects, etc. If you have an older child in middle or high school, be sure to talk to them about taking selfies. This innocent action can also spread lice.
Keep Long Hair Pulled Back
If your child has long hair, keep it pulled back in a bun, ponytail or braid. There are plenty of fun hairstyles and accessories to try! Lice can still infect a child with an updo, but the chances are less likely because strands of hair aren’t hanging loosely. Of course, do remind your child not to share any hair accessories or hair clips.
Use a Lice Repellent Spray
For added protection, use a mint lice repellent spray. My Hair Helper’s spray has a pleasant peppermint scent. Your kids will love it and you’ll feel good knowing that they have an added layer of protection. Lice, on the other hand, hate the smell of peppermint so they will be discouraged from crawling onto your child’s head.
Tell Your Child Not to Share Scarves, Hats, Helmets, Etc.
Remind your child not to share things that are worn on or around the head such as scarves, hats, hair accessories and helmets. If your child is in theater, you might want to purchase their own props to use. It’s common for theater students to share wigs, hats, costumes, etc., but this is a lice fiasco waiting to happen.
Once a Week, Take a Peek!
Finally, be sure to take a peek once a week! This is one of the best things you can do to prevent a lice infestation. Use a stainless steel lice comb to separate the hair into sections and then comb through each one. Adult lice are usually brown and resemble sesame seeds. Nits (eggs) are typically yellow, brown or tan and are firmly attached to the hair shaft.
When Possible, Treat Head Lice Early
If your child does happen to get lice, don’t panic! Head lice are completely treatable, and with prompt treatment, your child doesn’t even have to miss any school. You can shop our products online or through Amazon. If you live locally in California, be sure to take advantage of our in-salon or home lice removal services. Either way, My Hair Helpers is here for you!
