Holiday Lice Myths
The holidays are a joyous time, don’t let these holiday lice myths ruin this time of year! After 25+ years of removing lice, we have had to debunk a few lice myths along the way. Here is a list of the most common lice myths that we hear during this time of year.
MYTH: If your child has lice you have to cancel the holidays
TRUTH: If you find lice, do not panic and cancel all of your holiday plans! The important thing is to start a lice removal treatment asap to remove the infestation as quickly as possible. Once a treatment program has begun, there is no reason to forego holiday visits with friends and family. Just take some common-sense precautions and ensure there is no head-to-head contact with the infested person.
MYTH: If your child has lice you have to cancel the holidays
TRUTH: If you find lice, do not panic and cancel all of your holiday plans! The important thing is to start a lice removal treatment asap to remove the infestation as quickly as possible. Once a treatment program has begun, there is no reason to forego holiday visits with friends and family. Just take some common-sense precautions and ensure there is no head-to-head contact with the infested person.
MYTH: Your cousin who doesn’t shower every day is the reason you have lice
TRUTH: The holidays bring together many family members and it is important to remember that lice do not discriminate! Lice like clean and dirty hair, so your cousin who doesn’t shower is not necessarily the reason you have lice. You most likely got lice from taking a selfie or hugging someone who had lice.
MYTH: If you put antlers on the family dog and then on your own head you will get lice
TRUTH: The antlers on the dog must have been hilarious, and you have nothing to worry about! Head lice can only be transmitted from hair-to-hair contact with humans. The family pet cannot contract head lice because lice feed only on human blood.
MYTH: You can’t get lice in the cold winter months
TRUTH: There is a common misconception that lice only run rampant in the warmer months, and while this is true because you may be out and about more and your child is likely in many camps and activities, getting lice is a year-round possibility. That is why it is important to maintain safe practices like avoiding head-to-head contact, not sharing winter items like hats and scarves, and conducting weekly lice checks to find an infestation early.
If Santa does deliver lice to your home this holiday season, don’t worry! Our Hair Fairies are trained in how to help! From natural products, home visits, salons that are ready to welcome you and your family, and more, we have all of the bases covered to help you get through what can be a stressful time. Wishing you and yours a very happy (& lice-free) holiday season!
Welcome to the Hair Fairies blog where we share education, tips, and professional guidance on all things head lice.
