Why Heat Treatments Are Ineffective For Lice
There is a reason that after 25 years of head lice removal, we do not offer heat removal as an option. But rather we choose to stick to our manual removal method, which takes longer but is much more effective at getting the job done. Here is why we do not use heat to remove lice.
Heat Doesn’t Fully Eliminate Lice or Eggs
Lice eggs, or nits, are incredibly resilient. They form a cylindrical structure around the hair shaft, secured with a glue-like substance. This substance is why nits don’t flick away or fall off on their own—you must physically pull them down the entire hair shaft to remove them, whether they are dead or alive.
Research shows that lice eggs can withstand extreme conditions up to 130°F (54°C) for short periods, making most heat treatments insufficient. Lice can also withstand:
- Hot Showers: Typical shower temperatures of 104°F (40°C) are ineffective.
- Chemical Products: The protective shell of lice eggs resists many over-the-counter treatments.
- Swimming and Hair Dye: Submersion in water or exposure to hair dye does not eliminate nits.
Will some of the lice die from heat? Potentially! But unless you get every single lice egg and bug, the problem will keep reinfesting. This is also why simply washing and drying your lice-infested items won’t actually kill the lice, you have to use a detergent that helps get rid of the lice.
One of the most significant drawbacks of heat treatments for lice is that companies often require families to perform follow-up combing at home to ensure results. This creates ambiguity and uncertainty for parents who are not trained to detect or remove every nit effectively. Families are left asking, “Did I do this right?” This added burden undermines the convenience that heat treatments claim to offer.
Studies published in the Journal of Medical Entomology show that manual removal is the most reliable method for complete lice eradication. Professional combing ensures both lice and their eggs are physically removed, providing immediate and visible results. Unlike heat treatments for lice, manual removal eliminates the need for guesswork or follow-up tasks at home.
Skip the trouble and come straight to Hair Fairies the next time lice infests in your household!
Welcome to the Hair Fairies blog where we share education, tips, and professional guidance on all things head lice.
