I just got a note that there are several cases of lice in ds's class. I have checked him, thank god it is my child with short hair, and he doesn't have them. I remember reading from some of you that there are some things I can put in his hair that will hopefully keep the lice away. Was it tree oil, hairspray? I just want to try and keep him from getting them.

By Colette on Wednesday, December 5, 2007 - 06:11 pm:

Tea tree oil. You can get it at a health food store.

My youngest dd's first grade class was infested. She was one of 5 kids out of 25, that did not get it. I would wash her hair, braid it tight and then smooth tea tree oil over the whole thing, not a lot, just a few drops, rub in your palms and then smooth over hair. Also, have him put his coat in his backpack rather than hanging it on a hook next to another child's coat.

I have also heard that coconut oil works, but I haven't tried that one.

By Bobbie~moderatr on Wednesday, December 5, 2007 - 06:35 pm:

You can get tea tree oil at WalMart, they sell it by the vitamins. It is a small bottle and you do not want to use a lot as it is a OIL. You can just mix the tea tree oil in his shampoo.
Coconut oil is supposed to work too.. But it is also an oil thus they will leave the hair oily if you put to much in. You can also use, VO5 hot oil treatment.

You can buy shampoo with coconut or tea tree oil in it. It doesn't have to be the straight oil.

Hairspray does work, as does leave in conditioners and gels. Anything that makes the shaft of the hair harder to latch on to, an oil base.

By Debbie on Wednesday, December 5, 2007 - 06:59 pm:

Great, thank you!! I already use a wax/pomade in his hair, so I will do that tomorrow. When I am at the store tomorrow, I will look for some shampoo with the tea tree oil in it, and I will have him use that too.

Colette, he does put his sweatshirt in his backpack, and then in his cubbie. So, we are covered there.

My head has been itching ever since he brought home the note. LOL!

By Bobbie~moderatr on Wednesday, December 5, 2007 - 07:19 pm:

Debbie the wax/pomade should do the trick, does he use this every day?

By Debbie on Wednesday, December 5, 2007 - 08:04 pm:

Yes, he has really thick hair with a cowlick in the front. The pomade helps keep it under control, maybe this is why he hasn't gotten it??

By Bobbie~moderator on Wednesday, December 5, 2007 - 08:11 pm:

Yes, that is likely why he hasn't gotten it.. LOL I would go ahead and pick up the shampoo with the tea tree or coconut oil in it just for and added prevention but as long as you are using the pomade you should be good to go.. There is nothing that is 100% preventive, however and it still happens. BUT, they seem to help.