How to deal with lice in blonde hair

Lice issues aren’t particular to certain hair types, colors, or persons. However, identifying them is easier in some hair colors such as blonde, than the others.

Usually, lice thrive because of the color that allows them to blend with the hair, making it difficult to identify. The eggs(nits) also easily blend in with the hair. So even if you’re able to see the lice, it’s more difficult to see the nits.

But with blonde hair, it becomes a little bit easy because the contrasting colors make it easy to identify the lice, as well as the eggs.

So if you want to know how to deal with lice in blonde hair, then continue reading this article.

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Does Lice Like Blonde Hair?

There are many speculations about what kind of hair that lice enjoys. Some say that lice are drawn to dirty hair, or that they prefer other types of hair over others.

Also, because it is easier to spot lice in blonde hair, some people believe that lice prefer blonde hair and are drawn to it more than to the hair colors. This isn’t true.

Head lice do not prefer blonde hair to other types of hair. In fact, the truth of the whole matter is that lice like hair. So blonde or not doesn’t determine if you’d be infested or not.

While some hair types and grooming regimens help to repel lice, if you have hair on your head, you can get head lice – no matter what color your hair is.

What does Lice Look Like in Blonde Hair?

It is easier to detect head lice and their eggs in blonde hair than in other hair colors. This is because lice are brown in color. So the lighter background of blonde hair gives a good contrast from the dark color of the bugs.

Also, lice nits (eggs) are made up of translucent shells that house a louse. And when presented with the contrast of blonde hair, they become more obvious than brown hair.

You may feel that you’re at a disadvantage if you have blonde hair, but this isn’t so. In fact, you are at an advantage because you can easily see the lice and nits, and get rid of them quickly.

More so, this advantage helps you to treat head lice quickly. Because the earlier a case of head lice is discovered and treated, the easier it is to get rid of them.

Tips for Identifying Lice in Bonde Hair

When identifying lice in blonde hair, it is important you take some precautions to ensure you actually find the lice and its nit.

Here are some tips to follow when identifying lice in blonde hair.

#1. Use good lighting

To easily spot lice and their nits in blonde hair, you’d have to stay in an area with good lighting.

A good option is to use natural lighting from the sun when it’s at its peak. This way, you’re able to inspect every inch of the affected area very well.

#2. Check the hotspots

Like every other insect, lice have their favorite spots on the hair. These areas are known as hotspots and they provide food, moisture, and ample warmth for the lice. The scalp offers all of these advantages.

However, not all areas of the scalp are favorable for lice. The crown of the head, nape of the neck, and behind the ears are areas head lice enjoy staying.

#3. Don’t neglect the eggs

To maximize your chances of getting rid of head lice, it’s important you do not ignore the eggs. For most people, getting rid of adult lice seems to be a better option but it shouldn’t be so.

This is because the eggs still contain louse that is not yet hatched. And it only takes about a few days for them to hatch and the infestation continues. So, when looking to deal with lice in blonde hair, ensure you remove or eliminate the eggs.

How to Identify Lice in Blonde Hair

As we’ve mentioned earlier, it is easier to spot head lice in blonde hair than it is in brown hair. This means that you don’t need to spend much time looking for bugs.

However, with this advantage comes a disadvantage. In as much as they are easy to find, they are also mobile, tiny, and run from the light.

In other to find the nits, it is important to shine a bright light on the head, especially when searching in blonde hair. The brighter the light, the more it reflects off of the translucent shell of the nits. Using natural light also helps to make the nits more visible.

When searching, look towards the lice’s most prominent area. These areas are towards the base of the hair strand where it connects with the hair scalp.

While these eggs can be laid on the strands of hair anywhere on the head, they are more commonly found in the warmest parts of the head, like the base of the skull and behind the ears.

How to treat lice on blonde hair

Getting rid of lice on blonde hair involves the usual procedure of lice treatment in other hair types.

The aim of every lice treatment should be to get rid of the pests and their eggs. So, follow these steps to eliminate lice on blonde hair.

#1. Use a fine-toothed nit comb

When treating head lice, it is important to use a fine-tooth nit comb to comb out your hair. This should be combined with the other treatment and must be done consistently to achieve results.

Also, before combing, you need to consider wetting your hair. Afterward, divide your hair into sections, hold it with a clip, and combed using a top to down approach. Doing this gets rid of the lice and nits.

Some lice treatments recommend the use of special shampoos, especially those with coconut oil and olive oil. This type of treatment help to suffocate the lice on your blonde hair.

Additionally, it softens the hair and makes the combing process a lot more effective.

#2. Use the right over-the-counter (OTC) products

This lice treatment method has seen a steady decline in its popularity because of the low results associated with it.

However, we think it is as a result of using the wrong over-the-counter products. If this treatment type works for you, then you might want to consider using products that contain pyrethrums or pyrethrins. They are much more effective in treating lice.

#3. Try some olive oil

Olive oil is a common household item that has been proven to be effective in the treatment of head lice. It is best applied as a smothering agent.

Hence, for the best results, you’d need to apply it and allow it to stay overnight. This helps to cover any breathing holes used by the lice, thus suffocating them in the process.

When doing this routine, ensure you cover your hair with a shower cap.

#4. Preventive treatment

Preventive treatment ensures that your head lice infestation doesn’t spread to the next person.

Hence, all clothing and bedding used by an infected person should be washed with hot water. Items that can’t be washed should be stored and sales in a plastic bag for about 2 weeks.

Also, soak all combs and brushes in hot water after combing to kill off all lice and their nits. Don’t forget to vacuum your floor and furniture.

#5. Consult your physician

Consult your physician or hairstylist on the best products to use to get rid of hair lice on blonde hair.

Ensure you seek expert advice, and more importantly. read the instructions on the product label before you use it.

Doing this ensures you use the product rightly, which in turn gives desired results.

More so, re-treatment may be required in some medications. So, if you notice lice on your hair after the first treatment, consider doing a second treatment. Lice take up to 2 weeks or even a month to be eliminated completely, depending on your treatment method.