5 Best Lice Prevention Shampoo (Real Reviews and Buyers Guide)

If you have nightmares about yourself, or your kid getting lice, there’s nothing better than a lice prevention shampoo to have some peace of mind. When you have dealt with a lice invasion in the past you understand how nerve-racking, expensive, and tiring it can be to get rid of an infestation.

We’ve all been there and the good news is that you can stay away from these annoying critters with an effective head lice prevention shampoo, so getting a lice prevention shampoo for kids is definitely a smart idea.

You really want to avoid lice at all causes, these can quickly infest your whole family if your kid brings them back from school. Once you or your kid have a lice situation you’ll experience itchiness and an irritated scalp.

So prevention is definitely key, however, if it’s too late for you, treatments vary, but in most cases, the first line of defense is to wash your hair with lice shampoo.

By now you are aware of the numerous benefits of lice prevention shampoo, these special formulas are specifically made to keep you from getting lice. If you are new to lice prevention shampoo, keep reading as we share with you some of the best shampoos for lice prevention currently available on the market.

Lice Prevention Shampoo Reviewed In This Guide

How To Choose The Perfect Lice Prevention Shampoo For You?

With literally a sea of shampoo options to choose from, it can be quite overwhelming to know which would work best for you and your hair needs. In order to find the best one for you, you must keep in mind a number of factors such as ingredients. Using any product with the wrong ingredients may worsen your scalp and hair condition.

Whether you need a specific shampoo to address a specific hair issue or not, really depends on your hair type. When it comes to picking out the right lice prevention shampoo you really want to focus on a formula with organic ingredients.

It’s also worth knowing that natural formulas are obviously more gentle on your strands. A quality lice prevention shampoo should additionally contain pyrethrins combined with piperonyl butoxide or a permethrin lotion at 1% as active ingredients.

Dealing with lice is certainly a problem you want to eradicate from the source, which involves not only your hair but your scalp, you want to go for a formula that offers to show love and care for your scalp as well.

For the most part, lice prevention shampoo is the same for all age groups. It is important to read the contraindications for any product to check for age restrictions or other vulnerable populations (like pregnant women) and for allergies.

Types Of Lice Prevention Shampoo

Gel Lice Prevention Shampoo

If you’re struggling with persistent lice or super lice, a gel treatment is definitely worth a try. These are usually pesticide-free, non-toxic, safe, and odorless, and some claim to eliminate lice in as little as 10 minutes.

Ingredients in gel lice prevention shampoo include dimethicone, which is less likely to irritate the skin and is very effective in killing louse, as well as preventing a future infestation. Simply apply the gel, comb it through the hair for even coverage, let it sit, and then shampoo it out.

Mousse Lice Prevention Shampoo

A foamy mousse uses enzymes rather than chemicals or pesticides to effectively remove louse and nits. More specifically, these formulas help to dissolve the sticky glue that attaches eggs to the hair and breaks down the shell of the louse. The mousse is easy to apply and safe to use repeatedly.

Apply pumps of the mousse to damp hair, working it throughout layers in a massaging motion to loosen the nits. After letting it sit for 20 to 25 minutes, comb each section throughout to remove the mousse, louse, and nits.

Pesticide-Free Lice Prevention Shampoo

You can find formulas that claim to be pesticide-free treatments that kill nits and lice, even treatment-resistant lice. These head lice prevention shampoo kits usually come with a comb, treatment gel, and lice daily-defense shampoo.

Strong Chemical Lice Prevention Shampoo

This is exactly the shampoo you’re thinking of when you think of lice shampoo. The smell, the mess, the comb. It’s just a lot stronger than other options. These contain both piperonyl butoxide and pyrethrum extract, a strong chemical treatment that should only be used for children over the age of two.

Repellent Spray Lice Prevention Shampoo

You know what they say about prevention, and the spray lice prevention shampoo is designed just for that. Spray it on the roots of your children’s hair before they go to school, and hopefully, if lice come calling, they’ll be repelled by the rosemary and peppermint blend.

2 In 1 Lice Prevention Shampoo

A natural preventative against a lice infestation is a quality two-in-one shampoo and conditioner. Specially developed with an exclusive blend of citronella, rosemary, lemongrass, cedar, and geraniol essential oils, this gentle-yet-effective cleaner repels lice and super lice and nourishes your hair simultaneously.

The gentle formula also makes it safe for the entire family. Just apply the cleaner generously to wet hair, massage thoroughly, and rinse. The formula includes conditioners, helping to prevent painful tangles in the midst of treatment.

All-Natural Lice Prevention Shampoo

Olive oil is considered a suffocate when it comes to lice treatments, meaning it blocks the airways of the louse to kill them. As a bonus, the lice prevention shampoo it’s full of vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats that help hydrate the scalp and strengthen the hair.

Coat the scalp and dry hair with olive oil until it’s fully saturated. Since it can be a bit messy, it’s best to use some sort of head wrap or shower cap to secure the hair and oil in place.

Best Lice Prevention Shampoo List

1. Lice Clinics Lice Prevention Shampoo

The included liquid gel kills lice AND super lice, and it’s more effective than traditional head lice shampoo treatments.

The liquid gel is harsh on head lice, yet doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals so it’s a safe & effective lice treatment for kids & adults.

Includes everything needed for effective head lice treatment and lice removal: easy-to-use no-mess applicator, 5.25 oz. liquid gel, and premium metal head lice comb.

The included liquid gel has a great fresh pear blossom scent that moms and kids will love.

This lice prevention shampoo for kids features an easy-dispense applicator that evenly distributes gel throughout the hair, from roots to ends, to coat lice and eggs.

2. Fairy Tales Rosemary Repel Lice Prevention Shampoo

The fairy tales shampoo lice prevention with Rosemary Repel is a must-have for all families with lice. Made with natural ingredients so it is gentle enough in being an everyday conditioner for kids and adults.

Harnessing the power of natural ingredients, this fairy tale shampoo lice prevention is clinically proven effective to help prevent head lice without the use of harmful ingredients.

This fairy tale shampoo lice prevention is a preferred head lice prevention for kids due to the proprietary blend of organic Rosemary, Citronella, Tea Tree, and Geranium oils.

Jojoba and Chamomile are also hydrating, moisturizing, and soothing for the scalp making them great conditioners. Last but not least, this is a paraben-free shampoo. It is additionally a sulfate-free shampoo- no harsh chemicals and toxins added. Also no added Gluten, soy, dairy, or nuts.

3. Lice Shield 2 In 1 Lice Prevention Shampoo

Lice Shield Shampoo & Conditioner in 1 is a lice repellent 2in1 shampoo that is proven to repel head lice and persistent super lice in laboratory tests, and that gently cleanses and conditions hair

Specially developed with an exclusive blend of 5 natural essential oils (Citronella, Rosemary, Lemongrass, Cedar, and Geraniol) to repel head lice.

This lice prevention shampoo product is specially formulated to be gentle on a child’s hair and skin and is also appropriate for the whole family when a child is infested with lice or during peak lice periods or lice outbreaks.

Lice Shield Shampoo & Conditioner in 1 is a safe, effective, and easy-to-use option to repel lice. Just a simple swap of Lice Shield Shampoo into your child or family’s hair care routine provides peace of mind.

4. RID Daily Defense Lice Prevention Shampoo

RID Daily Defense Shampoo and Conditioner cleans, conditions, and smells like a regular, everyday shampoo and conditioner while also being 100 Percent effective at keeping lice away

The lice prevention shampoo contains the Lice Defense Factor (LDF) to defend against head lice all day long. Contains no harsh chemicals, pesticides, or alcohol.

Use if there is a lice concern in your child’s school or camp, after treating for lice to keep lice from returning, or to help prevent the spread of lice to siblings or other family members when there is a case of lice in the home.

While some lice defense shampoos work only via scented oils, Rid Daily Defense works in 4 ways to keep away; it neutralizes the static charge in hair that attracts lice, it makes lice avoid hair, impedes attachment, and stops lice from laying eggs.

5. Lice Prevention Shampoo Kit

The lice prevention shampoo kit packs enough shampoo for at least 10 treatments and enough Leave-in Cream to last for weeks.

The Lice Combat Kit offers the best value because it includes everything needed for effective lice and nit removal for the whole family at an affordable price.

The lice shampoo, no-rinse repellent cream, and two lice combs make it the most complete Lice Treatment Kit on the market. The 16oz. Shampoo bottle with a twist-top cap to reach through dense hair to the scalp.

The 16oz. Leave-in Cream with a pump dispenser always provides the right amount for daily prevention. The set of two exclusive “Hammer-Head†Lice Combs for different hair lengths, with metallic spiral micro-grooved teeth to remove even the tiniest nits (lice eggs) from hair.

Lice Prevention Shampoo Buying Guide

What Is A Lice Prevention Shampoo?

Most lice prevention treatments are topical insecticides that either repel or directly kill the louse, egg, or both.

A lice prevention shampoo for kids is used to wash your child’s hair to clean away lice or make your child’s hair an unwelcome place for lice to set up camp. Some are based on essential oils that produce odors lice find offensive and try to avoid.

Others are insecticidal shampoos with chemical pesticides in them for killing lice that have infested your child’s hair. These can be used in a preventative manner if you have reason to suspect your child has been exposed to head lice.

How Does A Lice Prevention Shampoo Work?

Lice prevention shampoo containing benzyl alcohol works by smothering the lice. Different products (both over-the-counter and prescription) have different ways of killing the lice based on the mechanism of action of the product.

Many treatments need to be reapplied in seven days due to the life cycle of nit to louse. In addition to medication, combing the hair with a fine-tooth comb every three to four days for several weeks may clear the infection, but studies show it may not be as effective as the medications.

Lice prevention shampoos work in one of two different ways; by repelling them or by killing them.

• Repelling. Experts say a combination of lavender oil and tea tree oil was an effective repellent for head lice, with a success rate of 97.6%.
  Other essential oils such as rosemary and coconut oil have shown some repellency properties as well.
• Killing. Killing head lice is achieved the same way killing any other pest is done, with a pesticide. Small concentrations of pesticides are included in the formula for a shampoo or conditioner and the infected person washes their head with it.

Features To Look For In A Lice Prevention Shampoo

Key Ingredients

The active ingredient is an important factor when choosing a lice shampoo. This is because different ingredients kill lice in different stages: nits (a.k.a. eggs), nymphs (babies), and adults. If the shampoo doesn’t target the eggs in addition to the live lice, you may have to do more than one treatment.

Also, some lice shampoos contain pyrethrins, compounds found in the chrysanthemum family. So, if your child is allergic to chrysanthemums, there’s a good chance they’ll be allergic to the shampoo too.

Scalp Type

People with oily scalps need to pick a lice prevention shampoo with natural ingredients that can treat excess oil production and maintain the scalp’s pH level. Those with dry scalps should choose a shampoo that can reduce flakes, increase moisture, and treat scalp irritation.

Irritants

When they have lice, your kid’s scalp is already irritated. Be sure there’s nothing in the lice shampoo formula, like fragrance or alcohol, that could cause further irritation.

Combing or Comb-Free

Depending on your preference, you make want to have a comb-free lice shampoo to help reduce your time investment in getting rid of lice. If you don’t want to just kill lice, but also physically remove them, a shampoo that comes with a comb is the better way to go. The choice is up to you.

Common Questions About Lice Prevention Shampoo

What is the best way to prevent head lice?

• Avoid head-to-head (hair-to-hair) contact during play and other activities at home, school, and elsewhere (sports activities, playground, slumber parties, camp).
• Do not share clothing such as hats, scarves, coats, sports uniforms, hair ribbons, or barrettes.
• Do not share combs, brushes, or towels. Disinfect combs and brushes used by an infested person by soaking them in hot water (at least 130°F) for 5“10 minutes.
• Do not lie on beds, couches, pillows, carpets, or stuffed animals that have recently been in contact with an infected person.
• Machine wash and dry clothing, bed linens, and other items that an infested person wore or used during the 2 days before treatment using the hot water (130°F) laundry cycle and the high heat drying cycle. Clothing and items that are not washable can be dry-cleaned OR sealed in a plastic bag and stored for 2 weeks.
• Vacuum the floor and furniture, particularly where the infested person sat or lay. Have you heard of a lice vacuum?

Does coconut oil or coconut shampoo prevent head lice?

If you slather your hair in coconut oil every day before you go out into the world, then yes, coconut oil will work as a lice prevention method. Hair slathered in any kind of grease makes it difficult for lice to attach to the hair strand and move.

However, the actual scent of coconut or coconut oil added to shampoo has not been proven as a lice deterrent and is not recommended as an alternative to these tried-and-true essential oils.

Does lice prevention shampoo kill lice?

It is important to note that not all lice prevention shampoos kill lice, however, prevention shampoos and conditioners are effective lice repellents that keep them from attaching themselves to your child and are gentle enough to use every day.

What ingredients are in lice treatments?

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved over-the-counter lice treatments contain one of two active ingredients: permethrin 1% lotion, or pyrethrins combined with piperonyl butoxide.
In addition to OTC products, the following lice treatments are available only by prescription:

Benzyl alcohol 5%
Ivermectin 0.5% lotion
Malathion 0.5%
Spinosad 0.9% suspension

What is the strongest lice treatment?

Of the various lice treatments, ivermectin lotion has emerged as one of the strongest solutions to get rid of lice. Research shows a single application can kill the lice without any need for nit combing.

How to use shampoo to prevent lice?

Wash your child’s hair the same way you normally would with regular shampoo. Make sure it doesn’t get in their eyes, nose, or mouth, and pay special attention to the base of the skull near the spine and behind their ears.

Are shampoos to prevent lice safe around pets and children?

Yes. However, some can be used on children as young as two months old while others can only be used on children who are two years old and older. Check the label before using any of them.

Enjoy Your New Lice Prevention Shampoo

If you want to keep your child and your family lice-free an effective lice prevention shampoo is a great way to do so.

We hope you found this information useful, we believe you are now equipped to make an informed decision on your lice prevention shampoo hunt.

If you have any questions, please feel free to get back to us. We are always happy to hear what you have to say.