Lice in dreadlocks? Here is what to do
Have you found lice, and is your first thought: “Do I have to cut my dreadlocks off?”
No, lice does not mean your dreadlocks have to be cut off. There are treatments available where combing is not necessary, so start with the treatment – not the scissors.
We have developed Creeps Tincture for use when you have lice in your dreadlocks. This water-based spray is easy to distribute at the roots, and the instructions for use do not require you to comb through your dreadlocks. It can also be used preventively. Here, we will guide you through the steps of diagnosing lice, how to get rid of them, and how to prevent them.
Are you in doubt whether it is actually lice?
Itching alone does not mean you have lice. Have someone else take a close look between your dreadlocks, especially behind the ears and at the nape of the neck. Live lice confirm that there are lice; small white flakes do not. Nits (lice eggs) are attached to the hair shafts, while skin flakes come loose more easily. If you are still in doubt, get help checking before you treat.
How to use Creeps Tincture
- Start with dry hair. Wear gloves, as the product is very bitter.
- Spray the entire scalp thoroughly. Part your dreadlocks to the side as you go. Massage gently, especially at the nape of the neck, behind the ears, and along the hairline.
- Spray about 10 cm down into your dreadlocks, so the product is also distributed on the hair near the scalp.
- Cover your hair with a plastic cap or a plastic bag, and let it work for one hour.
- Rinse thoroughly, and wash with shampoo, preferably twice.
- Repeat after approximately 5 days. It is a good idea to set a reminder on your phone immediately so the second treatment is not forgotten.
Also check the rest of the household and treat everyone with confirmed lice the same day.
A full treatment course with Creeps Tincture consists of one treatment and a repeat approximately 5 days later. It is important to complete both treatments, even if you can no longer see live lice after the first treatment.
Our experience is that one full treatment course is usually enough when the instructions are followed carefully. To date, we have not received any feedback that lice were still present after a full treatment course.
If you still find live lice afterward, the treatment course can be repeated.
Prevention - what can you do in everyday life?
Do you have children in daycare or school, or do you work closely with children? Then be extra attentive when there is a report of lice. Lice are primarily transmitted through direct hair contact, not necessarily because the weather is getting colder. Tie up your dreadlocks, limit hair contact when lice are known to be present, and have your scalp checked regularly.
Creeps Tincture can also be used preventively with 1-2 sprays once a week. The product does not need to be rinsed out.
You can also prevent lice with other products containing tea tree. Tea tree is already found in several of our products due to its excellent antibacterial properties. Who knows, maybe you are already preventing lice without knowing it?
Our products with tea tree
Tea tree is found in several of our products, but they have different purposes:
- Creeps Tincture - our product for use when you have lice in your dreadlocks.
- Herbal Cleanser Shampoo - liquid shampoo for washing hair and scalp.
- Greenie Genie Soap Bar - a handmade soap bar for both new and mature dreadlocks.
- Tightening Spray in the scent Herbal Breeze - to gather loose hair and provide structure. It is specifically this scent variant that contains tea tree.
- Detox Bomb - for deep cleaning of dreadlocks, not a lice treatment.
When it itches, but not due to lice
If the discomfort is caused by dryness, Rescue Tonic is our everyday hero for scalp care. Shake the bottle, spray directly onto the scalp, and massage lightly. It is developed to moisturize and provide a cooling sensation and can be used directly after and between hair washes. It is scalp care – not a lice treatment.
You are always welcome to write to us if you have questions about the products or their use. We are happy to help you navigate your dreadlock care.
