Frequently Asked Questions

I’m embarrassed… does having lice mean my family is dirty or that something is wrong with us?
No. Head lice have nothing to do with cleanliness, race, income, culture, or where you live. They don’t prefer clean or dirty hair—they simply spread through close contact, which happens in every family and community. Lice affect people in all neighborhoods and schools. Getting lice is not a reflection on you as a parent, caregiver, or person. At The Lice House, we view lice as a health issue, not a judgment. Our care is private, respectful, and focused on helping you move forward quickly, without shame or stigma.

How do I know for sure if my child (or I) actually have head lice?
The only reliable way is a professional comb-through. Many things can look like lice dandruff, hair spray beads, or dry scalp but we can quickly confirm a true case. We’re parents too, and we know how stressful that first discovery can feel, so you’re in good hands.

What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept all major credit and debit cards, including HSA/FSA, as well as Afterpay. If you’re planning to use Afterpay please check your available approval in the Afterpay app prior to your appointment. Payment is due at the time of service.

Is the treatment painful or uncomfortable?
Our process is gentle, safe, and well-tolerated. The warm air device used during the dimethicone treatment runs at a controlled temperature and is completely safe. Some children especially those who are younger or more sensitive may notice warmth around the face and ears, but we go slowly and adjust as needed. Our goal is to keep your child comfortable while effectively removing lice.

How did we get head lice? Does it mean we’re dirty?
Not at all. Lice don’t care about hygiene they only look for human hair. They spread through close contact, especially among children. Clean, dirty, curly, or straight hair lice can happen to anyone. We’ve been there ourselves as parents, and we’re here to guide you through it without judgment.

Should we notify schools, friends, or recent contacts?
Yes discreetly letting close contacts know is one of the best ways to stop the spread. When others get checked or treated promptly, it prevents lice from bouncing back into your home. Early screenings protect your family and friends, and our team can answer any questions about how to manage notifications confidently.

Do we need to treat everyone in the household?
Only people who actually have lice need treatment, but we strongly recommend screening everyone in the household. The Lice House Guarantee applies only when all family members are checked during the same visit. This ensures no hidden cases are missed and prevents lice from spreading back and forth, giving you peace of mind.

How effective is your treatment?
Our method is over 99% effective because it removes both live lice and eggs. Combined with home checks and preventative tips, this virtually eliminates lingering infestations. We know it can feel overwhelming at first, but there is a safe, reliable solution and you’re on the right path.

What should we do before our appointment?
Nothing complicated. Please come with clean, dry, detangled hair, and avoid gels, sprays, or oils. We provide everything else. As parents ourselves, we know it’s stressful getting ready for an appointment we’ll make it simple and smooth.

A person pouring a clear liquid from a bottle into a purple plastic bottle.
A hairstylist applying hair color or treatment to a young woman's wet, sectioned hair at a salon.
A girl sitting in a salon chair getting her hair dried by a hair dryer held by a stylist. The girl has wet hair and is wearing a colorful cape.

Frequently asked questions continued…

Do you offer in-home appointments?
Yes, we offer mobile appointments for families who prefer the comfort and privacy of home. This can be especially helpful for younger children or households with multiple family members. We’re here to make treatment convenient, safe, and supportive. Please call or text to discuss options and any additional rates.

How soon can my child return to school?
Children can return the same day after being professionally cleared. This helps reduce stress and keeps routines on track. Our goal is to restore normalcy quickly and confidently.

Do I need to deep-clean my house or bag stuffed animals?
No extreme cleaning is necessary. Lice cannot survive long off the scalp. Washing pillowcases, bed linens, and brushing out hair tools is sufficient. We provide guidance on simple home care to make the process worry free.

What are the symptoms of head lice?
Itching, a tickling feeling, visible nits on hair shafts, or live lice. Some children may show no symptoms at first. We can screen quickly to confirm the presence of lice and ease your concerns.

Are lice dangerous or harmful?
No. Lice don’t spread disease. They’re uncomfortable and stressful but not medically dangerous. We understand how worrying it can feel as a parent, and we’re here to help you handle it calmly and effectively.

Will lice come back after treatment?
Reinfestation can happen if your child comes into contact with someone who hasn’t been treated or checked. We teach families how to identify early signs and prevent future cases, giving you confidence and control over the situation.

Are your treatments safe for children?
Yes. Our products and methods are non toxic, chemical free, and safe for all ages, including toddlers, pregnant parents, and those with sensitive skin. We are parents too, so we understand how important safety is.

How long does an appointment take?
Most treatments take up to 60 minutes per person, but they may take longer depending on hair length and the level of infestation. We take the time needed to ensure thorough, careful treatment, helping both children and parents feel at ease.

Do I need to shave my child’s head or cut off all of their hair?
No! Please do not shave or cut your child’s hair. Lice removal is safe and effective without altering their hair. At The Lice House, we use all natural, chemical free methods that work on hair of any length or type.

Keeping your child’s hair intact also helps us ensure a thorough treatment and provides a sense of normalcy. Short, long, curly, straight, or fine hair can all be treated successfully. Our focus is on removing lice safely and completely while minimizing stress for both your child and your family.

Remember, the goal is lice removal, not hair removal.

What happens after my appointment?…

Post Treatment Care Instructions

Thank you for trusting The Lice House with your care. Your visit today included an oil application, heat treatment, and a thorough professional comb out. Please review the information below so you know what to expect and how to care for hair and home after treatment.

Hair Care After Treatment

Washing Out the Oil

We recommend leaving the oil on while you clean your home or while other family members complete their checks or treatments. The oil acts as a protective barrier and helps prevent re infestation.

When you are ready to wash the oil out, use a clarifying shampoo for best results. You may need to shampoo two to three times to fully remove the oil. Conditioner may be used after the oil has been removed.

What to Expect

You may still see dead lice or empty nit casings in the hair. This is normal.

Dimethicone works by coating and suffocating lice, so seeing inactive lice after treatment does not mean the treatment failed.

Hair may feel temporarily heavy or dry until it is fully clarified.

If you see a live, moving louse, please try to capture it or take a short video and contact us right away.

Home Cleaning Guidelines

Lice do not live long away from the scalp, but proper cleaning helps prevent re exposure. Please complete the following within 24 hours of treatment and if possible while the oil is still on the hair.

Wash recently used bedding, pillowcases, hats, hoodies, and scarves in hot water, then dry on high heat. If washing is not possible, place items in the dryer on high heat for one hour.

Vacuum couches, upholstered chairs, car seats, rugs, and carpets.

Soak hair tools such as brushes, combs, and clips in hot water for at least ten minutes or wash them in the dishwasher if heat safe. Tools may also be placed in the freezer for 24 hours.

These methods do not apply to electronic hair tools. Use quarantine methods for electronic items.

Items that cannot be washed may be quarantined for 48 hours.

No chemical sprays or home fumigation products are necessary.

Important Notes

Lice are not caused by poor hygiene.

Anyone with direct head to head contact should be checked.

If you have any questions or concerns after treatment, please contact us at 503-765-6440.