We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Skin & Hair Products The 9 Best Lice Treatments to Use at Home These treatments help you kill any lice or nits living on the scalp and prevent future outbreaks. By Danielle Zoellner Updated on March 12, 2024 Medically reviewed by Susan Bard, MD Fact checked by Rich Scherr Print Verywell Health / Marcus Millan A common unwelcome guest, head lice are highly infectious parasitic insects that usually nest and hide behind the ears, the back of your neck, and the scalp. Manual (such as combs) and chemical (such as shampoos) options are available for the best treatments to target head lice, while kits often include both methods. For that reason, kits offer the best of both worlds for individuals. However, Rebecca Tung, MD, a Florida-based dermatologist, reminds us that even when you are lice-free, you can still get lice again in the future. We researched dozens of head lice treatments and rounded up the best options based on the ingredients used, the product's form, whether it comes as a kit or singular product, and its value. We narrowed down our list to the nine best kits for head lice. Types of Lice It's important to know the different types of lice as they require different forms of treatment. Three forms of lead lice can live on the surface of the scalp: Nits: Lice eggs that latch onto the hair shafts and look like small yellowish-white eggs.Nymphs: Once they hatch, nits become nymphs (baby lice).Adult lice: Fully grown and matured head lice. Ingredients to Look For in Lice Treatments Zeynep M. Akkurt, MD, a dermatologist and assistant professor of dermatology at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist in North Carolina, recommends looking for chemical treatments that use pyrethrins and permethrin, which paralyze and kill lice. Dr. Tung also recommends products with dimethicone as an active ingredient, which lubricates the hair shaft, making it easier to remove lice and nits. Albert Yan, MD, a Philadelphia-based pediatric dermatologist, explains that some chemical treatments only work on head lice and not nits, which is why manual treatments like a fine-toothed comb further help curb the infestation. Other prescription-grade beneficial ingredients experts recommend include ivermectin, malathion, benzyl alcohol, and spinosad. When to Consult a Medical Professional Suppose you have tried treating head lice multiple times but have not curbed the problem. In that case, Dr. Akkurt recommends seeing a healthcare provider. She also notes you may need antibiotics if you notice sores, drainage, fevers, or enlarged lymph nodes. If you spot these symptoms, contact a healthcare provider immediately. Our Top Picks Best Overall: RID Lice Killing Shampoo at Amazon ($23) Jump to Review Best Shampoo: Nix Ultra Lice Shampoo at Amazon ($19) Jump to Review Best Comb: Nit Free Terminator Lice Comb at Amazon ($13) Jump to Review Best Spray: Tec Labs Head Lice Spray at Amazon ($10) Jump to Review Best for Long Hair: Lice Shield Shampoo & Conditioner at Amazon ($13) Jump to Review Best Gel: Lice Clinics of America Lice Treatment Kit at Amazon ($30) Jump to Review Best for Kids: Fairy Tales Lice Good-Bye Mousse at Amazon ($20) Jump to Review Best for Sensitive Skin: Palmer's Hair and Scalp Oil Spray at Amazon ($6) Jump to Review Best Natural: Fairy Tales Lice Shampoo & Conditioner at Amazon ($24) Jump to Review In This Article Expand Types of Lice Ingredients to Look For in Lice Treatments Our Picks How We Selected Our Experts FAQ Why Trust Verywell Health Best Overall RID Lice Killing Shampoo Amazon View On Amazon $23 View On CVS $32 View On Riteaid.com $30 Pros Active ingredients proven to kill lice Affordable price Includes spray for bedding and furniture Cons Strong scent Comb isn’t very durable Why We Recommend It RID Lice Treatment Complete Kit garnered the top spot on our list for treating head lice because it focuses on killing the infestation on the scalp and in other areas of the home, such as mattresses and furniture. The kit includes shampoo formulated with the active ingredients piperonyl butoxide and pyrethrum extract. Together, these ingredients are within a class of ingredients called pediculicides, which experts found effective at killing lice, nymphs, and nits without harming the scalp’s surface. We love that this kit also includes two additional sprays—one for your hair, which you can use after rinsing out the shampoo, and the other for your mattress and furniture. Both additional treatments work to ensure continued action against the infestation. Keep in Mind The only downside to this option is it does have a strong scent. However, we think this is a worthwhile sacrifice to make to eradicate pesky lice fully. Key Specs: Form: Shampoo, comb, sprays | Active ingredient: Piperonyl butoxide, pyrethrum extract, permethrin | Recommended Ages: 2+ | What’s Included: 4 oz shampoo, 2 oz spray, comb, 3 oz spray Best Shampoo Nix Ultra Lice Shampoo Amazon View On Amazon $19 View On Walmart $19 View On Riteaid.com $30 Pros Fast-acting Includes comb to remove lice and nits Free from parabens, phthalates, colorants, or dyes Cons Only provides one to two treatments per bottle Comb works better for finer hair Why We Recommend It No matter what treatment you use, you will likely also need a manual comb to help remove any lice or nits on the scalp. This is why we recommend the Nix Ultra Lice Shampoo. The product provides you with a shampoo that saturates the scalp and kills lice and nits, but it also includes a comb capable of removing any nits or lice in the hair. The shampoo is formulated with mineral oil, which, once applied, actively works to paralyze and kill lice and nits. To use, apply the product on dry hair and leave it in for ten minutes. Then, rinse the hair with warm water before using the included fine-tooth comb. For individuals with thick or long hair, applying a conditioner or detangler is recommended before using the comb. This will prevent any tangles as you work to remove lice and nits from the scalp. Keep in Mind Depending on the infestation, you might have to purchase multiple shampoo bottles to ensure no lice or nits remain. Key Specs: Form: Shampoo, comb | Active ingredient: Citronella, rosemary, lemongrass, cedar, and geraniol | Recommended Ages: 1+ | What’s Included: 4 oz shampoo, comb Best Comb Nit Free Terminator Lice Comb Amazon View On Amazon $13 View On Walmart $13 Pros Tight-teethed design assists with removing eggs Made with durable materials Easy to hold Cons May require a chemical treatment Why We Recommend It Effective lice removal treatments at home likely require a manual comb to remove the lice or nits, Dr. Tung, says. The Nit-Free Terminator Comb aims to free the scalp of lice and nits with its tight-teethed design. These teeth are designed to lift and remove the smallest nits and lice from the scalp’s surface. Additionally, the durable teeth, made of stainless steel, create a strong comb that will not break if it moves through the hair. For best use, use the comb every few days to ensure no lice or nits linger. Pair the manual comb with a chemical treatment for more beneficial results. Keep in Mind For some, a manual treatment isn't enough. You may need to pair this comb with a chemical treatment for best results. Key Specs: Form: Comb | Active ingredient: Not listed | Recommended Ages: All ages | What’s Included: Comb Best Spray Tec Labs Head Lice Spray Amazon View On Amazon $10 View On Walmart $10 View On Target $10 Pros Affordable Easy to use Includes a comb to brush out nits and lice Cons Takes time for the product to dry Might not work as well for thick hair Why We Recommend It Tackling a lice infestation does not have to involve a heavy formula that causes a mess. Instead, you can spray your scalp with Licefreee Spray!—a product specifically formulated with lice-fighting ingredients. The formula includes the active ingredients of natrum muriaticum and pediculicide, both of which are known for paralyzing lice living within the hair and then killing them. For best results, spray the treatment on the entire surface and then allow it to dry while it kills lice and nits. Then, use the included steel comb to gently remove all the lice and eggs living against the scalp. Depending on the severity of the infestation, you might want to repeat the treatment multiple times to ensure no lice or nits remain. Keep in Mind Though this product is a no-rinse solution, a strong smell comes with the treatment. So, after it has effectively killed lice and nits lingering on the scalp, you will likely want to wash the hair to remove any lingering treatment. Key Specs: Form: Spray | Active ingredient: Natrum muriaticum, pediculicide | Recommended Ages: All ages | What’s Included: comb, 6 oz bottle Best for Long Hair Lice Shield Shampoo & Conditioner Amazon View On Amazon $13 Pros Detangler included Large bottle Nice-smelling scent Cons Comb not included Works as a deterrent, not a treatment Why We Recommend It Combining lice treatment with long hair can be difficult because some products, depending on the formula, cause excessive tangles and stickiness. But the Lice Shield 2-in-1 Shampoo and Conditioner incorporates a detangler ingredient in its solution. This makes it easy for individuals with long hair to brush out after washing the scalp and hair with the product. The shampoo and conditioner blend five essential oils in their formula, including citronella oil and rosemary oil. Experts have found that the natural blend of essential oils repels head lice away from the surface. This product does just that by working as a preventative step to keep head lice from targeting the area while moisturizing the hair and scalp. Keep in Mind Although this product works as a beneficial preventative step, it is important to note that this shampoo and conditioner are not suggested for treating active lice and nit infestations. The product can work together with a lice treatment, but it will not likely kill any active lice and nits on the scalp. For that reason, we feel this product is best used as a preventative measure. Keep in Mind Key Specs: Form: Shampoo | Active ingredient: Citronella, rosemary, lemongrass, cedar, and geraniol | Recommended Ages: All ages | What’s Included: 10 oz shampoo Best Gel Lice Clinics of America Lice Treatment Kit Amazon View On Amazon $30 View On Liceclinicsofamerica.com Pros Pesticide-free formula Fine-toothed comb included Smells good Cons Pricier than other lice removal kits Might take multiple washes to remove gel Why We Recommend It Experts recommend a multi-step approach to treating head lice because nits and lice can linger on the skull. The Lice-Clinics Lice Treatment Kit thoroughly attacks the problem with its kit in multiple steps. First, the kit includes a dimethicone-based gel and comb attachment to brush through the scalp. Clinical studies have found that this ingredient effectively treats head lice infestations. Gel-based lice treatments work well to cling to the scalp instead of falling from the area—eliminating any mess. Then, once you use the gel, the kit includes a fine-toothed comb to help remove nits and lice from the scalp. Keep in Mind Although the gel-based formula is easy to comb into the scalp, it might take several washes to remove. This is because it has a consistency closer to hair gel than shampoo. Also, Dr. Yan warns that dimethicone products are flammable, so individuals who use lice treatments with this ingredient should avoid hair dryers and open flames. Key Specs: Form: Gel and comb | Active ingredient: Dimethicone | Recommended Ages: 3+ | What’s Included: Gel and comb Best for Kids Fairy Tales Lice Good-Bye Mousse Amazon View On Amazon $20 View On Walmart $17 View On Vitacost Pros Made with natural ingredients Formula does not drip down head Bottle contains 6 to 10 treatments Cons Included comb does not remove all lice and nits Might take multiple treatments to work Why We Recommend It Finding a lice treatment that is effective and safe for children can be difficult, especially given that some treatments include harsher chemicals. The Fairy Tales Lice Good-Bye mousse instead prioritizes a balance of natural enzymes that target nits and lice without irritating the scalp. The product comes as a mousse, so it should not drip down your child’s head during the 20 to 25 minutes it sits on the hair. For best results, using about 10 to 12 pumps of the product is recommended before massaging it into the scalp. Then, comb through each section of the hair with the included comb. Keep in Mind Although the provided comb works to remove some lice and nits on the scalp, it does not always remove everything. So, another fine-toothed comb could better assist in removing everything from the scalp following the mousse treatment. Key Specs: Form: Mousse, comb | Active ingredient: Not listed | Recommended Ages: Kids | What’s Included: 4 oz mousse, comb Best for Sensitive Skin Palmer's Hair and Scalp Oil Spray Amazon View On Amazon $6 View On Walmart $6 View On Target $6 Pros Moisturizing ingredients Non-irritating formula Easy to spray on Cons Might not kill all lice and nits Will need to purchase a comb Why We Recommend It Targeting head lice does not require irritating ingredients to get results. Instead, the natural ingredient of coconut oil, which is both hydrating and non-irritating, smothers head lice and nits and helps rid them from the scalp. The oil prevents nits (or lice eggs) from sticking to the hair shaft. So, after use, you can wash out the oil solution and then use a fine-toothed comb to remove lice and nits from the surface. First, apply the product all over the hair and massage it into the scalp. Then, place a plastic shower cap tightly around the hair and leave it on for 8 hours. This will help suffocate the lice and make it easier to remove them after the treatment. Even though the coconut oil must remain on the scalp for 8 hours, it shouldn’t irritate the skin. Instead, it will moisturize the skin and hair follicles. After using this treatment, you will want to monitor the scalp closely for lice and nits to ensure they were removed. Depending on the results, you might need to apply the treatment again. Keep in Mind Because this product does not directly kill the lice, additional steps are required to see beneficial results. Also, avoid this product if you have any coconut allergies. Key Specs: Form: Spray | Active ingredient: Spec | Recommended Ages: All ages | What’s Included: 5.1 oz spray Best Natural Fairy Tales Lice Shampoo & Conditioner Amazon View On Amazon $24 View On Walmart $13 View On Sleekshop.com Pros Naturally-derived formula Includes both shampoo and conditioner Works great for sensitive skin Cons More expensive than other treatments Strong scent Why We Recommend It The Fairy Tales Rosemary Lice Repel shampoo and conditioner duo is derived from natural ingredients that work well to target pesky bugs. Incorporated in the product’s formula is citronella, an ingredient studies have shown to assist with repelling lice. Rosemary, tea tree oil, and bark oil are also in the product and work together to kill and remove lice effectively. The formula also includes chamomile and jojoba oil, both of which provide the necessary moisture to the scalp's surface so that the skin is not left feeling dry or irritated. For best results, first test the product on a small skin patch to ensure no irritation. Then, massage the shampoo into the hair and scalp before following it with conditioner to re-moisturize the surface. Keep in Mind One downside about this product is that it has a strong herbal scent, given the mix of different oils, so it might smell overly strong to some. Key Specs: Form: Shampoo and conditioner | Active ingredient: Citronella, leaf oil, rosemary, bark oil, cinnamon | Recommended Ages: All ages | What’s Included: 12 oz shampoo and 8 oz conditioner How We Selected the Best Lice Treatments We first consulted with dermatologists before searching the web for products containing ingredients like pyrethrins and dimethicone, both of which were recommended by our experts. To enhance our understanding of beneficial ingredients, we also reviewed several clinical studies to determine what ingredients best-treated lice infestations. If a product included a fine-toothed comb in the kit or incorporated a mixture of non-irritating ingredients, we prioritized it over other competing products. We also prioritized products that would be easy to use, such as gel—or mousse-based products. Finally, we aimed to include a variety of products that worked well for different types and lengths of hair. Our Experts We use expert input at every step of reporting and writing this story. Here are some of the experts we consulted along the way: Zeynep M. Akkurt, MD, a dermatologist and assistant professor of dermatology at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist in North CarolinaRebecca Tung, MD, a Florida-based dermatologistAlbert Yan, MD, a Philadelphia-based pediatric dermatologist Frequently Asked Questions Do lice treatments remove lice permanently? Because chemical treatments only work on head lice and not nits, Dr. Yan notes you should re-treat the area one week after the nits hatch to kill the rest of the remaining lice. Can you use lice treatment two days in a row? Dr. Akkurt says that individuals should not use medication treatments two days in a row. Individuals should pay close attention to the instructions provided by the lice treatment, as it will indicate how often they can use the treatment. Products created for preventative purposes instead of treatment purposes, such as preventative sprays or shampoos, depending on the instructions, can be used several days in a row because they only repel head lice. How do you know treatment is working? Dr. Tung mentions that individuals should find the treatment worked within 24 hours after use. However, lice treatment efficacy can depend on your treatment and the ingredients included in the treatment. Why Trust Verywell Health Danielle Zoellner is a Boston-based freelance writer with an emphasis on health and wellness writing. She has written for The Independent, Verywell Health, DailyMail.com, and Vox Magazine, among other publications. Growing up in a household of healthcare professionals has fueled her passion for topics relating to health, fitness, wellness, and the medical industry. Danielle has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and English from the University of Missouri. Luckily for Danielle, she has escaped getting lice thus far. Her conversations with dermatologists and pediatricians assisted her as she researched and wrote this guide for lice treatments. 2 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Kalari H, Soltani A, Azizi K, Faramarzi H, Moemenbellah-Fard MD. Comparative efficacy of three pediculicides to treat head lice infestation in primary school girls: a randomised controlled assessor blind trial in rural Iran. BMC Dermatol. 2019;19(1):13. doi:10.1186/s12895-019-0093-5 Mumcuoglu KY, Magdassi S, Miller J, Ben-Ishai F, Zentner G, Helbin V, Friger M, Kahana F, Ingber A. Repellency of citronella for head lice: double-blind randomized trial of efficacy and safety. Isr Med Assoc J. 2004 Dec;6(12):756-9. By Danielle Zoellner Danielle is a freelance writer based in NYC with a background in health writing.She’s written for publications like The Independent, DailyMail.com, and Vox.Danielle has a journalism degree from the University of Missouri at Columbia. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit