Nit-Nurse FAQs

How do you catch head lice?

Head lice can be caught through direct head-to-head contact. They cannot jump, swim or fly. Rather, they walk from one head to another. Outbreaks normally occur in places where people are in close contact, such as the family home, schools or hospitals.

Can I catch head lice from hats, towels or bedding?

Lice can be spread through shared hats, combs, towels or bed linen. However, this is far less likely than through head-to-head contact. Head lice found away from a human head will quickly dehydrate and die without their regular blood meals.

Can I catch head lice from my pet?

No. Head lice are human hair parasites. This means they can only live and feed on humans so they cannot be caught from any animals.

Is it only children who can catch head lice?

No. Head lice attack at any age – all you need is some hair for the lice to cling to! Children of school age often suffer head lice outbreaks more than any other age group because they tend to work and play close together. Girls love to dress up, do each other’s hair and have sleepovers, making them particularly susceptible to contracting head lice.

Do head lice prefer dirty hair or clean hair?

It is a common myth that a head lice infestation signifies poor hygiene. In fact, head lice do not have a preference for clean or dirty hair. However, excessive shampooing removes the natural oils that build up around the hair and can make it far easier for lice to attach to the hair shaft.

If I cut my child’s hair shorter, will this mean they are less likely to contract head lice?

Head lice do not discriminate; they do not care if their human host has short hair or long hair. However, loose long hair is more likely to come into contact with lice. Putting your child’s hair up in a ponytail or plaiting it may prove helpful.

What is the difference between head lice and nits?

Nits are the eggs deposited by a female head louse which are glued firmly to the base of the hair shaft, close to the scalp where it is humid enough for them to develop properly. After seven days, an immature head louse (nymph) will emerge from the egg. After shedding their skin (moulting) three times, head lice nymphs become sexually mature adult head lice.

Do I need a nit comb to remove nits?

Many treatments recommend the use of a nit comb to separate nits from the hair. Nit combs are used to comb each individual strand of hair, pulling the nit along the length of the hair to remove it. But if you miss just one egg, this may hatch and result in a head lice re-infestation. Nit-Nurse is specially formulated to break down egg glue on contact, helping to detach the nits and greatly reducing the time it takes to comb nits out.

How can I tell if my child has head lice?

Often the first sign of head lice is itching and scratching the head. However, the itching may be due to another cause so to be sure, you need to detect the presence of lice. In the case of a head louse infestation, a close examination of the hair and scalp will reveal tiny white eggs (nits) attached to the base of the hair shaft and small brown moving forms (lice). An alternative detection method is ‘detection combing’. This involves combing wet hair coated thoroughly in hair conditioner in sections from root to tip, using a special fine-toothed comb. After each stroke, check the teeth of the comb – if lice are present, you should find one on the teeth of the comb.

I’ve found lice – what should I do?

There are many head lice treatments on the market today. However, many of these products contain toxic chemicals that are potentially deadly. Nit-Nurse is an advanced alternative to today’s toxic head lice products which uses natural plant oils and extracts for a safe and effective head lice remedy. Order Nit-Nurse today to eliminate head lice fast. Simply massage Nit-Nurse through dry hair, comb hair using the special nit comb provided to remove head lice and nits, and rinse out. Nit-Nurse works in 10 minutes, but is mild enough to leave in for up to 1 hour.

Why is Nit-Nurse applied to dry, not wet, hair?

Head lice breathe through holes in the side of their bodies called spiracles. When the hair is wet, these spiracles will close to shut down a head louse’s breathing system and stop the louse from drowning. If Nit-Nurse is applied to wet hair, the head lice will be less likely to ingest the solution, reducing the efficacy of the treatment.

Can I prevent a future attack of head lice?

Nit-Nurse eliminates both the lice and the eggs in hair to help prevent re-infestation. But eradicating one infestation does not mean you will not catch head lice again. To prevent a future attack, check your child’s head regularly to identify an infestation early – and treat it quickly. Ask your child not to share hats, helmets, brushes or hair accessories. If your child will be staying away from home, pack their own pillows and towels. If you do detect lice, order Nit-Nurse before 4pm for next-day delivery. Nit-Nurse is also safe to use in place of your regular shampoo to help prevent future head lice attacks.

Is Nit-Nurse safe to use if I have asthma, eczema or sensitive skin?

Effective, naturally

Nit-Nurse is 100% toxin free. Its unique blend of natural essential oils and plant extracts means it provides a safe, low-allergy alternative to many of the chemical-based nit lotions, nit mousses, nit shampoos and scalp lotions available today. This makes Nit-Nurse an ideal head lice remedy for people with asthma, eczema and sensitive skin.