There are some common myths and misconceptions that people firmly believe to be true, even though they’re not. For example, lightning CAN strike in the same place twice. We don’t have five senses, we have NINE. And head lice like clean hair just as much as they like dirty hair.
To elaborate on the last point, head lice are non-discriminatory when it comes to hair cleanliness. Many people assume that head lice and dirty hygiene go hand in hand, but this isn’t the case. As a matter of fact, we’d probably give the edge to clean hair, as lice enjoy the sleek strands of hair that are easier to climb.
So why do so many people think that head lice are a sign of being dirty? Where did this misconception come from? And how can we educate people and reduce shaming among other kids and parents? Everything you need to know is in this article.
What Causes People to Get Head Lice?
Washing your hair with shampoo and conditioner is an important part of personal hygiene. How often people do this depends on their lifestyle and hair type. However, head lice are not an indication that someone is dirty or not washing their hair.
The reason why lice crawl onto the head is because they’re trying to reach the top of the ‘mountain’ – your scalp. Here, they can feed off blood and live out their lifespan. Your head provides lice with a warm, protected and reliable food source, which is why anyone with hair is equally at risk for lice.
Head-to-head contact with an already infested person is the most common way to get head lice. Adults tend to be better at personal space, but kids are not. This is why lice can spread like wildfire in schools, daycares and summer camps.
But trust us when we say that ALL kids are at risk. There is absolutely no way that lice do a quick inspection to check for dirtiness before climbing onto a scalp.
Do Lice Prefer Some Hair Over Others?
Actually, yes. Lice do have a preference for some types of hair, only because they make it easier to access the scalp. For instance, people with long hair tend to be an easier target because the lice can grab onto a strand of hair and make their way to the scalp.
Also, it appears that people with thick, wavy hair make good hosts compared to those with straight, curly or thin hair. And, if you’ve had lice before, this can also increase your risk for lice. Head lice leave behind a scent as part of an evolutionary process to attract more lice.
Why Do People Associate Head Lice with Dirty Hair?
Probably, the reason why head lice and poor hygiene go together is because people confuse head lice and body lice. However, they are two very different things. Body lice are tiny insects that live in your clothing and bedding and travel to your skin to feed on blood. Not only are they uncomfortable, but also they can transmit disease.
Head lice are annoying, but they are not dangerous. However, it’s easy to confuse the two and assume that they are both caused by dirty, unhygienic living conditions. But this is only a misconception. It’s not a fact.
Be Prepared to Fight Lice with My Hair Helpers
Now you know that head lice have nothing to do with being clean or dirty. Lice can happen to anyone, so it’s important to be prepared.
My Hair Helpers has both treatment and prevention products, including our lice repellent spray that keeps lice away with a pleasant peppermint fragrance. Lice don’t have to happen to you, but if they do, our products will keep you armed and ready!
