5 Tips to Prevent the Spread of Lice
Approximately two-thirds of UK children experience head lice before finishing primary school. Implementing effective prevention strategies is essential to control their transmission.
Feb 21, 2026 · 4 min read
TL;DR
Five tips: (1) Check hair weekly with a fine comb. (2) Tie long hair back. (3) Don't share combs, brushes, or hats. (4) Treat everyone with lice at once. (5) Repeat treatment after 7–10 days.
1. Check weekly
Use the wet combing method: conditioner, fine comb, good light. Catching lice early stops them spreading and makes treatment easier.
2. Tie hair back
Plaits, ponytails, and buns reduce head-to-head contact. Less loose hair means fewer opportunities for lice to crawl across.
3. Don't share
Combs, brushes, hats, and headphones can theoretically carry lice (they die within 24–48 hours off the scalp). Avoid sharing during outbreaks.
4. Treat everyone at once
If more than one person has lice, treat them all on the same day. Otherwise, reinfestation is likely.
5. Repeat treatment
Eggs hatch in 7–10 days. Repeat your chosen treatment after a week to catch newly hatched lice. Not sure? Check first. For hands-on help, find a clinic near you. Schools: see our resources.