Treatments & products
Browse practical head lice treatments, combs and aftercare products selected to help families choose the right next step. Head Lice Checker also offers free photo screening and clinic referrals when you need more support.
Some product links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Start with the type of product you need. Categories are organised by practical use, not by commission.
Products are selected for practical relevance and organised by use case. Retailer links are added only after editorial review.
NitNOT
A treatment serum formulated for head lice and nits, designed to target multiple life-cycle stages including eggs.
Suitable for: When live lice or nits have been found and a product-led treatment approach is preferred
Amazon
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See our guide
Gentler product choices and escalation boundaries for sensitive scalps.
Suitable for: Sensitive skin or previous irritation from treatments
Editorial pick
A long, fine-tooth nit comb for wet detection combing on damp, conditioned hair.
Suitable for: Families starting with wet combing or rechecking after treatment
Retailer link pending editorial review
Editorial pick
A plain conditioner used to lubricate hair during detection combing sessions.
Suitable for: Regular wet combing and recheck sessions
Retailer link pending editorial review
Editorial pick
Keep a dedicated detection comb and tissue to hand for scheduled recheck days.
Suitable for: After any treatment approach — schedule rechecks as advised
Retailer link pending editorial review
Start with the situation that best matches yours. None of these steps is a diagnosis — they help you decide what to do next.
Compare practical approaches before choosing products or booking a clinic. No single method suits every household.
A systematic detection comb method on damp, conditioned hair. Often used to find live lice and to check whether treatment has worked.
Over-the-counter products that work by coating or affecting lice physically (for example dimethicone-based treatments), used according to pack instructions.
Additional over-the-counter approaches may be suggested by a pharmacist depending on age, scalp condition, and what has already been tried.
Specialist clinics can confirm findings, treat methodically, and advise on household follow-up.
Use these prompts to decide between another scan, wet combing, products, or professional help.
Live lice usually mean treatment or professional confirmation is needed. Nits alone may not require treatment — check NHS and pharmacist guidance.
Empty egg cases can remain after lice are gone. A detection comb check helps confirm whether live lice are still present before treating again.
If a full course was completed and lice remain, speak to a pharmacist or consider professional help rather than switching products randomly.
Wet combing works best as a consistent routine. If time is limited, a pharmacy product or clinic appointment may be more realistic.
Indicative scans are not a diagnosis. Repeat with a sharper photo or arrange professional confirmation.
Detection combing on damp, conditioned hair is a core UK approach for finding live lice and checking clearance. Take your time and work in good light.
Read the full wet combing guideA calm sequence from checking through to professional help. Always follow your product pack or clinic advice for timing. The scanner provides indicative screening only, not a diagnosis.
Step 1
Use a photo scan and/or a wet comb check before treating.
Step 2
Compare wet combing, pharmacy products, or professional help.
Step 3
Use the product or combing method exactly as directed on the pack or by your clinic.
Step 4
Follow product or clinic instructions on repeat doses and combing sessions.
Step 5
Plan recheck days to see whether live lice remain. An indicative scan can prompt another look.
If you are unsure what you are seeing, treatment has not worked, or you would prefer professional support, find a specialist clinic.
Existing Head Lice Checker guides that support treatment decisions.
What to look for before choosing a treatment approach.
Read guidePractical pathways when the person affected is not a child.
Read guideHow photo checks and wet combing work together.
Read guideGentler product considerations and when to escalate.
Read guideReduce false alarms before treating.
Read guideCommunication and household checking when lice are going round.
Read guideSome product links on this page may earn Head Lice Checker a commission if you buy through them. This does not change the price you pay where the retailer's programme works that way.
Product inclusion is editorially controlled. We do not accept payment for positive treatment claims, and commission does not decide which approaches or products we mention.
Always read product instructions, age guidance, and suitability warnings. Speak to a pharmacist or clinic if you are unsure what is appropriate.
This page provides practical guidance only. It is not a diagnosis. For medical concerns, speak to a pharmacist, GP, or lice clinic. See our medical disclaimer.
