Can a hair straightener really kill nits?

When faced with stubborn head lice that just don't seem to go away, it's only natural for a parent or carer to ask, "Can a hair straightener really kill nits?" It's a fair question, and as much as it would probably seem appealing, the thought of using a hot tool like a hair straightener to tackle the problem is probably pretty appealing. But is it safe? Is it effective? And most of all, should you really consider it? 

In this Online Pharmacy4U article, we will review whether or not a hair straightener is a valid option for nits and lice, along with expert advice, safer alternatives, and the commonly searched questions people look for when looking to deal with lice infestations.

What Are Nits?

Nits are the eggs of headlice. They are tiny (smaller than the size of a fullstop), whitish or yellowish in colour, and very firmly attached to the hair shaft a short distance from the scalp on human hair. Nits are very hard to remove because they are not simply attached to hair - more accurately, they stick to hair like jelly. Nits hatch to become lice after between 7–10 days.

Headlice, which live in human hair, and feed on blood, are transmitted by close contact. They cannot fly or jump – they only walk or crawl; the only way head lice spread from person to person is when they simply walk from one person's head to another person's head. Head lice easily spread in schools, nurseries, and within families.

So, Can a Hair Straightener Kill Nits?

Yes, technically, a hot hair straightener can kill some nits and lice by using heat. However, this is not a safe or appropriate method of choice. A regular flat iron or good hair day flat iron is able to heat up to (180 - 230° C), hot enough to completely fry lice and some nits. However, there are some issues:

• You can only straighten the hair strands, not on the scalp where lice are often hidden. 
• Nits near the scalp may survive because it is not close enough to the scalp to kill them.
• Lice and nits are tiny, and they move super fast, so you could miss many of them. 
• Using high heat often will damage the hair, especially kids' sensitive scalps. 

So, the best professional flat iron or vibrating flat iron might kill some lice and nits if you use it; however, it is not a proper treatment or cure.  And using heat in this way could cause problems long-term instead of benefits.

Why People Think It Works

A common misconception is that people think if a hair straightening hot tool can straighten their curly hair, then it can also destroy anything in their hair (even lice). While it is true that lice and nits cannot survive extreme heat, it does not make the hair straightener an effective or safe solution. Hair straighteners only treat a surface issue, and honestly, they may give a false sense of relief; the lice will be back in a couple of days unless treated properly.

Risks of Using a Hair Straightener for Nits

There are many things to be worried about when using a hair straightener to deal with lice and nits:  

• Burns and scalp damage - You may inadvertently contact the scalp with the flatiron and burn it, especially in children.  
• Damaged hair - Repeated use of hot tools creates breakage, dryness, and split ends.  
• False sense of accomplishment - It may appear that you have addressed the problems, while many nits and lice remained behind.  
• Missed areas - Lice hide very close to the scalp, in areas such as behind the ears, and at the nape of the neck, which can be difficult to straighten out fully.

What Really Works for Nits and Lice?

At Online Pharmacy4U, we recommend safe and proven treatments for lice and nits, including: 

• Lyclear Creme Rinse Permethrin - a mild but effective lice treatment which is available to purchase online.
• Hedrin Prevent Spray (or Hedrin OctoSafe Prevent) - this product makes it harder for lice to spread and can be used regularly.
• Fine-tooth nit combs - use the nit comb after treating to remove dead lice and nits.
• Shampoo treatments - medicated shampoo to kill lice and loosen nits.

We also offer discreet packaging and free delivery over £45, so you can treat the problem at home safely and privately.

What Else Can Help?

If you are still considering a hair straightener, I recommend only doing so if you have followed treatment with a lice-killing agent. In other words, if you used a lice-killing shampoo, you can use your favorite hair straightener to style it or to check for any live lice. 

Also, we get a lot of questions about other tools and services when it comes to head lice and nits:

• Beard straightener near me - This is something were not going to recommend for lice, but will come up in searches for personal grooming.
• Smoothing treatment near me - These went straight to the salon in search of frizzy or curly hair, not lice.
• Hair smoothening salon near me or smoothening hair near me - Again these are just cosmetic procedures, and do not treat lice.

Just remember, head lice are a medical condition - not an issue of styling.  You need relative treatment not a "styling" session.

Preventing Lice from Coming Back

After treating the hair, you can do a few more things to prevent lice returning: 

• Wash your pillowcases, hats, and hairbrushes in hot water.
• Avoid head-to-head contact, this is especially important in group settings.
• Tie long hair back when in schools / social wonderful places.
• Use preventative sprays such as Hedrin, available from Online Pharmacy4U.

Regular checks are also useful. Use a nit comb and comb through your child's hair once a week, especially during an outbreak at school.

Online Pharmacy4U – Here to Help

At Online Pharmacy4U, we recognize how maddening and mortifying lice infestations can be.  That's why we offer: 

• Immediate access to licensed treatments 
• Free online consultations 
• Fast delivery to your doorstep 
• 100% discretion in packaging 
• Helpful tips with hair and scalp care 

Whether you are seeking medical solutions for lice, or grooming tools like the best professional flat iron, we carry everything from general health to hair care products and more!

Final Thoughts – Can a Hair Straightener Really Kill Nits?

In conclusion, you may kill some lice and even some nits by using a hair straightener because of the heat applied. However, a hair straightener is neither a safe nor a reliable treatment. The risk of burns and damage to your hair is high, and you may miss lice that are hiding close to the scalp.

If you have a lice infestation, it will always be better to use a treatment from Online Pharmacy4U in conjunction with combing and washing safely. After you resolve your lice, use your flat iron, vibrating flat iron, or hair rage straightener to style your hair, not to treat it.

Check out some of our trusted products or consult with a pharmacist through our quick consultation system. We are happy to help you have a good hair day, without the nits.