EXPERT TIPS

For busy parents, the most harrowing time of the day may very well be bath time. Corralling your kids into the tub for a cleaning routine often ends in a sudsy mess. And if your kid has curly hair, shampooing and conditioning can make you feel like bath time lasts till the end of time.

Luckily, with the right curl conditioner, you can make bathtime a breeze for both you and your little ones. Here are some tips for creating a smooth and easy washing routine that will leave your kid’s curls beautiful and buoyant in no time. 

Should I brush my kid’s curly hair?

When your kid’s curls are more tangled than tamed, a parent’s first instinct is often to bring out the brush. However, brushing curly hair actually increases frizz and can cause hair breakage.

Brush off the brush, and invest in a good wide-toothed comb. Gently combing through the hair, either with your fingers and/or a quality comb, is the best way to unlock tangled locks. Begin at the tips of the hair and slowly work your way up towards the roots for best results.

How often should I wash my kid’s curly hair?

Did you know that it’s possible for hair to be too clean? This is especially true for curly hair. It’s important for natural oils to build between washes to maintain a healthy scalp and hair. Allow 3-4 days in between washes. If hair begins to feel dry, a good leave-in conditioner can help to maintain moisture in between washes. 

Ready to wash?

Step 1: Shampoo

Begin your hair care with a hydrating curly hair shampoo. SoCozy Curl Shampoo Ultra Hydrating Cleanser is a great, gentle option that cleans while maintaining moisture. Gently massage into hair and create a lather, then rinse. 

Step 2: Condition

Apply conditioner to freshly shampooed hair. Distribute evenly and gently finger-comb the conditioner into hair. SoCozy Ultra Hydrating Curl Conditioner is the perfect conditioning product for soft and shiny curls. It uses natural ingredients like mango seed butter and papaya extract in its ultra-hydrating formula.

Step 3: Comb

To de-tangle, use a wide-toothed comb and gently comb through the conditioned hair, starting at the bottom and working your way up to the top of the head. SoCozy’s curl conditioner is a natural detangler, making this step a relaxing breeze rather than a battle. 

Step 4: Rinse 

Gently rinse out the conditioner. For extra hydration, do a quick rinse and leave in a small amount of the conditioner to lock in lasting moisture. 

Step 5: Dry and style

Wring dripping water out of the hair and gently blot away excess water with a towel. If you’re looking for a quick tip to fight the dreaded frizz, ditch the towel for a cotton T-shirt. The shirt has a smoother texture without the rough grooves on towels, meaning it will absorb the water without disrupting your kid’s curl pattern. Plus, picking out an old “T-shirt towel” makes for a fun bath time activity!

Next step: part the hair and apply a dime-size amount of styling cream or mousse (SoCozy's Curl Volumizing Foam is a great option). Then, gently scrunch the hair from tip to roots.  Let air dry, or use a diffusing attachment if blow-drying. 

Conditioner is like magic for curly hair — it brings your kid’s curls to life right in front of your eyes! Hydration keeps hair healthy and happy, and using a good curly conditioner like SoCozy Ultra Hydrating Curl Conditioner is the best way to keep the curls flowing. With the right conditioner, bath time tears will turn into triumph!

Any parent that’s had the displeasure of delousing their little one will tell you that the process is an itchy inconvenience to be avoided at all costs. Treating head lice can be a tedious and time-consuming process. To add to the stress, lice and lice eggs (nits) are so imperceptibly tiny, they can seem impossible to avoid. 

Head Lice Prevention Tips

Fortunately, proactive prevention of head lice is possible. While there is no way to guarantee a lice-free environment for your child, there are many methods you and your child can use to help keep the bugs at bay. Below is a list of head lice prevention tips and tricks.

1.Avoid head-to-head contact

The most common way lice are spread is through head-to-head contact, so your best bet for lice prevention is to ensure that your child does not come into contact head-to-head contact with other kids. This means becoming extra conscious of your children’s social activities. Whether they are at school, camp, or the playground, it’s best for children to keep their distance as they play.

2. Do not share clothing, combs, or towels

Most of us know that refraining from sharing hats is an important part of preventing lice. But lice are able to crawl into any item of clothing. Make sure that your child knows not to share their clothes or hair care products. Additionally, you can remind your child to avoid shared spaces (such as hooks or lockers), where clothing from more than one child is kept.

3. Know the symptoms

Did you know that head lice does not typically cause itching until 4-6 weeks after an infestation? It’s important to note the other symptoms that may accompany a lice outbreak. In addition to itching, visible lice and nits and a sensation of movement on the head can all be signs of lice.

4. Use a lice prevention shampoo

Head lice prevention products, such as SoCozy Boo! Lice Scaring Shampoo, are designed to help incorporate lice prevention into kid’s everyday hair care. These products use natural lice repellents such as tea tree and peppermint oil to help ‘scare’ away lice. You can take an easy, daily step towards lice prevention when using lice prevention shampoos and sprays. 

If your child has already come into contact with somebody who has lice, there are a few additional steps you can take to help mitigate the spread. If there is an immediate threat of lice, wash your child’s clothes with hot water and dry them on high heat. You can also vacuum your carpeting and furniture, but it’s important to note that the risk of lice spreading on these surfaces is quite small.

Even the thought of lice can sometimes give us the ‘creepy crawlies,’ but it’s important not to shy away from the issue out of fear. The more we are proactively preventing head lice in our families and communities, the less likely the lice are to surface and spread. Through these preventative measures, you can keep your children’s head lice-free — and your head worry-free.

There’s a reason we refer to lice as pests. When you’re a busy parent and pesky head lice make their way onto your child, identifying and treating them becomes Priority #1! The fact that head lice can be asymptomatic for up to 4-6 weeks after initial infestation means your child could unknowingly spread their lice to your whole family. If this ‘bugs' you, the good news is that there are many lice-prevention techniques you can employ to keep your family pest-free.

Knowledge is power, and the best way to be armed against a lice infestation is to know how lice appear and what symptoms they may present. Below is a list of six head lice symptoms to look out for.

Itchiness

Itching (pruritus) is caused by an allergic reaction to the lice bites. It can take up to six weeks before itchiness on the scalp is present, so it’s important to be vigilant and aware of accompanying symptoms.

Sensation of movement on head

Head lice are not always accompanied by an itching sensation. However, if lice are crawling on your head, it is likely that you may feel them ‘moving about the cabin’, so to speak. If you feel any crawling or tickling sensation in your hair, that is a sign to check for lice.

The appearance of lice eggs (nits)

Lice eggs will appear on the scalp before they hatch into full-grown lice. These nits are extremely small, white, circular eggs. Because of their tiny size, they can be hard to spot and are often mistaken for dandruff. Nits are easiest to spot near the ears and nape of the neck, and unlike dandruff, they can be difficult to remove from the hair shaft.

The appearance of adult lice and nymphs

Perhaps the most visible head lice symptom is seeing the lice, themselves. Adult lice are around the size of a sesame seed, and tan or grey-white in color. Nymphs (baby lice) are about half the size of an adult louse, and grow to full size within 1-2 weeks.

Red bumps or sores

Red bumps and scalp irritation may appear as a result of scratching. Excess scratching may lead to a larger rash or even a bacterial infection, so if itchiness is present, it is important to mitigate scratching.

Irritability and sleeplessness

Due to itchiness or general discomfort, lice can cause irritability and a lack of sleep.

All it takes is one lousy louse to eventually send you and your family into pest-ridden disarray. In addition to looking out for the symptoms of head lice, there are a few active steps you can take to help keep lice at bay and far away. Head lice is most commonly spread through head-to-head contact, so encourage your child to keep their distance and to avoid sharing hats or other clothing. 

There are also head lice prevention products, like SoCozy’s Boo! Lice Scaring Shampoo, that are designed to help incorporate lice prevention into kid’s everyday hair care. These products use natural lice repellents such as tea tree and peppermint oil to help ‘scare’ away lice. 

Head lice are not always predictable, which is why it’s important to be prepared. By being aware of head lice symptoms and taking steps towards prevention (like the use of lice-scaring products), you can give your family pest-free peace of mind.

“Mom, stop nitpicking!” 

What busy parent hasn’t heard this complaint from their child? But, when your kid ends up with a case of head lice, the term “nit-picking” takes on a whole new meaning. 

Getting rid of head lice involves a number of challenging steps, including — you guessed it — picking away ‘nits’, or lice eggs. And, as most parents know, one of the most essential parts of eradicating head lice is the use of head lice shampoo.

Over-the-counter and prescription head lice shampoos contain pediculicides, a lice-killing compound. This is an extremely effective part of lice treatment, but these medicated shampoos often contain strong chemicals. When applying the shampoo on your little one, it is important to carefully follow the instructions on the label. 

Below is a ‘how-to’ guide, full of tips and tricks on how to effectively use lice shampoo while keeping your kid safe. 

Step One — Preparation  

• Make sure your child is wearing clothing that you don’t mind getting wet or stained.
• Use a washcloth or towel to cover and protect your child’s eyes from treatment. 
• Avoid water — your child’s hair should be dry when applying treatment.
• Read instructions on the shampoo on use and care.

Step Two — Applying the Lice Shampoo

• Apply treatment thoroughly to dry hair.
• Apply the shampoo behind the ears and at the back of the neck. Starting at the roots and working your way towards the end of the hair strand helps keep any lice from escaping.
• The amount of treatment used should be proportionate to the length of hair. Sometimes, children with longer hair will need more product. Refer to your treatment’s usage guidelines for specific measurements. 

Step Three — Wait and Wash 

• Allow the product to remain on the hair. Most lice shampoos require a 10 minute wait, but set a timer and let the product sit until the time allotted on the treatment.
• Thoroughly rinse out the shampoo with warm water. You can follow up the rinse with a lather of regular shampoo.
• Conditioner or any extra hair care products are not recommended, as they could interfere with the medicine. 

Step Four — Comb Through and Review

• Once hair is rinsed clean, you’ll want to comb through and remove any existing lice or eggs. 
• Most lice treatment shampoos remain effective for several days after initial application. Always speak to a healthcare provider or confirm your product’s re-treatment instructions before repeating treatment. 

There’s one more step you can take towards healthy, lice-free hair care. It happens long before coming in contact with any pests, so let’s call it Step Zero.

Step Zero — Lice Prevention Shampoo 

• Lice prevention shampoos and sprays use essential oils and scents as natural lice repellents to help keep lice at bay, every day. 
• Many lice ‘scaring’ products, like SoCozy Boo! Lice Scaring Spray, are designed specifically for kids. This means  that they are all-natural, chemical-free hair care products that are safe for your kid’s daily use.
• SoCozy Boo! Lice Scaring Shampoo, made with peppermint and tea tree oil, simply needs to be massaged into wet hair and rinsed. SoCozy’s non-sticky spray is made to be used in tandem with the shampoo, and can be sprayed directly onto wet or dry hair. 

Using lice prevention shampoo ensures your child’s hair is clean and healthy, and will provide you with precious peace of mind! A combination of lice-scaring hair care, avoidance of head-to-head-contact, and limiting the clothes you’re child shares makes for an excellent lice prevention plan. Still, if those pesky little bugs decide to make an inconvenient appearance, you can equip yourself with head lice shampoo to help fight the lice, and the proper application techniques to help keep your kid safe.

As a parent, there’s nothing better than watching your kid make new friends...until your little one picks up head lice on the playground. Then it’s all hands on deck to get rid of those pesky little buggers. 

Head lice can be very tricky to avoid, especially among children and toddlers. While the best lice prevention method is to avoid head-to-head contact, this is not always possible with active kids on the move.

If your child does pick up lice at school or the playground, there are many over-the-counter treatment shampoos that can help to eradicate the pests. While these treatments can be effective, many of them contain strong chemicals. Fortunately, there are safe and natural lice prevention sprays and shampoos that can help to keep lice away entirely. Many plant-based ingredients serve as lice-repellents, providing a form of chemical-free lice prevention.

How do lice sprays and shampoos work?

First, it’s important to distinguish between lice prevention products and lice treatment products. Lice ‘scaring’ shampoos and sprays do not get rid of existing lice but are designed to prevent lice, using natural lice repellents such as peppermint and tea tree oil. Most of these products are non-toxic, and can be purchased anywhere. 

Lice treatment shampoos, on the other hand, use pediculicides (lice-killing medicine) to treat existing lice. These treatments can be over-the-counter or prescription shampoos, such as Nix, that use active ingredients like permethrin to kill the lice. If you or your child develops lice, it’s best to speak with your doctor to find the best treatment plan for your family.

We get a lot of questions from curious parents about the best ways to keep lice away. Here is some of our go-to advice on what to do if head lice creep their way into your home.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can you use lice shampoo two days in a row?

Any over the counter or prescription lice shampoo should be used as directed, and most lice shampoos that contain active ingredients advise against multiple uses. Lice medicine can sometimes take multiple days to take effect, so it’s best to consult your healthcare provider before reusing the treatment. 

However, many lice-preventing products, like So Cozy’s Boo! Lice Scaring Shampoo, are made to be used as your any-day-of-the-week go-to shampoo.  So Cozy’s Lice Scaring shampoo is a natural product that cleans and cares for hair while also preventing lice, making it safe and effective for daily use.

Does lice shampoo kill lice and eggs?

The active ingredients present in the lice treatment determine how effectively the shampoo can kill lice and eggs. In order to kill the lice, the lice shampoo must contain pediculicides. However, not all lice-killing medicines kill pre-hatched lice eggs (known as nits). To kill both lice and nits, the lice shampoo must also be strongly ovicidal, meaning it kills louse eggs.

Will lice shampoo kill fleas?

While lice and fleas do have some similarities, lice shampoo is not guaranteed to be an effective flea treatment. Flea shampoo is recommended for the best treatment of fleas in hair.

Does lice shampoo fade hair color?

Like with all shampoos, hair color is likely to fade upon washing if your hair has been dyed recently. However, most lice shampoos are unlikely to fade hair color because they are meant to be used only once.

Can lice shampoo cause dandruff?

There is no studied correlation between lice shampoo and dandruff. However, it is possible that a lice shampoo with active ingredients could cause scalp irritation or dryness that may lead to dandruff. This can be remedied with a dandruff shampoo.

Can toddlers use lice shampoo?

Some over-the-counter lice shampoos are approved for children as young as two months old. However, some lice treatments, such as A-200, are only approved for children 2 years and older. With any lice treatment, it is important to take notice of age recommendations.