Back-to-school time means new backpacks, new teachers, and unfortunately, a routine bump in head lice cases as children reunite after the lazy days of summer. Although there’s no hairstyle that can guarantee head lice won’t make the leap (since they mostly transmit through direct head-to-head contact), some styles can help minimize the amount of loose hair that’s floating around and make it a little more difficult for head lice to make the cross between heads.
Here’s what really works, and how to give your child a style that’s both functional in the classroom and a bit more protective.
Pair a protective style with the right products for added reassurance. Purchase My Hair Helpers’ head lice prevention products online, or book a back-to-school check-up at a salon near you.
How Certain Hairstyles Can Help Prevent Head Lice
Lice crawl through strands of hair from head to head during direct contact, so anything that lessens the amount of dangling, free-flowing hair available to make that connection lessens the odds, even if just a little bit. Think of it less as a surefire shield and more like one step in a larger prevention plan, supplemented by product-based protection and weekly inspections.
A tightly styled head simply presents fewer surface areas and fewer free-floating strands to hitch a ride on during the sort of close conversation that happens with every reading circle and group presentation at school: sharing desks, huddling during class projects, and even a quick hug hello.
Buns and Topknots
A tightly wound bun or topknot pulls all the hair up and away from everything, especially during those activities where kids tend to lean in close together, like circle time or center work. For younger children who find a bun too much to sit still for, a simple high ponytail twisted into a low bun takes a minute or two and can endure the wear and tear of recess, art class, or gym.
A little bit of My Hair Helpers Mint Conditioner worked through damp hair before styling keeps buns easy to smooth and helps loose strands tuck in, rather than working loose by midday.
Ponytails and Half-up Styles
Ponies aren’t as protective as braids (because some of the hair underneath the elastic still hangs freely and can make contact), but they are a meaningful step up from full-out hair-wearing-down, and they save time before school.
Half-up styles (a section of hair pulled back and secured, and the rest left to hang) can work for children who don’t like their hair pulled too tight. For a little added protection, try braiding the ponytail once it’s in, so even less hair hangs loose.
Whatever style your child chooses going back to school, a weekly head check is still the best way to catch a problem early. Find all the head lice products you need online from My Hair Helpers, or book a quick appointment at a salon near you.
How to Make Your Child’s Back-to-School Hairstyle Last All Day Long
Below are some tips for making protective hairstyles outlast the school day:
- Choose the right elastics. Fabric-coated hair bands have a better grip than thin rubber and are gentler on the hair, which means less breakage and a style that will last through the ride home.
- Begin with freshly washed, ready-to-hold strands. Whether you’re going with braids or buns, freshly clean, smooth, and prepped hair will do the best. My Hair Helpers Mint Shampoo and Conditioner are ideal for daily use.
- Travel with a miniature kit. A few spare bobby pins, a travel-size comb, and an extra elastic or two mean that no one needs to ask for help or borrow accessories if their hairstyle begins to slip out.
- Apply a few spritzes of mint protective spray. My Hair Helpers has a pleasant smelling mint spray that helps repel head lice. Use a few spritzers on a finished hairstyle for extra protection.
Short vs Long Hair and Head Lice
Short Hair
While shorter hair naturally offers less space for contact, smaller clips or a headband can help keep shorter pieces from sliding into a kiddo’s eyes when they lean in during those close activities.
Curly and Textured Hair
Two-strand twists, similar to braids but gentler on the curl pattern, can be as protective as braids. They can be left in, or styled into a bun for the day. My Hair Helpers Conditioner does a lot to reduce frizz and help twists stay on point.
Very Long Hair
When a braid still leaves an inch or two hanging down, twist the braid up and attach it closer to the crown, often called a braided bun. This offers added protection during close activities.
Why Hairstyles Alone Can’t Prevent Head Lice
A quick note about what protective hairstyles cannot accomplish:
No style can totally eliminate the threat of lice. A tight braid on a kid who spends the afternoon at a sleepover with other heads pressed together watching cartoons is still a little risky. The right hairstyles are still a step in a series of preventative practices, not an alternative to regular checks or, in the case of an incident, added protections like My Hair Helpers Lice Removal Oil. Think of it as one savvy habit among many.
Looking for a way to establish a complete preventative routine before heading back to school? Find My Hair Helpers’ products online or book an appointment with a professional today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Back-to-School Hairstyles for Head Lice Prevention
Do braids truly lower the risk of contracting head lice?
Braids do help lower the risk of contracting head lice because they cut down on the amount of freely floating hair available to make head-to-head contact, which is the common mode for transmission. They’re not a guarantee, but they are a worthwhile, low-effort addition to a comprehensive plan.
How snug does a protective hairstyle need to be?
A protective hairstyle doesn’t need to be so tight that it’s uncomfortable, but enough to hold everything in place so it doesn’t fall out over the course of the day. If your child’s hairstyle does fall apart by lunch, it’s not offering much protection by the time the bus gets home.
Can you use head lice prevention spray on any hairstyle?
Yes, you can use head lice prevention spray on any hairstyle. My Hair Helpers Mint Lice Prevention Spray can be sprayed lightly on any style to add one more layer of protection in addition to the physical style. It can be applied in the morning, and work through braids, buns, twists, or any other style.
What if my kid refuses to wear their hair in any way besides down?
If your child refuses to wear their hair up, half-up styles are often a good workaround. They still keep the majority of the hair contained, but they do leave something that lice can grab onto. For the best protection, combine a daily application of lice prevention spray and a weekly check with the hairstyle.
How often should styles be re-tied?
Daily styles like braids and buns should be redone each morning. Longer-lasting styles can stay put longer, but it’s still smart to check the roots daily, especially during a lice-prone time of year.
What to Do If You Notice Head Lice This Back-to-School Season
None of these styles turns back-to-school season into a foolproof time, but consistency can pack a punch. A braid over straight-down hair, a daily mist of prevention spray, and a weekly inspection can be easily added to your child’s routine.
If you do happen to notice certain lice patterns, such as an itchy scalp or neck, feeling a moving sensation in the hair, trouble sleeping, or small red bumps and sores from scratching, get in touch with My Hair Helpers. We have solutions to not just prevent head lice but treat it effectively as well. You can purchase our products online for DIY treatment, schedule an appointment at one of our salons, or pick a time for our mobile service to come to your home. We’re always in your corner!
Not sure what you need? Give us a call today at 310-874-4550.
