Family Encyclopedia >> Beauty & Style

A simple way to reduce the risk of lice

A simple way to reduce the risk of lice

After six months of research based on a national lice registry, RIVM has discovered an easy way to reduce the risk of contracting lice.

Use hairspray or gel
People who used hairspray or gel in their hair were less likely to have lice. Of the boys who use gel, 3 percent contracted head lice. This was 6 percent of the boys without gel. The difference was even greater for girls. Of the girls who use hairspray, 7 percent contracted lice. This was 12 percent of the girls without hairspray.

Lice probably have less grip on hair with styling products. Not a foolproof method, but in times when there are lice, some extra gel or a little hairspray won't hurt.