Can Curly Hair Get Lice? Breaking Down the Myths

Having lice is one of the most frustrating experiences for any parent. When that recurring itch pops up, you know you’re in for hours of careful combing, cleaning, and wondering how these pesky insects found their way back onto your child’s head.

If your curly-haired kid comes home from school with lice, you may feel an extra wave of annoyance. Surely those tight coils don’t provide easy access for lice, right? The myth that curly hair doesn’t get lice is prevalent, but entirely false. Lice do not discriminate based on curl pattern.

At Heather Annz Salon, we want to provide the real facts about lice so you can protect your kids. Keep reading to learn the truth about lice in curly hair.

Can Curly Hair Get Lice?

This is the million dollar question for parents of kids with curls. Here’s the simple truth: Yes, curly hair can absolutely get lice. Lice do not prefer or avoid curly hair when looking for a host. They simply want access to a human scalp and blood supply.

Lice spread through head-to-head contact and sharing items like hair brushes, hats, and pillows. They do not care if the hair is straight, wavy, or tight coils. Curly hair provides the grip they need to hang on and get to that scalp access.

So while the curly hair myth persists, there is no scientific evidence that tighter curl patterns deter lice. Lice have adapted to survive in all hair types. Assume your curly-haired child is just as susceptible as their straight-haired classmates.

Why the Curly Hair Myth Exists

If curly hair can get lice, why does this myth continue to spread? There are a few potential factors:

1. Observation bias

If you don’t see lice in curly hair as often, you may assume they don’t like it. But less visibility doesn’t prove lice avoidance.

2. Care and styling habits

Curly hair often requires more moisturizing products. The oils may make it tougher for lice to attach. Frequent shampooing also reduces lice success.

3. Difficult detection

It’s simply harder to spot lice and nits in curly hair. The shape obscures visibility at the roots. Lice can go unnoticed for longer.

4. Challenging removal

Nit removal combs snag curly strands. If lice persist after incomplete removal, it perpetuates the myth.

Signs of Lice in Curly Hair

Lice are sneaky invaders. Catching an infestation early allows for quicker, easier treatment. But curly hair makes detection tricky.

Watch for these subtle signs of lice in curly hair:

• Increased itching and scratching, especially at the nape of the neck and around the ears
• Visible nits stuck near the base of the hair shaft
• Small tickling sensation felt on the scalp
• Red bite marks or sores on the scalp
• Irritability and difficulty sleeping
• Lice visible in hair, often running away when you part the hair to look closer

Conduct periodic lice checks using a bright light and magnifying glass. Look near the scalp behind the ears, at the nape of the neck, and around the crown.

If you spot any nits or living lice, it’s time to take action. The sooner treatment starts, the better.

Treating Lice in Curly Hair

Finding lice in your kid’s curly mane is frustrating, but don’t despair. With the right techniques and diligence, you can eradicate the infestation completely.

Follow these tips for successfully treating lice in curly hair:

Use a quality lice comb

Nit combs with extremely fine teeth are essential for curly hair. Quality stainless steel combs trap lice and remove nits without snagging hair.

Apply conditioner

Conditioner helps detangle and straighten curly strands. This allows combs to glide smoothly through the hair.

Section the hair

Work in small sections no larger than 1-2 inches wide