Hedrin
Medicine Hedrin 4% Lotion
Key features: Dimeticone 4% w/w (other ingredient: cyclomethicone 5)
Scalp
Head lice
Very common in children and nothing to do with dirty hair. Check with a detection comb; treat everyone affected on the same day.
Reviewed on
Head lice spread by head-to-head contact — they can't fly or jump, and they don't prefer clean or dirty hair. The NHS says you can treat them without seeing a GP: wet comb with a detection comb on days 1, 5, 9 and 13, or use a medicated lotion or spray. Children don't need to stay off school.
Common signs
- Live lice found with a detection comb (the only way to be sure)
- Eggs (nits) glued to the hair near the scalp
- An itchy scalp — though not everyone itches
What usually helps
- Check the whole family with a detection comb and treat anyone with live lice on the same day (NHS).
- Wet comb on days 1, 5, 9 and 13 and check again on day 17 — or use a pharmacy lotion or spray as the pack directs, usually repeated after a week (NHS).
- Skip tea tree and other plant oils, repellents, electric combs and permethrin products — the NHS doesn't recommend them.
- Plenty of conditioner makes wet combing easier and gentler.
Washing: Wash with ordinary shampoo — no need for special "lice" shampoos or hot-washing laundry (NHS).
Build your routine with this concern
Read the full guides
- Head lice and nits: how to check and treat themHead lice are very common in children and have nothing to do with dirty hair. How to check properly with a detection comb, wet combing step by step, which pharmacy treat…
- Children's hair and scalp: from cradle cap to school-gate liceGentle care for babies' and children's hair, what to do about cradle cap, head lice and scalp ringworm, which products have age limits — and why loose styles matter.
Ingredients worth knowing
- Dimeticone (for head lice) Evidence: StrongSilicone in pharmacy head lice lotions and sprays that kills lice physically, not as a nerve poison
Not medical advice. This guide is general information from the sources listed, not a diagnosis or a substitute for a pharmacist, GP or dermatologist. If you are worried, or symptoms are severe or not improving, get advice. Read our health information policy.
Sources
- NHS – Head lice and nits nhs.uk
- British Association of Dermatologists – Head lice bad.org.uk
- NICE CKS – Head lice: management cks.nice.org.uk
Product types for head lice
Grouped by category; products the manufacturer says are made for this concern are listed first. Not a ranking. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Children's hair & head lice
See the category →
Community Hygiene Concern
Bug Buster Kit (head lice wet-combing kit)
Key features: Not applicable (combs only; used with ordinary shampoo and conditioner)
Combs & brushes
See the category →
Tangle Teezer
The Original Detangling Hairbrush
Key features: Flexible teeth that the retailer copy says 'flex and flick' through hair; ergonomically shaped, handle-free body. Described as suitable for all hair types, including fragile, colour-treated or fine hair, hair extensions and weaves.
Denman
D3 The Original Curl Definer & Styler (7 Row)
Key features: 7 rows of pins on a half-round pad; removable pad and pins for cleaning; teardrop-shaped handle; durable, scratch-proof print (per retailer copy).
Mason Pearson
Rake Comb C7
Key features: Extra-wide teeth; hand-crafted from cellulose acetate plastic in a tortoiseshell finish; length 16 cm (6.25 in); 12-month limited warranty.