The Best Lice Shampoos

Lice Clinics of America Lice Treatment Kit

Clean and Clear

Designed to be super effective, this shampoo will help you become lice-free.

Best Overall

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Designed to kill both lice and super lice, this shampoo from Lice Clinics of America is extremely effective. Made from a non-toxic formula, the liquid gel is harsh on the lice, not your hair or skin, making it a safe treatment for people of all ages. Along with the gel, you’ll get an easy-to-use applicator and a metal lice comb to make the process that much simpler.

Pros:

• The liquid gel has a pleasant pear blossom scent
• Thanks to the non-toxic formula, it’s a safe way to kill lice that isn’t harsh on your scalp
• Leaves hair soft after washing, unlike some other lice shampoos

Cons:

• After applying the gel, it can be hard to get the comb through your hair
• If not washed thoroughly, it can leave hair greasy after the application

Tec Labs Licefreee All-in-One Kit

Good Hair Day

Kick lice to the curb with this long-term treatment.

Runner Up

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This non-toxic option from Tec Labs will kill head lice and also help you avoid reinfestation, making it a double-duty choice we can get behind. Using the gel and included root applicator, you can kill existing lice in your scalp along with their eggs to help prevent future investigations. Along with the kit itself, you can visit their website for helpful tips and tricks to answer any questions you may have to give you much-needed added support.

Pros:

• This shampoo kills lice and also has an included maintenance shampoo to help prevent recurrence
• The gel has a pleasant, non-chemical scent to make it more enjoyable to use
• You get a lot in a small package, so you don’t have to repurchase it often

Cons:

• A second kit is recommended as a preventative measure, which requires more time and money
• The included comb is not the most effective — you may want to use a separate one

Lice Shield Shampoo and Conditioner

Cheap and Cheerful

This affordable shampoo puts essentials oils to good use to kick lice to the curb.

Best on a Budget

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Designed to repel lice and gently cleanse your hair simultaneously, check out Lice Shield’s nature-based shampoo. Filled with five essential oils, including citronella, rosemary, lemongrass, cedar, and geraniol, it has an herbaceous scent that leaves your hair smelling fresh and clean. Perfect for adults and children alike, it’s an ideal way to prevent lice from making a comeback.

Pros:

• Can be used for your entire family to help protect against lice
• Two-in-one shampoo and conditioner helps keep your hair clean and soft while eliminating an extra step in your routine
• With five different essential oils, the shampoo has a pleasant scent

Cons:

• The scent is enjoyable but can be a bit too strong for some people
• The texture of the shampoo is thinner than traditional shampoos, which can make it harder to work with

LiceLogic Head Lice Shampoo

Au Naturale

This non-toxic shampoo is a safe and natural way to kill lice.

Most Natural

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LiceLogic’s pediatrician-recommended shampoo can be used by children two and older to kick lice to the curb. Proven to kill both lice and nits, it’s safe enough for daily use to get hair lice-free. Simply apply the shampoo to the scalp for 15 minutes, detangle hair with a comb, work the product through to the ends, and comb out lice and nits from the root. Then, just rinse out the formula and use it for seven to ten days to ensure that lice stay away — all without any harsh chemicals.

Pros:

• The bottle includes step-by-step instructions to most effectively eliminate lice and nits
• With a natural and proprietary enzyme blend, the shampoo doesn’t contain harsh chemicals
• It lathers just like regular shampoo, making it easy to use

Cons:

• It’s more expensive than other lice shampoos on the market
• You must thoroughly comb the product through and use the nit comb to remove all the adult lice and eggs, which can be time-consuming

Nix Lice Killing Crème Rinse Family Pack

All in the Family

This maximum-strength shampoo has enough for each member of your family.

Best Family Pack

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Kill lice with just one application, thanks to this powerful rinse from Nix. Designed to prevent reinfestation for up to two weeks, it’s safe to use on adults and children and is created by a pediatrician-recommended brand you can feel good about using. With two bottles of rinse and two nit combs included with your purchase, you’ll be able to get through the whole family for a lice-free home before you know it.

Pros:

• Your purchase includes two bottles of crème rinse and two nit combs, making it easier to delouse an entire family
• It includes instructions so you can more easily combat lice infestations
• It’s affordably priced for a low-cost and effective solution

Cons:

• If you miss even a few nits when using, the lice are likely to come back
• It’s a thick gel, which can make it challenging to work thoroughly through hair

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the side effects of lice shampoo?

Lice shampoo can irritate scalp, potentially causing itchiness, redness, tingling, or stinging. These symptoms should be temporary. If they persist, be sure to seek medical attention.

What are head lice?

Head lice are small insects that are transferred from person to person. They feed on blood in the scalp, causing excessive itchiness. While head lice aren’t dangerous, they can cause extreme discomfort and require specialized shampoo to be removed.