How Do Lice Prevention Sprays Work?

Lice sprays for hair come in a variety of formulations that can use either mild pesticides or all-natural-ingredients like peppermint and rosemary, which are clinically proven to prevent lice infestations (1), (2). These sprays can kill lice or prevent them from infesting your head. To help you pick the head lice spray best suited for you, we have compiled a list of the top 15 head lice sprays available online.

15 Best Head Lice Sprays In 2022

1. Best Overall:Licefreee Spray Head Lice Treatment

The Lice freee Spray Head Lice Treatment kills lice, eggs, and nits effectively on contact. It is formulated with sodium chloride and comes with a lice comb to comb out the lice after using the spray. It can be used on children above six months of age. This safe and non-toxic formula does not contain permethrin or pyrethrumand works on all hair types. Pros

Permethrin-free Pyrethrum-free Non-toxic formula Pleasant smell Suitable for all hair types Safe for adults and children

Cons

Might leaveresidue. Might require reapplication.

2. Best Pediatrician Recommended:Lice Logic Hair Nit Spray

The Lice Logic Hair Nit Spray is pediatrician-recommended lice spray that can be used by children over the age of two. This hypoallergenic lice repellent spray is gentle and formulated with a blend of essential oils and natural enzymes that repel and prevent lice. It is proven to destroy nits and eggs on contact and eliminates lice infestations within 7 to 10 days. It is cruelty-free, works on all hair types, and uses a plant-based formula. Pros

Pesticide-free Phthalate-free Formaldehyde-free Paraben-free Hypoallergenic Easy to use Suitable for all hair types Cruelty-free Pediatrician recommended Plant-based formula

Cons

Might leaveresidue.

3. Best Clinically Proven One:Fairy Tales Lice Prevention Rosemary Repel Conditioning Spray

The Fairy Tales Lice Prevention Rosemary Repel Conditioning Spray is a gentle formula that conditions and hydrates the hair effectively. It is made with clinically proven, natural ingredients like organic rosemary, citronella, tea tree, and geranium oils to prevent head lice. It also contains jojoba and chamomile, which soothe the scalp. Pros

Pleasant smell No harsh chemicals Toxin-free Gluten-free Soy-free Dairy-free Nut-free Paraben-free Sulfate-free Gentle formula Suitable for daily use

Cons

Strong smell Might dry out the hair.

4. Best For Pregnant Women:Little Bugs Lice Prevention Kit

The Little Bugs Lice Prevention Kit comes with a natural lice spray and conditioning shampoo that repels head lice gently and prevents infestations. It is formulated with spearmint and neem essential oils blended with exclusive lice-repelling formula. Its sweet smell is pleasing to humans but keeps lice away. It is safe to be used on infants, pregnant women, and nursing mothers. It contains castor oil that helps in hair growth. Pros

Biodegradable Sulfate-free Paraben-free Phthalate-free Pesticide-free Vegan Pleasant smell

5. Best For All Ages:My Hair Helpers Natural Lice Removal My Mint Spray

The My Hair Helpers Natural Lice Removal My Mint Spray is a non-toxic lice prevention spray. Its refreshing peppermint fragrance repels hard-to-treat lice. It is made with natural ingredients and does not contain chemicals. It is gentle and can be used daily on children. Pros

Gentle formula Chemical-free Pesticide-free Suitable for children and adults

6. Best Scented:Nit Free Detangler

The Nit Free Detangler is a leave-in conditioner that makes it easy to comb out lice and eggs. It is made with peppermint oil and can be used on children. Pros

Conditions the hair Detangles the hair Non-toxic Pleasant smell

Cons

Might stiffen the hair.

7. Best Non-Toxic:Fairy LiceMothers Magic Mint

Detangle your hair while keeping lice and nits away with the Fairy LiceMothers Magic Mint. It is formulated sulfate-free to keep your hair healthy. The conditioning properties of this formula keep the hair smooth. It is enzyme-based and offers a pleasant peppermint fragrance. Pros

 Pleasant fragrance  Safe and non-toxic ingredients  Pesticide-free  Suitable for everyday use  Gentle

Cons

 May feel greasy

8. Best For Split Ends:Head Hunters Lemon Head Repellant Spray

The HeadHunters Lemon Head Repellant Spray not only eradicates lice and their eggs but also makes the hair silky and soft. It can also be used as a detangling spray and for restoring the hair. It provides a deep layer of scent that hinders the scent receptors of lice. It acts as a scalp cleanser and disinfectant, repelling head lice. It strengthens the hair and repairs split ends. Pros

Detangles the hair Cleansesthe scalp Repairs split ends Strengthens the hair Softens the hair No harsh chemicals

Cons

Might feel greasy Might cause skin irritation.

9. Best Vegan:Ladibugs Detangling Spray

The Ladibugs Detangling Spray is a detangling and conditioning spray that protects the scalp from lice. It is formulated with spearmint and neem essential oils that not only eliminate lice but also prevent them. It is an all-natural and vegan product with no pesticides, sulfates, parabens, or phthalates. It is also cruelty-free and safe for daily use. Pros

Can be used on hats and coats Natural Vegan Cruelty-free Pesticide-free Sulfate-free Paraben-free Phthalate-free

Cons

Contains phenoxyethanol

10. Best For The Scalp:Lice Sisters Leave-In Spray

The Lice Sisters Leave-In Spray was developed by chemists and lice technicians to preventfuture lice infestations. It. Its scent is pleasant to humans but protects against lice. It is non-toxicand can be used by children and adults. It is made with all-natural and vegan ingredients like essential oils. It is gentle on the scalp and hair, and does not contain parabens, sulfates, or phthalates. Pros

All-natural formula Non-toxic Paraben-free Sulfate-free Phthalate-free

11. Best Chemical-Free:Hair Genies Lice Prevention Detangler

The Hair Genies Lice Prevention Detangler not only eliminates and repels lice but also detangles the hair. It is free of chemicals, toxins, and sulfates. This peppermint-based formula is clinically proven to prevent lice. It is a non-sticky, non-toxic lice preventing hair spray that can be used by children and adults. It is gentle enough to be daily. Pros

Chemical-free Non- toxic Sulfate-free Pesticide-free Non-sticky No chemicals Detangles the hair Gentle formula Suitable for daily use Works on children and adults

Cons

Might cause redness. Might cause flaking.

12. Best For Hair Growth:SoCozy Boo! Lice Scaring Spray

The So Cozy Boo! Lice Scaring Spray is a non-sticky conditioning spray that prevents lice infestations on kids’ hair. It is made with tea tree, peppermint, rosemary extract, and keratin.The tea tree and peppermint prevent lice infestations, while the rosemary extract stimulates hair growth and soothes the scalp. Keratin strengthens and protects the hair. Pros

Stimulates hair growth Soothes the scalp Paraben-free Sulfate-free Phthalate-free Formaldehyde-free No synthetic colors or dyes Propylene glycol-free Gluten-free Wheat-free Nut-fee Non-sticky Non-toxic

Cons

Might cause allergic reactions.

13. Best Hypoallergenic:Babo Botanicals Lice Repel Conditioning Spray

The Babo Botanicals Lice Repel Conditioning spray is made with powerful oils that detangle, smooth, and condition the hair. It is formulated with a blend of flower and plant extracts,especially to prevent and repel lice. It contains rosemary, tea tree, thyme, and mint and is enriched with Babo’s organic nutri-soothe complex. It is hypoallergenic and free of sulfates, soy, and dairy. Pros

Plant-based formula Hypoallergenic Sulfate-free Soy-free Dairy-free Detangles the hair Smoothens the hair Conditions the hair

Cons

Strong smell Might feel greasy.

14. Best Easy-To-Use:Lice Shield Leave in Spray

Lice Shield Leave in Spray is powered by 5 natural essential oils which help to repel head lice. This spray is specially formulated to be gentle on children’s hair. People from all age groups can use this leave-in spray. You can use this lice repellent spray after being exposed to lice, during lice outbreaks, or during peak lice periods. The spray also conditions the hair and helps to detangle it. Pros

Pesticide-free Non-toxic Gentle and effective Easy-to-use

Cons None

15. Best Multi-Purpose:Lice Eradicator Repel

The Lice Eradicator Repel is a lice repellent spray that eliminates and prevents lice infestations. It is made with peppermint that helps prevent lice and has a pleasant smell. It can be sprayed on furniture, backpacks, and clothing to eliminate lice. Pros

Pleasant smell Can be used on objects to prevent lice infestation

Cons

Might cause stickiness.

Let’s now take a look at a few things you should consider while buying head lice prevention sprays.

What Should You Look For While Looking For A Head Lice Spray –Buying Guide

Ingredients: Look for lice prevention sprays that use mild pesticides or all-natural ingredients as they not only repel lice but also prevent hair damage. Using natural ingredients like essential oils can help stimulate hair growth and maintain its health. Kid-friendly: Opt for kid-friendly lice sprays as they contain gentle formulations that prevent burning or skin irritation without the heavy chemical smell. Easy Application: Most head lice sprays require you to use them on damp or dry hair. You can also use them on objects, like hats and scarves. Good Odor: Choose pleasant-smelling head lice to spray as it has to be kept on the hair for some time. Check the reviews to know how each spray smells.

Why Trust Stylecraze

Oyendrila Kanjilal, the author of this article, is a haircare fan and loves to stay updated on hair care products. She prepared a list of the best head lice sprays after thorough research. She also read many product reviews and user feedback on brand websites to ensure that the listed items were safe for your scalp and hair. The products in our article can provide you with a lice-free scalp and prevent further infestation. Can head sprays be used daily? Yes, head sprays can be used daily to prevent lice infestations. How bad is phenoxyethanol? Phenoxyethanol is stated as unsafe by the FDA for nursing infants. It is designated safe for cosmetic use, but unsafe to be ingested. How do lice spread? Lice spread via contact through living beings rather than inanimate objects as they need blood to survive. Without blood, lice die within 48 hours. How long do you leave on lice sprays? Each spray comes with a set of instructions on how long to keep it on the hair. Normally, these sprays can be left in the hair and washed off during a shower. Do you need a prescription to use lice prevention sprays? No, you do not need a prescription. But consulting a doctor can help you choose a spray suitable for you, depending on your hair type and scalp condition.

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