Can Hair Dye Kill Lice? Here’s the Truth (and What You Should Actually Do) 🧴

Nazim Louadah
Apr 29
2 min read

We get asked this more often than you'd think.You've heard the rumor:“Just dye your hair — it’ll kill the lice.”

And while it might sound like a quick fix, we’re here to give it to you straight — because at Lockerbie Lock, we care about hair and scalp health. 💇‍♀️✨

So…Can hair dye kill lice?

Technically, sometimes.

Should you rely on it? Definitely not.

Let’s break it down 👇

💥 What Hair Dye Might Do to Lice

Certain permanent hair dyes contain ammonia and hydrogen peroxide — chemicals that can be harsh on living organisms (and, let’s be real, your hair too if misused).

These ingredients may kill some adult lice due to their toxicity and suffocating effect.

BUT HERE’S THE CATCH:

❌ They do nothing to kill the nits (lice eggs).

❌ They do nothing to stop a reinfestation.

❌ And they are not designed or approved as lice treatments.

So while a box dye might slow them down… you’ll still be scratching next week.

🧠 What You Should Do If You Have Lice

If you suspect lice (or your child brought home the dreaded letter from school), skip the salon and start with proper treatment:

✅ Use an FDA-approved lice shampoo or topical solution

✅ Comb out nits with a fine-tooth lice comb

✅ Repeat treatments in 7–10 days (to kill newly hatched lice)

✅ Wash bedding, hats, scarves, and brushes in hot water

⚠️ And please, let your stylist know if you're dealing with lice — it's not embarrassing, but it is important for hygiene and safety.

🔥 Can You Dye Your Hair After Lice Treatment?

Yes, but not right away.

Lice treatments are harsh on the scalp, and hair dye is chemical-heavy.So doubling up could lead to irritation, burning, or breakage.

💇‍♀️ We recommend waiting 10–14 days after the final lice treatment before coloring your hair — and always doing a patch test first.

✨ Our Advice? Leave the Lice to Science, Not Color

If you’re dealing with lice, your priority should be treatment, not toning.

Hair dye is a beauty tool — not a bug repellent.But once you're lice-free and ready for a glow-up, we’ll be here for it. 💁‍♀️

📍 Let Lockerbie Lock Help You Refresh After the Lice Storm

Whether you're ready for a deep detox treatment, a trim to remove breakage, or a full post-lice color reboot, we’ll help you feel confident again — safely.

👉 Book your appointment or explore our hair services here.