Often lice spreads when an infected individual’s head touches someone else’s head, which is called “head-to-head” contact. “Lice don’t ‘jump’ or ‘fly’, but they do crawl,” Dr. Bailey says. “They may live briefly on a pillowcase, hat, comb or brush, but this form of transmission poses only a small risk because head lice can only live one to two days away from their ‘host’.”
Luckily it is possible to treat a lice infestation with a proper comb. Rebecca Tung, MD, a dermatologist with Florida Dermatology and Skin Cancer Centers, recommends a comb “with narrow spacing between thin metal teeth” to capture any louse (adult lice) or nits (lice eggs) that could be on the scalp. She adds that keeping your hair type in mind is also important, as the teeth in on the comb need to be tight enough to effectively remove lice attached to your hair shaft. We researched dozens of lice combs and evaluated them for brush size, number of teeth, reusability, ease of use, and price.
Here are the best lice combs on the market today.
The rounded tooth ends were created specifically with the user in mind because they prevent any prickling or scratching of the scalp that can often happen when attempting to remove lice. Besides the rounded tooth ends, the brush also features anti-slip bands and a handle to make it easy to guide the brush through the hair.
Price at time of publication: $12
What sets this comb apart from others is that the company includes a “Critter Card” and comb cleaner to help with the lice removal. The educational card details important information on topics like regular screenings, early detection, accurate identification of lice and nits, and thorough removal of any infestation. Customers say the comb is very user-friendly and easy to clean.
Price at time of publication: $12
Although the product might be pricier than other combs on the market, reviewers say it works to capture louse at all stages of their life, including the eggs. Also, the product boasts not needing to use any chemicals to further remove the infestation, making it a natural removal process that can be gentler against the scalp.
Price at time of publication: $48
These brushes are also easy to clean, making it a great device if you intend to use it for multiple family members. Customers say the brush was a great value for how much it was able to remove lice given its affordable price.
Price at time of publication: $17
Two stainless steel options are incorporated in the package because thick hair often requires sturdier bristles. Additionally, a plastic comb is also included that can help get some of the smaller lice and nits that might be hiding underneath the hair. Reviewers say that the combination of combs is able to capture lice at multiple stages of life.
Price at time of publication: $10
When using the comb, first remove any product that might be in the hair. Then use the wide-tooth side to gently detangle and remove any snarls in the hair. The fine-tooth side can then go deeper into the hair to pull out the lice and nits that are resting against the scalp.
Price at time of publication: $7
Price at time of publication: $12
Price at time of publication: $6
Dr. Bailey recommends looking for a comb with spacing of 0.2 to 0.3mm apart to properly capture any louse. “The teeth should be just barely wider than the hair,” she says. Nits, which are lice eggs, are typically smaller and harder to capture, so this requires even smaller gaps in the combs teeth. Ultimately, for treatment, a nit comb with teeth spaced 0.09 to 0.19mm apart is thought to provide the needed traction for the removal of eggs and nits,” she says. Metal combs are also preferred by Dr. Bailey compared to plastic ones.
Grip
Having to constantly readjust your hands while combing through the scalp is not only annoying but also ineffective. To avoid losing your grip, buy a comb with a handle that is thick and padded enough to provide extra support. Also, sometimes it is easier to manage lice removal if you have someone else combing through your head instead of trying to do it on yourself. “Having a family member or friend help you do the comb out can make a big difference in terms of faster resolution,” Dr. Tung says. “There are even services who specialize in combing out lice if you need help.”
Brushing the comb through damp hair can also assist in comfortability and your ability to keep a firm grip on the brush as you move it against the scalp.
Additional Treatments
Treating lice can be a tedious process, but it is important to kill the entire infestation to make sure no lice or nits come back. “Yes, using a head lice comb is one important part of treatment but curing head lice takes more including: Washing hats, scarves, coats, bedding, brushes and combs,” Dr. Bailey says. Pillows and any fabric items should ideally be washed in hot water at about 60 degrees Celsius and then dried in a dryer at a high heat of 60 degrees Celsius, she adds. This will help ensure any live lice and nits are dead. “Even though lice are not thought to live on carpet, it does not hurt to vacuum the carpet and furniture in the room of a person infested with head lice,” Dr. Bailey says.
Lice can be very contagious, which is why it is an important step to wash fabric surfaces that also potentially came in contact with the infestation. “Fortunately, lice when not on the person only survive 1-2 days,” Dr. Tung says. When removing lice from someone, Dr. Tung says over-the-counter treatments could also work besides just using a comb. “These treatments (containing pyrethrin or permethrin) are left in for the recommended period of time then rinsed out,” she says. “After 8-12 hours, you’ll comb out dead lice with a fine tooth comb.”
Why Trust Verywell Health?
As a seasoned health writer, Danielle Zoellner knows the importance of finding just the right product to fit your medical needs. Throughout her career, Danielle has interviewed a variety of experts in the medical and health fields while reviewing dozens of products. Her experience and knowledge in the field work together to help readers like yourself find the best products for your daily life.
Dr. Bailey adds that people should also see medical attention if they are having an allergic reaction to the saliva. “Scratching the itchy scalp can lead to impetigo,” she says. “If you are struggling to get rid of the lice infestation and/or the itching is not going away, it’s time to seek medical attention.”
