Using Nix Shampoo for Lice

Nix Kit
Use Nix to combat lice.

Nix Shampoo is specifically formulated to treat head lice and their eggs. If you are suffering from head louse problems, in order to effectively treat your condition and further prevent chronic head lice, you may choose a medicated product such as your first line of defense.

Nix Shampoo: How it Works

Once lice have settled on your scalp and hair, they've already begun to start their reproduction cycle. If you're lucky enough to catch a single louse before an outbreak occurs, you may choose to simply pick the pests off by hand. Some people with an active lice condition use special lice combs to treat lice, while others resort to natural methods such as mayonnaise to treat head lice.

While natural products have shown some positive results, chemical treatments such as Nix shampoo have the ability to kill the lice eggs, which in turn works to prevent lice while killing those already on the scalp, thus preventing a repeat cycle once the newly laid eggs are hatched.

Active Ingredients

Nix shampoo is a pediculicide (a chemical substance used to treat head lice) shampoo with active ingredients of the product consisting of the combination of pyrethrum extract (providing a concentration of pyrethrins of 0.17 to 0.33 percent) with piperonyl butoxide (2 to 4 percent) in a nonaerosol dosage formulation. The FDA has recognized and deemed pediculicides safe and effective for the topical treatment of head louse.

How to Use

If you are using Nix shampoo, the proper application will be as follows:

  • Shampoo hair with any shampoo not containing a built in conditioner.
  • Towel dry hair thoroughly.
  • Apply shampoo generously to hair and scalp. Work product into hair and scalp.
  • Do not shampoo hair for at least two days.
  • Following treatment, use a mild baby shampoo to cleanse hair the first time.

Tip: Various head lice shampoos and treatments will have different instructions. Follow the specific instructions included with each individual product carefully in order for the treatment to be effective. Ineffective application may produce little or no results.

Where to Buy Lice Shampoo

There are several pediculicide shampoos available over the counter at pharmacies and drug stores. Ask the pharmacist or their assistants for help while selecting from over the counter products such as Nix, Rid, Pronto, or A200. If you choose to seek a physician's diagnosis, they will prescribe a prescription lice pediculicide such as Lindaine or Ovide.

*If you are seeking treatment for a young child under the age of two, consult a physician immediately. At no time should a young child be treated with a chemical pediculicide.

Alternative Treatments and Prevention

If you choose to treat head lice naturally, consider mayonnaise or petroleum jelly cures. Both can be effective if smothered on the scalp overnight under a shower cap. Many people choose to pick each individual lice off the scalp by hand rather than use any scalp treatment.

In order to prevent future lice outbreaks, become familiar with the symptoms of head lice and avoid close head contact with anyone who suffers from the condition. Lice are highly contagious and can be found on bedding, clothing articles, and furniture.

If you have a young school aged child, it is important that they are taught to avoid head to head contact with their classmates during sports and other activities. Children should also avoid touching one another's hair (braiding) and should refrain from sharing combs, brushes, and hair accessories.

In the event that your child should suffer from head lice, do not partake in public situations until the outbreak is controlled. As always, periodically check your child's scalp for lice and stay in touch with the school's nurse to be informed of any recent lice cases.


Head lice can be an uncomfortable and embarrassing problem, but using proper products such as Nix shampoo or other medicated shampoos can help control outbreaks and eradicate these parasites.

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Using Nix Shampoo for Lice