Lice are absolutely detested by people. It is only apes and chimps that enjoy snacking on lice. It is difficult to describe just how distressed people get when head lice have become an insupportable part of their lives. It would be unreasonable for us to have to shave off all our hair to avoid or banish them. So one wonders whether there is more acceptable alternative for coping with this problem.

Fortunately, there are many tested and successful techniques that are effective for combating head lice when used as directed. First, you must understand what lice are and recognize where they can be found. Lice are parasitic insects which live off the blood of the their host. Although lice can be found on any hairy part of the body, it is most commonly found on the scalp.

Head lice cause both severe itching and blood loss. As the lice population begins multiplying, more blood is sucked from the scalp causing it to itch. If the lice aren't removed, they can become the source of other health problems, too. Unfortunately, it isn't easy getting rid of lice. Lice lay eggs, called "nits" which adhere tightly to the shafts of the hair. Even using a specially-formulated "lice removal" shampoo, it's difficult to wash away the nits.

The first thing to do when you discover lice in your hair is to collect your clothes, bedding, and pillows and wash them with hot water and antiseptic soap. The biggest trouble with having lice is that they multiply very fast, and they can be transferred to other members of the family within a few minutes' time. Leaving clothes and bedding that are potentially harboring lice lying around your house will ensure that other family members get lice, too.

Special lice-combs can be purchased and used for the removal of nits. You can also buy herbal products to use when treating lice as well as a variety of lice shampoos. The choice of what to use in treating head lice is totally up to you. It's wise to keep in mind, though, that using a lot of chemicals to treat lice can detract from the look of the hair.

To get rid of lice, some people like to wash their hair again and again with lice shampoo. Today, quick results are promised in the hundreds of thousands of lice shampoos that are available in the market. The results however, vary from person to person. People with short hair get rid of nits faster than people with longer hair. And how about people with any hair?