Common Causes of Lice and How to Protect Against Them

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November 4, 2024

Head lice are a common nuisance, especially among children, but they can affect anyone. Understanding the main causes of lice infestations can help you take simple precautions to protect your family. Here’s what you need to know about how lice spread and some easy ways to keep them at bay.

1. Head-to-Head Contact

The most common way lice spread is through direct head-to-head contact. Lice cannot jump or fly; they crawl from one person’s hair to another’s. This type of contact often happens during playtime, sleepovers, or close interactions at school or camps. To reduce the risk, remind kids to avoid pressing heads together and to keep personal space in mind during close-contact activities.

2. Shared Personal Items

Sharing items like hats, brushes, headphones, and pillows can also lead to lice transmission, though it’s less common than direct contact. Each family member should have their own items, especially hair brushes and hats. If your child frequently participates in sports or other group activities, emphasize the importance of not sharing personal belongings.

3. Group Settings

Places where children interact in groups—like schools, daycares, camps, and extracurricular activities—often experience higher incidences of lice. Close contact is almost unavoidable in these environments, so regular checks for lice can catch an infestation early, helping to prevent its spread to other family members.

4. Poor Lice Knowledge

Misunderstandings about lice can increase the risk of spread. Lice infestations are unrelated to hygiene or cleanliness, meaning anyone can get lice regardless of how often they wash their hair. Knowing that lice spread mainly through close contact helps you focus on prevention efforts that really work, like regular checks and open conversations about lice safety.

Protecting Against Lice

Routine checks are a great way to catch lice before they spread. Regularly inspect your child’s scalp, especially if there’s an outbreak in their school or community. Tie up long hair in braids or buns to limit exposure, and encourage kids to avoid head-to-head contact.

If you do find lice, professional treatment can be the fastest and most effective solution. The Lice Place in Birmingham offers non-toxic treatments tailored to eliminate lice safely and completely. By staying proactive and informed, you can reduce the risk and keep your family lice-free!

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The Lice Place of Birmingham Receives Business Rate’s Digital Award For Outstanding Ranking Achievement

February 12, 2025

We are truly honored to receive this award. It is a true testament to the hard work of our staff. We are incredibly grateful for the support from the community and will continue to strive for excellence.

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Breaking the Stigma—Why Head Lice Is More Common Than You Think

February 12, 2025

Just the mention of head lice is enough to make any parent uneasy. Let’s face the truth though: Head lice infestations don’t discriminate, and they are far more common than most people realize. At The Lice Place, we’re here to remind you that experiencing head lice is no cause for shame. Instead, it’s an opportunity to educate, debunk myths, and empower families with the knowledge and resources they need to combat this common issue.

Head Lice Are Equal Opportunity Invaders

One of the biggest misconceptions about head lice is that they are a sign of poor hygiene. In reality, this couldn’t be further from the truth. According to experts at the Mayo Clinic, lice actually thrive in clean hair because it’s easier for them to cling to it. Anyone—regardless of their socioeconomic status, hygiene habits, or background—can get lice.

Children are particularly susceptible due to their close contact in school, on playgrounds, and during activities like sleepovers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that an estimated 6 to 12 million lice infestations occur annually in children ages 3 to 11 in the United States. That’s right; if you’ve faced a lice infestation in your home, you’re far from alone.

Debunking Lice Myths

Let’s address some of the most persistent myths about head lice:

Myth: Lice Jump or Fly. Fact: Lice can’t jump or fly; they spread through direct head-to-head contact. Sharing hats, brushes, or other personal items can also facilitate transmission, but their primary mode of travel is simple proximity.
Myth: Only Dirty Homes or People Get Lice. Fact: Lice are not a reflection of cleanliness. They are tiny pests seeking a human host, and their presence has nothing to do with the cleanliness of your home or personal hygiene.
Myth: You Need to Throw Out Bedding and Clothing of the Affected Person. Fact: While it’s wise to wash items that came into contact with an infested person’s head, there’s no need for drastic measures like throwing things away or fumigating your home. Lice cannot survive more than 24 to 48 hours off the human scalp.
Myth: Over-the-Counter Treatments Always Work. Fact: Many lice populations have developed resistance to common over-the-counter treatments. That’s why professional services, like those offered at The Lice Place, are increasingly sought after for safe and effective solutions.

Breaking the Stigma

The stigma surrounding head lice often leads to unnecessary embarrassment or secrecy. This can delay treatment and create additional stress for families. At The Lice Place, we’re here to change the narrative.

We understand that lice infestations can feel overwhelming, but we promise a judgment-free environment where families can find fast, effective, and compassionate care. Our highly trained staff uses non-toxic, pesticide-free treatment options, ensuring the process is safe for everyone.

We also emphasize education, helping families learn how to prevent future infestations without the fear or shame often associated with lice.

Prevention Tips

While it’s impossible to eliminate the risk of lice entirely, there are steps you can take to reduce the chances of an infestation:

Encourage children to avoid sharing hats, hair accessories, and brushes.
Tie back long hair or braid it, especially in group settings.
Perform regular head checks during peak lice seasons, like the start of the school year.
If lice are discovered, act quickly and seek professional help to stop the spread.

While it’s impossible to eliminate the risk of lice entirely, there are steps you can take to reduce the chances of an infestation:

Why Choose The Lice Place?

At The Lice Place, we’ve made it our mission to support families through this common yet often misunderstood experience. We combine science-backed treatments with compassionate service to ensure every client feels respected and cared for.

When you visit us, you’ll find more than just effective lice removal; you’ll discover a partner dedicated to helping you navigate the process with confidence and ease.

Visit The Lice Place for Treatment

Lice don’t define you or your family. They’re simply a temporary nuisance that can be addressed with the right approach. By breaking the stigma surrounding head lice, we can create a more supportive environment for families facing this common challenge.

If you’re dealing with head lice, don’t hesitate to reach out to The Lice Place. We’re here to provide expert care and peace of mind—no judgment, just results.

Schedule an appointment today by calling 205-424-5165!

Category One

How to Choose the Best Lice Treatment Clinic for True Relief (and Peace of Mind)

December 12, 2024

Every household has been there: a child comes home from school with an itchy scalp and the dreaded lice note. Dealing with lice is stressful enough without worrying about whether or not you’re getting the right treatment. As a parent, you want to make sure you choose a clinic that can truly help without selling gimmicks or dangerous chemical solutions. In the Birmingham area, The Lice Place has been in business for over 12 years, building a reputation as the go-to spot for lice removal with their expert knowledge and focus on natural, effective treatments.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the process, don’t worry. Here’s a list of things to consider when choosing the right lice clinic:

Hand Removal is Key

We know the allure of flashy treatments that promise quick fixes, such as the big, heated blowers or chemical sprays. But here’s something most people don’t know: while heat can kill lice, the level of heat required isn’t safe to apply directly to the scalp. The Lice Place uses a methodical, hands-on approach, starting with a mint spray that gets the lice moving and helps loosen them from the hair. Then, we use a mousse to break down the glue that lice produce to cling to the hair. From there, it’s all about hand removal using specialized combs to meticulously go through the hair, removing every last lice and nit.

So, skip the heat tools marketed for too-good-to-true solutions. You want experts who will take the time to do it right, and that’s exactly what The Lice Place offers.

Experience and Expertise Matter

When it comes to lice, experience is everything. Don’t trust your child’s health to a novice or newly-trained employee. The Lice Place has been successfully treating families for over a decade, and the combined team experience totals over 30 years with more than 38,000 treatments successfully completed. That’s unparalleled expertise! Staff members undergo extensive training and certification before working with clients and are equipped to handle even the trickiest infestations. Enjoy peace of mind knowing your situation is always in capable hands.

Education and Prevention Are Essential

Lice can be frustrating, but the right clinic should also educate you about prevention. The Lice Place isn’t just focused on getting rid of lice right now—we want to equip you with knowledge to keep it from happening again. Whether it’s advice on checking your kids’ hair regularly or tips on using natural oils to repel lice, we want to ensure you’re prepared moving forward so that you aren’t forced into multiple visits.

Read the Reviews and Trust the Process

One of the best ways to gauge whether a clinic is right for you is to check out what others have said. The reviews speak for themselves at The Lice Place! Here are a few recent recommendations:

“No one wants to deal with a head of lice, but John and his staff at The Lice Place did an amazing job of putting me at ease. They are incredibly knowledgeable and helpful and do a very thorough job of removing all lice.” – Jillian P. 
“This place was so professional and personable. They understand that life is frustrating and quickly help you resolve the issue. All staff were professional but so kind!”-Lauren M. 
“John and his staff are top notch. The office is clean and kid-friendly, and they are extremely professional and make the experience of getting checked, treated, and rechecked as easy as possible.”-Leah K.

There’s confidence in The Lice Place’s work, and many families are grateful for a professional and detailed experience.

Don’t Forget to Ask About Pricing and Guarantees

You’re already stressed about the situation, so the last thing you need is an unexpected bill. The Lice Place offers competitive rates and is transparent about pricing. We also accept Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) cards to make payments easier for families. Additionally, we provide a 30-day guarantee—if lice return within a month, we’ll treat it again at no additional charge.

Customer Service That Goes Above and Beyond

Another bonus that sets The Lice Place apart is our commitment to personalized customer service. We pride ourselves on being responsive, kind, and eager to talk you through the treatment process, answering all your questions, and addressing any concerns you may have. When you contact us at 205-424-5165, you’ll speak directly to someone who will guide you through the process—no automated phone systems here!

Call the Lice Place Today

Choosing the right lice treatment clinic is a big decision, but with The Lice Place, you’re getting a team of experienced professionals who understand urgency and are committed to your family’s well-being. With natural, non-toxic treatments and an expert hand removal technique, The Lice Place is the premier choice in the Birmingham area. Ready to take the next step toward lice-free peace of mind? Call The Lice Place today at 205-424-5165, and let our team help you navigate your specific situation with care and expertise.