Head lice are a common issue among children, especially in school or daycare settings where close contact is unavoidable. Keeping your child’s hair up and contained can reduce the risk of lice transferring from one head to another. Simple, stylish hairstyles can be your first line of defense.

Here are three hairstyles that are both functional and adorable: the ballerina bun, ponytail, and French braid

1. The Ballerina Bun

The ballerina bun is not only elegant but also one of the best ways to protect against lice. This style keeps all the hair tightly secured and away from other children.

How to Create a Ballerina Bun: Brush your child’s hair to remove tangles. Gather all the hair into a high ponytail and secure it with an elastic band. Twist the ponytail tightly and wrap it around the base of the elastic to form a bun. Use another elastic band or hairpins to secure the bun in place. Add a light spritz of hairspray to smooth fly-aways.

Why It Works: The ballerina bun keeps the hair compact and leaves no loose strands for lice to cling to, making it a great style for dance class, play dates, or school.

2. The Classic Ponytail

A ponytail is a timeless, quick, and effective hairstyle for lice prevention. While not as contained as a bun, it keeps hair off the shoulders and reduces exposure to lice.

How to Create a Ponytail: Comb through the hair to smooth out tangles. Gather the hair at the desired height—low, mid, or high—and secure it with an elastic band. For added protection, twist the ponytail into a single braid or wrap it into a bun.

Why It Works: While some hair may still be accessible, tying it back minimizes lice ability to move from head to head, especially in crowded spaces.

3. The French Braid

A French braid combines style and practicality, making it a great choice for lice prevention. This intricate braid keeps hair close to the scalp, reducing opportunities for lice to latch on.

How to Create a French Braid: Brush the hair to remove tangles and divide it into three sections at the crown. Begin braiding by crossing the right section over the middle, then the left section over the middle. As you braid, add small sections of hair to each side before crossing it over the middle. Continue this pattern down the length of the hair and secure the braid with an elastic band.

Why It Works: A French braid tucks all the hair neatly into place, leaving no loose strands for lice to grab onto. It’s perfect for active kids or special occasions.

Tips for Enhancing Protective Hairstyles

• Add a Light Coating of Hair Spray or Gel: This creates a slick surface, making it harder for lice to cling to the hair.
• Use Anti-Lice Sprays and Shampoos: My Hair Helpers Anti-Lice Shampoo has tea tree, rosemary and peppermint oil - all known scents that lice hate. Use it prior to styling and then spray our Anti-Lice Mint Spray once the hairstyle is set.
• Double Up: Combine styles, such as a ponytail braided into a French braid, for extra security.

Keep It Cute and Protected

Safeguarding from lice doesn’t have to mean boring hairstyles. With these three options—ballerina bun, ponytail, and French braid—you can keep head lice at bay while keeping them looking stylish. These hairstyles are simple to create, comfortable for all-day wear, and an effective way to reduce the risk of lice infestations.

By combining these protective styles with regular scalp checks and avoiding the sharing of personal items, you can help your child stay lice-free and focus on what’s important—learning and having fun! Place an order for My Hair Helpers products and get fast shipping and family friendly pricing today!