Head lice are unwelcome guests—itchy, persistent, and surprisingly adept at spreading from person to person. A common concern for anyone dealing with a lice infestation is whether these tiny parasites can live on clothing.

Will your favorite sweater or scarf become a breeding ground for lice? Will your child’s jacket bring these stubborn pests into your home? 

Because this is such a common concern for our families, we wanted to take a few minutes to address this question, clear up the confusion, and outline best practices for keeping your wardrobe lice-free.

How Do Head Lice Survive?

Head lice thrive on the human scalp for a number of reasons. First, the scalp offers the right balance of temperature and moisture. Lice rely on the warmth of the scalp to maintain their body temperature. Once they are away from the host, they’re exposed to cooler, drier conditions that are no longer conducive to their life cycle. 

Second, head lice are frequent feeders, feeding every few hours. If they are cut off from a food source, they quickly weaken and die within 24-48 hours. Unlike other insects or pests that can feed from many sources, head lice can only consume human blood. 

Third, head lice do not have a clinging advantage like body lice do. Body lice are capable of inhabiting clothing seams, whereas head lice are specialized to cling to hair shafts, not fabric fibers. 

Can Head Lice Survive on Clothes?

While it’s possible for a louse to crawl onto a hat, scarf, or shirt, the critical point is survival. Lice that become dislodged from the scalp rarely live long. Without the near-constant nourishment they get from human blood, they can’t sustain themselves. Fabric doesn’t provide the heat and humidity these parasites require.

So, while it is possible for a louse to cling to clothing temporarily, it won’t survive for more than one or two days because it can’t feed. In rare cases, if someone immediately wears infested clothing that was just used by a person with lice, there’s a chance the lice could transfer back to a new scalp. However, this scenario is much less common than direct head-to-head contact.  

Best Practices for Clothing and Laundry

Although the risk of lice living on your clothes for extended periods is minimal, you might still want to take precautions during an active infestation, especially if there’s been close contact or if you share wardrobe items. Here’s what we at My Hair Helpers recommend: 

Wash and Dry on High Heat

Lice and their eggs (nits) can’t withstand temperatures above approximately 130°F (54°C). Machine-wash clothes, hats, and bedding in hot water, then tumble-dry on high heat for at least 20 minutes.

Bag It Up

If washing immediately isn’t possible, seal items in a plastic bag for at least 48 hours. This deprives lice of their food source and effectively kills them.

Avoid Clothes Sharing

Remind family members not to share hats, hair accessories, scarves, or jackets when head lice are present. It’s not the primary mode of transmission, but it eliminates even a small risk.

Vacuum and Clean Other Surfaces

Though lice won’t live long on carpets or furniture, a quick vacuum and wipe-down of commonly used items like car seats can offer peace of mind.

Beyond Clothes: Where Else Can Lice Hide?

Like clothing, pillows and bedding can briefly harbor lice, but the same rules apply—without blood, lice die in a day or two. Washing and drying on high heat or isolating bedding in sealed bags are effective strategies.

If lice survive anywhere other than the scalp, hair-care items like brushes and combs are the most likely suspects. Disinfect brushes and combs by soaking them in hot water (130°F or above) for at least five to ten minutes.

Final Thoughts

While head lice mostly stick to the warmth of the scalp, it’s understandable to worry about clothes or bedding becoming a secondary source of infestation. Luckily, these parasites simply can’t survive for long once they lose contact with the human body. By taking simple precautions like washing clothing on high heat and avoiding the sharing of personal items, you can greatly reduce any lingering risks.

If you or someone in your household is dealing with head lice, prompt attention is crucial. My Hair Helpers has a line of head lice products made from natural ingredients—and they will keep lice from making themselves at home. With our approach, you can banish these pests for good and bring peace of mind back to your household.