There are some common myths and misconceptions about head lice, and one of the most prevalent is that lice prefer dirty hair. In reality, lice don’t care whether their host’s hair is clean or dirty. Showering or bathing each day does not keep lice away. These tiny pests simply want a place where they can stay warm, drink blood, and reproduce. 

What Causes Head Lice to Happen? 

Head lice seek out hair because they can crawl up the strands and get to the scalp. Here, they feed on blood while receiving warmth and protection. This is why anyone who has hair on their head is at risk of getting head lice. Simply showering or bathing is not going to protect you from lice. Not to mention, lice will survive shampoo and water because they can hold their breath for 8 hours!  

The most common way to get head lice is through direct contact. Knowing that lice make their living feeding off human blood, they’ll stay on the scalp or crawl onto another host. And because kids aren’t very good with their personal space, they tend to be the ones who get head lice the most. This is why head lice spray is important.

Do Head Lice Prefer Certain Hair Over Others? 

Why Do People Think Head Lice Are Dirty? 

Body lice are typically found in dirty, unhygienic, and crowded conditions. They are also known for spreading serious diseases such as typhus, trench fever, and louse-borne relapsing fever. However, this is NOT the case with head lice. They do not transmit any diseases and are not a public health concern.