Keep lice away with an easy homemade lice repellent spray using essential oils. Choose one of the following options, depending on your needs (and the materials you have available).
Mix together all of the ingredients in an 8 ounce spray bottle.
Shake and carefully spray on the hair each morning or when going to places where lice exposure is likely!
Alcohol-based recipe
Mix together all ingredients in a spray bottle until the oils are fully incorporated into the alcohol.
Use as needed.
Diluted alcohol-based recipe
Mix together the oils and alcohol in a bottle.
Cover the bottle and allow the mixture to rest for at least an hour.
Slowly add in the distilled water. (Don't be alarmed if it's cloudy. That's normal.)
Use as needed!
Video
Notes
Bi-phase products are two-layer products where the oil separates from the water. They need to be shaken before use. In order to formulate a safe spray when using alcohol as the preservative, the total alcohol content of the final spray should be above 20%. If not using alcohol of any sort, add a broad-spectrum cosmetic preservative in the recommended dosage for the chose preservative.High-proof alcohol (over 75%) can both solubilize the essential oils and preserve the spray. If not using a high-proof alcohol, the oils will separate from the water and the spray will need to be shaken before each use.
Possible essential oil blend for older children
0.8g tea tree oil
0.5g eucalyptus oil
0.4g lavender oil
0.35g geranium oil
0.35g thyme oil
0.3g peppermint oil
0.3g cinnamon oil
Possible essential oil blend for younger children
1.2g tea tree oil
0.8g lavender oil
Adding other oils
Neem oil can also be added to the above sprays to help prevent lice. Other oils like argan or jojoba oils can be added to help protect and nourish the hair. Keep in mind that when other oils are added, they will most likely separate out making a bi-phase product that will need to be shaken before use.
Disclaimers
Always use caution when using essential oils. Everyone is different and some people are more likely to react to certain oils than others. That's why it's important to check for any irritation or other adverse reactions before using it all over your head or using it repeatedly. Test it by using it on a small, limited area first. Focus the spray on the hair only, avoiding spraying on the skin as much as possible.While this should be obvious, don't spray into the eyes or ears! If you should get the spray in the eyes or ears, fully rinse immediately. Seek medical attention if the irritation persists after a short time.This recipe is not meant to diagnose or cure any disease or medical condition. Use of the spray is at your own risk.