As families gear up for another school year, it’s important to prepare not just for homework and sports—but for head lice prevention too. While head lice aren’t dangerous, they are incredibly contagious and can be a major disruption at home and school.

What’s even more surprising? Children with head lice are no longer sent home from public school, according to updated guidelines from the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). That means a child with active lice may remain in class, potentially exposing others.

The best defense is prevention. At Lice Care Associates Danvers, we’ve helped local families manage and prevent lice for over a decade. Below are five expert-backed tips to help you prevent head lice this school year.

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🧠 1. Understand How Lice Really Spread

Many people think lice spread through shared hats, pillows, or classroom furniture. But the truth is:

👉 Lice spread almost exclusively through head-to-head contact.

Lice can’t fly or jump; they crawl from one head to another when kids play closely, hug, or take selfies together. Environmental transmission is extremely rare, so focus on preventing direct hair-to-hair contact.

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👧 2. Keep Hair Tied Back

Children with longer hair are more likely to come into contact with others. A simple way to reduce risk?

🎀 Try these lice-repelling hairstyles:

• Tight ponytails
• Braids (French, Dutch, or regular)
• Buns or top knots
• Pigtails or twists

Securing the hair keeps it from mingling with others’—a simple yet effective prevention method.

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🌿 3. Use a Natural Lice Repellent Daily

Just like we use sunscreen to prevent burns, it’s smart to use a daily lice repellent.

NitBlock Lice Spritz is a gentle, plant-based spray designed to naturally repel lice with essential oils that lice find unpleasant. A quick morning spritz before school or daycare can add a layer of protection—all without harsh chemicals.

✨ Bonus: It smells great and is safe for daily use.

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🧴 4. Teach Personal Space & No-Sharing Rules

It’s tough with young kids, but teaching them not to share:

• Combs or brushes
• Hair accessories
• Hats or hoodies
• Headphones

…can go a long way. While lice don’t often spread via objects, it’s still smart to limit shared head-contact items as part of a well-rounded prevention strategy.

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🧑‍⚕️ 5. Check Weekly for Early Signs

Early detection is key. Do a weekly scalp check for:

• Itching or scratching
• Small red bumps on the scalp or neck
• Visible lice or nits (tiny eggs stuck near the scalp)

Catching lice early makes treatment faster, easier, and less likely to spread through your household or school.

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⚠️ Know the New School Policy on Lice

As of the most recent guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the AAP, children with head lice are not excluded from public school. This means:

• Kids may attend school with live lice.
• “No-nit” policies are discouraged by national experts.
• Parents must be proactive in preventing lice before it spreads.

📚 Source: CDC – Head Lice Information for Schools

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🧡 Trust the Experts at Lice Care Associates Danvers

If your child does get lice, don’t panic—we’re here to help. At Lice Care Associates Danvers, we provide:

• Fast, non-toxic lice treatment
• Thorough head checks for the whole family
• Education and prevention guidance

With over a decade of experience, we’re proud to be the trusted lice resource for families in the North Shore area.

📞 978-907-3245 Contact us today for peace of mind and professional care!

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Stay lice-free this school year with smart habits and natural prevention.
And remember—you don’t have to handle lice alone. We’re just a call away.