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airalle head lice treatment

Modern Lice Treatment and the AirAllé

With more than 500,000 successful treatments and having its technology and treatment methods featured on prominent television shows such as “The Doctors,” Fresh Heads Lice Removal is without a doubt leading the way in today’s modern approach to lice treatment. Rather than try a variety of old-fashioned treatment methods that only lead to frustration and failure, let Fresh Heads Lice Removal do it right the first time. With a variety of treatment methods that can be customized to fit a patient’s needs and budget, removing lice is now easier than ever.

Revolutionary Technology

At Fresh Heads Lice Removal, we take advantage of the latest technology available today by using our revolutionary AirAllé device. An FDA-cleared medical device that is safe and effective, AirAllé is able to kill head lice and eggs in only a single treatment, all without the use of pesticides.

Treatment Options

While in years past there were only limited options for lice treatment, modern medicine and technology have changed all that, and Fresh Heads Lice Removal has been at the forefront of making sure children and their families are lice-free. Because of our dedication to this area of medicine, we are known around the world as the leading authority on killing lice and their eggs. To help our patients even more, we offer a variety of treatment options. One of our most popular is booking an appointment at one of our conveniently-located clinics, where our patients receive an easy and effective treatment using our signature AirAllé device. However, for others who prefer to conduct their treatment at home, we offer in-home treatment kits which can be purchased.

As per clinic owner Dwight Ottesen, “No matter your budget or your infestation level, one of our certified technicians can help you determine your best treatment options to fit your needs.”

Years of Proven Science

While the Fresh Heads Lice Removal has been around since 2012, the science behind what we use today was years in the making. Thanks to Dr. Dale Clayton, who made his revolutionary discoveries while a professor at the University of Utah, he was able to form Larada Sciences in 2006, which enabled this state-of-the-art technology to go to market. As they say, the rest is history.

Since the most frequently used over-the-counter lice treatments have been shown to be effective less than 50% of the time, it makes no sense to waste your time and money on these products. Instead, contact us here at Fresh Heads Lice Removal, where you can be assured of getting the effective and efficient lice treatment you and your family deserve.

Let us take care of the lice in your life. Fresh Heads Lice Removal has locations in Jacksonville and Orlando, FL, and Savannah, GA. We are open seven days a week by appointment. Contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment.

 


Schools Without Lice.

Fresh Heads Lice Removal, Together with Lice Clinics of America, for Schools Without Lice!

We at Fresh Heads Lice Removal want to keep our children safe in schools across the country, which is why we have partnered together with Lice Clinics of America, to create the Schools Without Lice program. Our goal is to eradicate lice in schools from California to Florida, and everywhere in between. By supporting our teachers, administrators, school nurses, and other personnel, we can take another step toward creating schools that are lice-free!

Hair Straightening vs. Lice

Can You Treat Head Lice with Hair Straighteners?

There is no secret that heat is a big enemy of head lice. Many people wonder if hair straighteners are a good solution for eliminating lice infestations. Let’s look at why thoroughly straightening hair is not the best way to get rid of lice.

Head Lice vs. Heat

Heat absolutely does kill lice. The FDA-cleared AirAllé® machine uses heated-air to immediately dehydrate and kill lice and their eggs (nits). Straightening your hair can result in eliminating some head lice. However, this method will not completely get rid of all the lice and their nits.

Thoroughly straightening your hair cannot cover the areas frequented by lice because they dwell very close to the scalp. There will always be surviving lice and nits continuing their life cycle and preventing you from completely clearing the head lice infestation.

Safety Concerns for Children

Using a hot, in-home device for killing lice is dangerous for children with infestations. A child’s sensitive skin burns far more easily than an adult’s, making the risk for an accidental burn very high. Burns can result in permanent scarring, depending on the severity. When it comes to children, it’s best to take safety precautions into consideration when searching for the best way to get rid of lice.

The Best Way to Get Rid of Lice

If you or your child have an infestation, don’t settle for half-measures when treating head lice. Consult a lice removal professional with the FDA-cleared AirAllé® machine. Fresh Heads Lice Removal only uses certified methods that are free of toxic chemicals and won’t risk burning anyone’s scalp. Fresh Heads Lice Removal stands behinds every AirAllé service with a 45-day re-treatment guarantee and even offers a unique lifetime protection plan. Call to schedule head lice screening and removal treatment today!

Head lice vs Body Lice

Are Head Lice the Same as Body Lice?

The short answer is no, head lice and body lice have similar characteristics, but they are not the same. It helps to know the difference before scheduling an appointment at your nearest head lice center. After all, the treatment for one type of lice won’t work for the other. Here are some tips for distinguishing head lice from body lice:

Their Appearance

  • Head Lice

Adults are about the size of a sesame seed, around 2-3 mm in length and brownish in color. You can see them attach to the hairs of the head near the base of the hair shaft and they go to the scalp to lay eggs.

  • Body Lice

Adults are slightly longer than head lice, 2.3-3.6mm in length. Still, they’re very similar in appearance. They are also brownish in color and have two antennae on their heads. Body lice aren’t found in the same locations as head lice. In fact, they only go to the human body to feed.

How Do You Catch Them

  • Head Lice

These are caught when you come into close contact with infected people, especially their hair. Head lice cannot jump or fly, instead, they crawl from one host to another. Even objects, such as clothes, hats, combs or brushes seldomly transmit lice as the lice die within a day without human blood.

  • Body Lice

Body lice can spread via direct contact and through contact with items that are carrying the lice. As previously mentioned, body lice don’t stay on the body, they dwell in items such as clothing, bedding and towels, only making their way to the body to feed.

Who is at Risk of Catching Lice?

  • Head Lice

Head lice occur primarily among children of preschool and elementary school age. Since direct, head-to-head contact is the main way the lice are transmitted, young kids at school are most likely to get infestations. According to the CDC, 6-12 million infestations occur each year in the U.S. to children. More girls get head lice than boys because of their long hair, which is easier for the critters to climb on to. Even though head lice are common it’s treatment has come a long way from at home pesticide infused formulas. Your local head lice center can clear your family of head lice with one FDA approved all-natural treatment backed by a 45-day guarantee.

  • Body Lice

While body lice usually require direct person-to-person contact, the creatures tend to thrive in crowded conditions, messy environments and on those with poor hygiene. People in places like homeless shelters and other crammed dwellings are susceptible to body lice infestations, which can spread quickly in such conditions.

Finding a Head Lice Center You Can Trust

These are the main differences between head and body lice. Be sure to check for these before deciding to go to your local head lice center. For further questions and assistance, contact Fresh Heads Lice Removal today. We are a science-based head lice treatment center that kills head lice and their eggs using only heated air. This is completely pesticide and chemical-free single treatment that kills head lice and their eggs with no follow up necessary, guaranteed!

Children Jumping

Can head lice jump?

Everyone has probably asked the common question: “Can head lice jump?” Whether you are worried about catching head lice or a parent fretting that your kids might get an infestation from a schoolmate. Let’s put these concerns to rest through facts – and know when powerful lice removal is necessary.

Head Lice Contact

No, head lice do not jump from one person to another. Instead, they spread from head to head contact – this is the primary way lice spread to new hosts. So, these include vectors such as kids playing with lice-infested children, or an adult dozing off in a bus and brushing against someone else with head lice.

Contracting Lice from Objects

Wearing hats and clothing used by people who have lice is relatively low-risk.  According to the CDC, it’s uncommon to catch lice by wearing clothing, hats and other attire worn by someone with an infestation. The same goes for combs, brushes, and towels. Even beds, carpets, pillows and couches are also low-risk. It is best not to share such items, but it is not a major risk. These items can be disinfected to eliminate all risk. Combs and brushes can be soaked in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Clothing can also be machine washed with hot water and high heat drying cycle.

Popular Myths

Jumping head lice is a common myth. The very anatomy of head lice is optimized for crawling and sticking to hair, not leaping around and lunging over great distances like grasshoppers. So, in short:

  • Lice need to travel from one person’s hair to another.
  • They don’t care if someone’s hair is long or short, clean or dirty – It’s all fair game.
  • You cannot catch lice from animals.
  • When head lice detached from the hair and scalp, they can only live for up to 24 hours before they die.
  • Lice and their eggs can withstand strong dye treatments.
  • Home remedies may not be the most powerful lice removal methods or the most effective.

Hopefully, this information will help lessen unnecessary fears and help guide you towards more accurate assessments based on actual facts. After all, mistaken conclusions might lead to unnecessary treatments – which cost money and can result in unneeded exposure to powerful chemicals or medication. Unfortunately, this happens to a lot of children. When in doubt, consult a lice professional.

When Powerful Lice Removal is Necessary  

If you suspect you have an infestation or worried about someone you care for, then contact Fresh Heads Lice Removal. We have various powerful lice removal methods, which are highly effective yet don’t depend on potentially toxic chemicals. We guarantee a thorough job in detecting and eliminating the parasites. Schedule an appointment today so we can get your scalp and hair cleaned up in no time!

Girls in halloween costumes

Preventing Head Lice this Halloween

Imagine creepy, blood-sucking critters invading your home this Halloween. No, it’s not some scary movie plot. It’s head lice, and lice treatment centers around the country report seeing a spike in cases this time of year. Here are some professional tips on preventing head lice in your household this Halloween.

How Are Lice Spread?

Lice are almost always spread among children through head-to-head contact like when sharing a bed or playing in close proximity.

Contrary to popular belief, lice are not typically spread by sharing items. Head lice must feed on human blood in order to survive. An adult head louse will die within 24 to 48 hours of being off a human head, and nymphs can only live for several hours without feeding. Nits must be kept warm by the scalp, and are therefore not viable when off of a human head.

For all of these reasons, it is not very likely that lice will spread by way of inanimate objects. However, it is not impossible, and therefore basic cleaning of costumes, wigs, bedding, carpets, upholstered furniture, hairbrushes, stuffed animals, hair ties, and clothing should be done whenever head lice are found in the home.

Keeping Costumes Critter-Free

During Halloween, lice can spread as kids try on different costumes at stores and at friends’ houses. When you bring home a new or borrowed costume, try these methods to reduce the chance of spreading head lice:

  • Put costumes in a sealed bag for 48 hours before you wear them. Lice can’t survive longer than this without blood from the human scalp.
  • Alternatively, place new or borrowed costumes in a hot dryer for at least 45 minutes before they are worn. High heat for an extended period of time can kill head lice. Be sure to check the labels first to avoid damaging your costume.

Fright-Free Wigs

Halloween costumes with wigs, hats, masks, and headbands are all popular among children. Here are some ways of preventing head lice from spreading with these items.

  • Encourage your kids not to share items that are worn directly on the head such as wigs, hats, and headbands.
  • When purchasing items for the head that are not in a sealed package, avoid trying them on right away. Place them in a sealed bag for 48 hours, as suggested above.

Always Check for Creepy Crawlers

Another step in preventing head lice is doing frequent head checks. Check your child thoroughly for head lice if they’ve shared a costume or have gone to a sleepover. Here’s how to do it:

  • Start checking your child’s scalp by parting the hair in multiple places. Look especially closely at the nape of the neck and behind the ears.
  • Check for any movement in the hair, especially when shining a light on it.
  • Look for lice and their nits. Lice are the size of sesame seeds and white to grayish in color. Nits are tiny and hard to spot. They are white or beige in color and feel like a grain of sand.
  • If you can’t tell if it’s lice or dandruff, the biggest difference is that dandruff will easily brush off. Nits are glued to the hair shaft and harder to remove.

Steer Clear of Terrifying Treatments

If you do detect head lice on your child, step away from dangerous over the counter remedies. These pesticide-style treatments are not only proven to be highly toxic, but they have an extremely low efficacy rating. The active ingredients in many of these products are lindane and permethrin—both scientifically shown to be carcinogenic.

Treatment That’s a Treat

Instead of treating your child with tricky pesticides, visit Fresh Heads. We’re proud to offer strictly chemical-free treatments. Our signature AirAllé treatment is FDA-cleared and has one of the highest efficiency ratings of any lice treatment out there. It brilliantly utilizes heated air to dehydrate and kill lice and their eggs. The treatment can be completed in about an hour, so your kids can get back to having Halloween fun ASAP.

back to school scrabble tiles

3 Keys to Back to School Head Lice Prevention

It’s back to school time, and that means kids across the country are going to get head lice. Lice removal clinics tend to be busiest in August and September. Before school starts is a great time to familiarize yourself with your school’s policy on head lice, and learn how to prevent head lice infestations. Here are three keys to head lice prevention as school starts back up.

Back to School Head lice prevention tips

  1. Educate yourself and your children about head lice.

There is an extensive list of myths about head lice out there, so make sure you know the facts. For example, lice can’t fly, hop or jump. They don’t care if hair is clean or dirty. Lice can’t live on pets—only the human scalp. Lice are spread most commonly by head-to-head contact, so ask your kids to avoid that type of contact.

  1. Do weekly checks.

Whether you check yourself or visit a lice removal clinic, the sooner you find signs of head lice, the easier it is to treat. Some signs to watch out for are an itchy scalp, small rash around the hairline/behind the ears and white or tan specks in the hair that differ from dandruff. Check your child’s hair once a week after it has been washed and is still damp. You may want to use a nit comb, bright light, and magnifying glass to help you spot the tiny nits. You can also come to a Fresh Heads location for thorough head lice check.

  1. Keep long hair tied up.

If your child has long hair, it’s helpful to keep it tied up. Styling long hair in a ponytail, braid or bun can help keep hair from coming into contact with head lice.

Head lice policies for Jacksonville area school districts

  1. Duval County Public Schools Head Lice Policy

Students with nits will be excluded from school until they are nit-free. All children excluded from school due to head lice and/or nits must be accompanied by a parent or an adult before they will be allowed to return to school or ride the school bus. It is suggested to seek professional help from a lice removal clinic right away to help your children return to school sooner.

  1. St. John’s County Public Schools Head Lice Policy

In St. John’s County Public Schools, all students infected with head lice will not be allowed back into school until all signs of lice and nits are gone. Readmission to school requires an examination by trained personnel, designated by the school principal, to determine if the student may return to school.

  1. Clay County Public Schools Head Lice Policy

Students need to be free of nits before re-entry into school after treatment. Parents of Elementary school-aged children are required to accompany their children to school on the first day of entry after treatment. All children should be back to school within two days if treated properly.

If your child comes home from school with a suspected case of head lice, visit Fresh Heads Lice Treatment Centers for a thorough head check. If we discover lice, we can provide you with several treatment options. For more information on how to prevent head lice, visit our blog.

kids splash adult with water at camp

Head Lice Don’t Take Summers Off!

The days are getting longer, the temperatures are heating up and summer vacation is right around the corner. Everyone’s ready to take a break from the routine, and kids are looking forward to spending carefree days running around outdoors with their friends. The last thing on anyone’s mind is lice removal. But unfortunately, head lice don’t take a break for summer.

Even though kids are no longer around each other in school every day, cases of head lice tend to be more prevalent in the summer months. Kids go away to summer camp, have sleepovers more frequently and spend much more time in close contact with one another. Adding to that is the fact that head lice tend to thrive in summer’s warm and humid conditions. This all increases their chance of catching head lice.

We’ve put together a few tips to help you reduce the chances of having to deal with head lice removal this summer.

Avoid Head to Head Contact

Make sure your kids understand that the best way to prevent getting lice is to avoid head-to-head contact.

Be Prepared at Sleepovers and Camps.

Since head lice travel quickest by direct contact, sleepovers make it very easy for them to get passed around. The kids can take some simple precautions but still have fun.  Send them with their own pillows, PJs and hair care items.

Do Regular Checks for Head Lice.

Lice removal is easiest when the pesky bugs are caught early. It can save you a lot of time and hassle if you regularly check your child’s hair, especially when they return from sleepovers or camps. Use a fine-tooth comb to thoroughly go through your child’s hair to search for lice and nits. It’s easiest to spot lice in bright natural light, and a magnifying glass can be helpful.

If you do find that your child has head lice, stay calm and come up with a good treatment plan. Fresh Heads is a science and research-based lice treatment center that offers easy and effective treatment options. Trust us with your family’s lice removal needs, and you’ll be back to having summer fun before you know it!

girl receiving airalle head lice treatment

How to Kill Nits

Truly, killing lice eggs is MUCH more difficult than killing the bugs.  Even the best prescription pesticide is only 73% effective at killing the nits.  The AirAllé™ head lice treatment is currently the only treatment option available that is clinically proven to kill nits entirely.  This treatment is available exclusively at Fresh Heads Lice Removal.  The AirAllé™ treatment takes about 30 minutes to complete and requires no follow-up.  For these reasons, it is our most popular treatment option.

Another way to kill lice eggs is a very thorough manual comb out.  If you are attempting to manually comb nits out of the hair, you need to be ready to comb diligently for 10 days, while also treating every five days with a dimethicone oil treatment.  This way, you kill any hatchlings before they mature to lay new eggs while combing out any remaining nits before they hatch.  It can be done, but it is hard work.