Despite best efforts, head lice infestations are relatively common in schools, and can often spread to students' family members. Lice treatment products can be found in most drugstores, and are relatively easy to use. However, these products can be damaging to the hair, because of the drying nature of their ingredients. After using a lice treatment -- special care must be taken to recondition your hair -- prior to coloring it. Otherwise, your porous, damaged hair could accept the color unevenly.
Wash your hair with moisturizing shampoo, to remove all traces of the lice treatment from your hair and scalp. Massage a generous amount of moisturizing conditioner into your hair, from the ends all the way to your scalp.
Rinse the conditioner from your hair and allow it to air dry. Unlike blow drying, air drying will not further damage your hair.
Apply the hot oil conditioning treatment to your hair, following the directions included with your particular product. Allow the oil to sit in your hair as long as recommended.
Rinse the oil from your hair, following the instructions on your particular product. Allow the hair to air dry. Your hair can be dyed immediately after it has dried or anytime thereafter. Your moisturized hair will accept the color more evenly.
Tip
For best results, use a hair coloring product that does not contain ammonia or peroxide. These ingredients are known to cause drying of the hair.
To prevent further damage, after the coloring product is used, avoid washing your hair for at least two days. This will allow some time for the hair and scalp to recover from the processing.
According to Thebeautybrains.com, the high pH of hair dye may actually help to kill any remaining head lice.
References
Writer Bio
Melissa Busse is a freelance writer covering a variety of topics, including natural health and beauty, budget balancing and parenting. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in studio art from Maryville University in St. Louis.