Frequently Asked Questions
Answers for the night you find lice.
General Questions
How quickly can you come to help us?
We offer same-day appointments in most cases, typically within 2-4 hours of your call during business hours. For the fastest service, visit our Brooklyn clinic where walk-ins are welcome. We understand lice emergencies are stressful, so we prioritize getting to families as quickly as possible.
Do we need to come to you, or do you come to us?
Both options are available! You can visit our Brooklyn clinic at 433 3rd Ave in Park Slope, or we can come to your home anywhere in NYC. In-home service is especially convenient for families with multiple children, busy schedules, or young kids who might find it easier to be treated in familiar surroundings.
How long does the treatment take?
Most treatments take about an hour of combing, or about 90 minutes from arrival to leaving. Long or thick hair, or a heavy case, takes longer. For families with multiple children, we work efficiently and can often treat siblings simultaneously if space allows.
What areas do you serve?
We serve all five boroughs of New York City: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, and Staten Island. We have clinics in Manhattan (Gramercy) and Brooklyn (Park Slope and Midwood), and provide in-home service throughout the entire NYC metro area.
Are walk-ins accepted at your Brooklyn clinic?
Yes! Walk-ins are welcome at our Park Slope location (433 3rd Ave) during business hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, closed Saturday, Sunday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. However, calling ahead is recommended to minimize wait time, especially during peak back-to-school season.
Can you treat multiple family members in one visit?
Absolutely. We routinely treat entire families during a single appointment. This is actually more efficient and cost-effective, as we offer family package pricing when treating 3 or more children. We check everyone in the household and treat anyone who needs it.
Treatment Process & Safety
Over 98% of lice in the US resist common drugstore treatments like permethrin and pyrethrins. Our manual method works when chemicals don't.
Is your treatment method safe? Do you use chemicals?
Our method is 100% safe and chemical-free. We use only conditioner and manual combing with professional-grade metal combs. No pesticides, no harsh chemicals, no toxins. This makes our treatment safe for everyone including pregnant women, infants, people with allergies or asthma, and those with sensitive skin.
Does manual combing really work better than chemical treatments?
Yes, and here's why: Most lice in NYC are now "super lice" - they've developed resistance to over-the-counter pesticides. Studies show up to 98% of lice are resistant to common treatments. Manual removal works on ALL lice because we physically remove every louse and nit. They can't develop resistance to being removed by hand.
What exactly happens during the treatment?
First, we do a thorough head check to confirm lice and assess the infestation. Then we section the hair and apply conditioner, which helps immobilize lice and makes combing easier. We systematically comb through every strand of hair, removing all live lice and nits. Finally, we do a verification check to ensure everything is removed. You'll see everything we remove on white paper towels.
Will the treatment hurt or be uncomfortable?
No. Our technicians are gentle and experienced, especially with children. We use smooth, rounded-tip combs and proper technique. Most children tolerate it well, especially when they can watch TV or use a tablet during treatment. For children with sensory sensitivities, we work at their pace and take breaks as needed.
Can my child go back to school right after treatment?
Yes! Your child can go back to school right after treatment. We provide an official clearance letter signed by our technician that meets school requirements. Most NYC schools accept students back immediately after professional treatment with proper documentation.
Do I need to treat everyone in the household?
We check everyone during our visit and only treat those who actually have lice. Often only 1-2 family members are affected. However, close contacts (siblings who share beds, for example) are at higher risk and should be checked carefully. We provide guidance on who needs treatment versus who just needs monitoring.
What if my child has very thick, long, or textured hair?
We have extensive experience with all hair types and textures, including very thick hair, long hair, curly hair, and textured hair. We use appropriate combs and techniques for each hair type. Treatment may take longer for very thick or long hair, but we're thorough regardless of hair texture.
Is it true that lice prefer clean hair?
This is a myth. Lice don't care whether hair is clean or dirty - they just need a warm scalp and blood to survive. Lice affect people of all hygiene levels. Having lice says nothing about cleanliness or parenting.
Prevention & Home Care
What should I clean at home after treatment?
Focus on items that touch the head: pillowcases, bedding, hats, hair accessories, and brushes. Wash these in hot water or seal in a plastic bag for 48 hours. You do NOT need to bag up toys, vacuum excessively, clean furniture, or spray anything. Lice cannot survive off the human head for more than 24-48 hours, so extensive home cleaning is unnecessary.
How do I prevent my child from getting lice again?
Teach kids to avoid head-to-head contact during play, not to share hats, brushes, or hair accessories, and to keep their belongings in separate cubbies at school. For girls with long hair, keep it tied back in braids or buns. Do weekly head checks at home. Prevention products can help but aren't foolproof.
Do lice prevention products actually work?
Some prevention products can help deter lice, particularly those with essential oils like tea tree, rosemary, or mint. However, they're not 100% effective. The most reliable prevention is avoiding head-to-head contact and not sharing personal items. We can recommend specific products during your visit.
Can pets get or spread lice?
No. Head lice are human parasites that cannot live on pets. Your dogs, cats, and other pets cannot get lice from your child or spread them to anyone else. You don't need to treat pets or worry about them during a lice outbreak.
Should I notify my child's school?
Yes, we recommend notifying the school so they can alert other parents to check their children. Many lice cases spread through schools, so early notification helps stop the spread. Most schools appreciate the heads-up and will keep your child's identity confidential when alerting other families.
How often should I check my child's head?
Weekly head checks are recommended, especially during the school year. Check more frequently if there's a lice outbreak at school or if your child mentions their head is itchy. Catching lice early makes treatment faster and easier, and prevents spreading to others.
Can adults get lice from children?
Yes, adults can get lice, usually from close contact with affected children. Parents, especially mothers who cuddle with their kids or help with homework, are at higher risk. However, adults get lice less frequently than children. We check all family members during treatment visits.
Will lice go away on their own without treatment?
No. Lice will not go away on their own. An untreated infestation will continue and worsen as lice reproduce. One louse lays 6-10 eggs per day, so a small problem becomes a large one quickly. Early treatment prevents the infestation from growing and spreading to others.
Guarantee & Follow-Up
The guarantee covers our work. A new exposure at school or home is a new case.
Do you guarantee your work?
Yes, absolutely. We offer a 14-day lice-free guarantee. If any lice or nits were missed during treatment and you find them within 14 days, we will return and re-treat at no additional charge. Our goal is complete elimination, not done until you're lice-free.
What does the 14-day guarantee cover?
Our guarantee covers any missed lice or nits from the original treatment. If you discover lice within 14 days and it's from something we missed, we re-treat for free. However, the guarantee does not cover new infestations from external sources (like another child at school giving it back to your child).
When should I schedule the follow-up check?
We recommend a follow-up check 7-10 days after treatment. This allows time for any potentially missed nits to hatch, making them visible and removable. The follow-up check is included free within 10 days and gives you complete peace of mind.
What if lice come back after 14 days?
If lice return after 14 days, it's typically a new infestation from an external source, not missed lice from the original treatment. This would require a new treatment at regular pricing. However, we help you identify the source and prevent future re-infestations.
Do I need to schedule the follow-up, or will you remind me?
We will contact you to schedule the follow-up check. However, you're always welcome to call us anytime within the 10-day window if you have concerns or want to schedule your recheck earlier. Our phone support is always available.
Can I call with questions after treatment?
Yes! We provide unlimited phone support. If you have questions about cleaning, prevention, what you're seeing in the hair, or anything else, call us anytime. We're here to support you through the entire process, not just during the treatment.
What happens during the follow-up check?
The follow-up is a thorough head check to verify complete clearance. We look for any live lice or nits. If we find anything (rare, but possible), we remove it at no charge. If the head is clear, we confirm you're all set and provide final prevention tips.
Is the follow-up check required?
It's not required, but highly recommended. The 10-day recheck is free and gives you certainty that the treatment was 100% successful. Most families appreciate the extra peace of mind, especially before big events or the start of school.