7 Best Lice Prevention Shampoo Picks We Love

Lice may be tough. But remember: you're going to win the battle. To help you do that, Dr. Rodriguez suggests keeping these tips in mind when shopping for lice-prevention shampoos.

Look for active ingredients:  When it comes to picking a lice-prevention shampoo, Dr. Rodriguez says you'll want to make sure it's got the good stuff. "Look for active ingredients like benzyl alcohol, ivermectin, malathion, permethrin, pyrethrins, and piperonyl butoxide,"  she tells Today's Parent. "These ingredients pack a punch against lice."

Try natural treatments:  "While there are natural products that you can try for treating lice infestation, many of them have not been proven to be effective at killing both the lice and nits.," says Dr. Rodriguez. "Some essential oils that may be effective against lice are rosemary, tea tree, peppermint, and cinnamon."

Read labels carefully:  When it comes to choosing a lice shampoo, it's important to be a savvy shopper. You don't want to use products containing ingredients that are not safe for children or have odors that are unpleasant. "Some ingredients are also flammable and should be used with care," adds Dr. Rodriguez.

Follow directions: If you're dealing with a lice infestation, the key to success is following all treatment/usage instructions to a T.  "This will help you avoid infestations and reinfestations that may occur," says Dr. Rodriguez.

Seek a doctor: When it comes to lice, sometimes it's best to call in the cavalry. If you've tried topical treatments for a week and they're not working, Dr. Rodriguez says it's time to reach out to your healthcare provider for additional treatment.

Best lice prevention shampoo options 2023:

• Best overall: Lice Shield Shampoo & Conditioner
• Best budget: Grisi Kids Cleansing and Lice Repel Shampoo
• Best rated: Schooltime Shampoo for Lice & Nit Removal
• Best natural: My Hair Helpers Lice Prevention Shampoo and Conditioner
• Best Walmart: Fairy Tales Rosemary Repel Daily Lice Prevention Kids Shampoo
• Best for adults: RID Daily Defense Lice Shampoo & Conditioner
• Best after-shampoo product: Ladibugs Lice Prevention Spray

Best overall

Lice Shield Shampoo & Conditioner in 1

If you're looking for a hair product that's both a shampoo and a lice repellent, don't worry, Lice Shield has you covered. This two-in-one formula gently cleanses and conditions your hair while also keeping lice and super lice at bay. Each bottle is brimming with natural essential oils of citronella, rosemary, lemongrass, cedar and geraniol. These oils smell great to humans, but make lice and other gnarly bugs want to run (fly?) for the hills.

While this shampoo is a great lice deterrent, keep in mind that it does not kill lice or eggs. It's ideal for kids attending busy schools and daycare centers that may beprone to infestations due to crowded settings. If you need a stronger head lice treatment for an existing infestation, it's best to consult your pediatrician.

Pros:

• Gentle on a child's hair and skin
• Contains natural essential oils such as citronella, rosemary, lemongrass, cedar, and geraniol
• Can be used daily to cleanse and condition hair
• Repels lice and super lice

Cons:

• Some reviewers say the scent is strong

Grisi Kids Cleansing and Lice Repel Shampoo

Who says you need to break the bank to get quality hair care? This Amazon lice-prevention shampoo proves that you can have it all! Not only does it gently clean, hydrate, and detangle your hair, but it also contains Quassia extract to keep lice at bay. And at under $15, it's a no-brainer for parents with more than one kid.

While this shampoo won't won't kill lice, it's still a great way to keep them away. Think of it like a bouncer for your kid's head.

Pros

• Combines shampoo and conditioner in one product
• Quassia extract helps with lice proliferation
• Under $15 price
• Leaves hair soft and manageable after washing

Cons

• Best to be used as a preventative measure rather than a treatment

Schooltime Shampoo for Lice & Nit Removal

With a 4.1-star rating and hundreds of five-star reviews to boot, it's easy to see why this lice prevention shampoo is a bestseller. It's made with plant-based ingredients and doesn't contain any pesticides or fragrances, so it's super gentle on your skin and eyes.

It's unique in that it can be used on both dry and wet hair, and it's hypoallergenic and dermatologist-endorsed. Instead of just repelling lice, it actively kills and removes existing infestations while leaving an herbal scent behind these bugs hate. That prevents them from returning. But, be warned, some reviewers say this shampoo has a thicker texture, so make sure to use it to kill and repel live lice carefully.

Pros:

• Contains plant-based ingredients and no pesticides or fragrances
• Hypoallergenic and dermatologist-endorsed
• Can be used on dry and wet hair for both repelling and lice removal
• Gentle on skin and eyes

Cons:

• Thick texture takes some finessing to work through hair

My Hair Helpers Lice Prevention Shampoo and Conditioner

Looking for a lice-prevention and treatment shampoo without the toxic nasties? Say goodbye to chemicals and pesticides with this shampoo and conditioner duo from My Hair Helpers. Packed with essential oils that lice absolutely hate, it's the perfect solution for all hair types, from curly to fine to thick. Plus, the soothing power of peppermint keeps your child's scalp happy and protected against future lice infestations.

FYI: Some reviewers mention that the bottle size is on the smaller side. If that's a deal-breaker, buy two bottles, or stick with some of the other options on our list.

Pros:

• Safe for daily use
• Suitable for all hair types including curly, fine, normal, and thick
• Chemical and pesticide-free
• Contains peppermint essential oil

Cons:

• Some reviewers point out that bottles are on the smaller side.

Fairy Tales Rosemary Repel Daily Lice Prevention Kids Shampoo

Think of this preventative shampoo as the knight in shining armor that can save you from the lice dragon. Its ingredients (rosemary, citronella and tea tree oil) are its sword and shield, giving you the 'hairy' tale ending you deserve. Gentle enough for daily use, this cleansing product leaves a subtle herbal scent behind that kids love and lice hate.

But this shampoo is not just a hero for your hair, it's also gentle enough to use every day without irritating your scalp. And guess what? It won't leave your hair feeling oily or greasy afterward either. It's like music to our ears!

Pros:

• Rosemary, citronella and tea tree oil ingredients
• Can be used daily
• Appealing scent
• Gentle and non-irritating
• Gluten, soy, dairy and nut-free
• Paraben free and sulfate free

Cons:

• Somewhat pricey, though worth every penny if you're looking for a lice prevention shampoo to keep in your regular arsenal

RID Daily Defense Lice Shampoo & Conditioner

If your kid brings home lice from school, it's like playing the worst game of hot potato. Instead of a potato...well..it's a bunch of tiny bugs that you don't want to catch. Ew. Luckily, there's a whole arsenal of lice-prevention shampoos for adults just in case those pesky critters decide to pay a visit. And trust us, this best-seller from Amazon makes sure those lice stay far, far away with every single wash.

While it may not kill lice, this pesticide-free shampoo has a special Lice Defense Factor that does everything in its power to keep them at bay. It neutralizes the static charge in hair that attracts those little buggers, prevents them from attaching, and even stops them from laying eggs. Since it's also a two-in-one shampoo and conditioner, it's hydrating, moisturizing and soothing.

Pros:

• Shampoo and conditioner in one formula
• Neutralizes static charge in hair that attracts lice
• Prevents lice from attaching
• Stops lice from laying eggs

Cons:

• Can be a bit drying
• Not ideal for color or chemically-treated hair

Ladibugs Lice Prevention Spray

Don't let the stress of shampooing your kid's hair turn into a lice nightmare. This minty lice prevention spray is here for extra backup, and here's the kicker: it's under $20. Because it's portable, you can take this spray with you wherever you go, whether it's in your purse or your kid's backpack.

With each spray, you treat tresses to spearmint essential oil, which deters lice without harsh chemicals and leaves your kid's locks smelling great. But you don't have to just use this spray on hair: you can spritz it on clothing and stuffed animals (yep, lice hide there too—still be sure to put them in a plastic bag for a while) in your kid's room to keep the bugs away.

Pros:

• Provides on-the-go protection
• Mint deters lice and keeps hair smelling fresh
• Spray can be used on clothing, stuffed animals and toys
• Under $20 price

Cons:

• Needs to be used daily, and long or thick hair may require lots of product