As hairdressers, you may have observed head lice and wondered what to do when your clients come in.

Head lice have been around for thousands of years and do not transmit any infectious diseases. Anyone can get head lice and given the chance, head lice move from head to head without discrimination.

They are small wingless, blood sucking insects which vary in colour from whitish-brown to reddish-brown. They only survive on humans and if isolated from the head will die quickly, usually within 24 hours.

People get head lice from direct hair to hair contact with another person who has head lice. This can happen when people play or work closely together and especially in family situations with young children. 

Head lice do not have wings or jumping legs so they cannot fly or jump from head to head, they can only crawl. 

Under the Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations there are no restrictions preventing a person with head lice or eggs from using or attending a salon, however the customer can be asked to reschedule their appointment. 

Important points to remember when a person uses or attends your salon:

• Towels, wraps, garments and other washable fabrics can be washed with hot water (not less than 70°C) and detergent.
• Combs and other equipment can also be washed between clients in the same manner.
• All hair should be swept up and placed in a plastic bag and disposed of in the rubbish bin.
• It is recommended that salons keep copies of current information brochures available to help clients understand the condition and their treatment options.

View the latest document for Treating Headlice on the Department of Health website if you wish to treat the customer.