How Professional Lice Removal Works
Your Treatment, Step by Step
We know discovering lice is stressful. The goal of this page is to walk you through exactly what your appointment looks like — from the moment you call to the moment you leave lice-free. There are no surprises at Happy Hair.
01
Contact Us
Call or text (847) 715-9700. Jamie will pick up personally, answer your questions, and get you scheduled. She won’t rush you off the phone. Same-day appointments are available in most cases — including evenings. If you reach voicemail, you’ll get a callback quickly.
There’s no judgment, no lecture, and no reason to be embarrassed. Lice happen in clean, healthy households. Jamie has heard it all, and she’s here to help.
02
Head Screening
When you arrive, Jamie begins with a thorough head examination. Using a bright light and a professional-grade comb, she assesses the scalp and hair for the presence of live lice and nits (eggs), and evaluates the severity of the infestation. This takes 15–30 minutes per person.
If you booked a screening only, you’ll have a clear answer at the end of this step — and can decide whether to proceed with treatment.
03
Treatment
Jamie applies our all-natural, pesticide-free formulas directly to the scalp and hair. These products loosen nits from the hair shaft and immobilize live lice. They are safe for children of all ages, including infants, and contain no synthetic pesticides.
Once products have worked, Jamie begins the combing process — methodically working through each section of hair, strand by strand, to remove all lice and nits. Thorough and unhurried. This is what makes professional treatment effective where drugstore products fail.
04
Verification
When combing is complete, Jamie performs a second full-scalp examination to confirm that all lice and nits have been removed. You will not leave until Jamie is satisfied that the treatment is 100% complete.
This verification step is part of the single-visit guarantee. If lice or nits are found at a follow-up check, Jamie re-treats at no additional cost.
05
Aftercare Instructions
Before you leave, Jamie walks you through everything you need to do at home:
- Which items to launder and how
- What does NOT need to be bagged or thrown away
- How to use preventive products going forward
- What to watch for in the days following treatment
- When to schedule a follow-up check if needed
You’ll leave with clear, written instructions — tailored to your situation.
06
Follow-Up
Jamie is available by phone and text after your appointment. If you have questions, see something concerning, or want peace of mind, contact her directly — she responds personally. Follow-up checks are available if needed.
“Called at 9pm and she still answered.”
— Edge B., Northbrook, IL
Our Products & Methods
Happy Hair uses 100% organic, pesticide-free products for all treatments. This isn’t just a marketing claim — it’s a clinical decision backed by well-documented science.
The problem with drugstore treatments:
Most over-the-counter lice products — including Nix (permethrin) and Rid (pyrethrin) — are pesticide-based. Over the past two decades, lice populations across the United States have developed genetic resistance to these chemicals. Researchers have identified resistant strains in 42 states, including Illinois. These are commonly called “super lice,” and they now account for the majority of lice cases in the Chicago area. Applying a permethrin-based product to resistant lice is largely ineffective.
What we use instead:
Our professional-grade products use natural enzymes and plant-based ingredients that work through a biological mechanism, not a chemical one. Lice cannot develop resistance to these formulas. They are safe for all ages, free of synthetic pesticides, parabens, and harsh chemicals, and effective against both live lice and nits.
Why manual removal is non-negotiable:
No product — natural or otherwise — reliably removes nits from the hair shaft on its own. Nits are cemented to the hair with a bioadhesive highly resistant to washing. The only reliable way to remove them is professional hand combing with a precision nit comb — which is exactly what Jamie does, for every client, on every section of hair. This combination — effective natural products plus thorough professional combing — is why Happy Hair resolves infestations in a single visit when months of drugstore treatment couldn’t.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
What to Do
- Clean, dry hair — Wash hair the morning of your appointment. Do not apply conditioner, detangling spray, or styling products. These can interfere with treatment formulas.
- A change of shirt (optional) — Some clients prefer to bring one to change into after treatment so product residue doesn’t transfer to clothing.
- Entertainment for kids — An iPad, headphones, a favorite book, or a small toy helps younger children stay still and comfortable during combing. Jamie’s space also has toys available.
- Block 1–2 hours — Most treatments run 60–90 minutes. Long or very thick hair may take up to 2 hours. Jamie will give you a realistic estimate when you book.
- Any affected family members — If you suspect other household members may have been exposed, bring them along. Treating the whole family in one visit is the most effective way to stop an infestation.
What We Provide
- Professional-grade combs and lighting
- All treatment products (no need to purchase anything in advance)
- A calm, private, comfortable space
- Clear instructions for home follow-up
- Entertainment for kids — toys on site
- Jamie’s personal attention from start to finish
Lice Prevention Tips
Once you’re lice-free, the goal is to stay that way. The good news: lice are not as difficult to prevent as they are to treat. These are the steps Jamie recommends to every family after treatment.
At Home
- Launder worn items — Wash clothing, bedding, and pillowcases used in the 48 hours before treatment on hot (130°F+) and dry on high heat. Items that can’t be washed can be sealed in a bag for 2 weeks.
- Soak combs and hair accessories — Soak brushes, combs, and hair ties in hot water (130°F+) for 5–10 minutes, or place in a sealed bag for 2 weeks.
- Don’t overthink the house — Lice cannot survive more than 24–48 hours off a human head. You do not need to spray furniture, bag up stuffed animals, or have your car detailed. Save your energy for the steps that matter.
At School and in Daily Life
- Avoid head-to-head contact — This is how the vast majority of lice spread. Remind children not to put their heads together during play, photos, or selfies.
- Don’t share brushes, combs, hats, or hair accessories — Even briefly. Even with close friends.
- Wear hair up — Long hair in a braid, bun, or ponytail is a meaningful risk reduction, especially during school, camp, or sleepovers.
- Use rosemary repellent spray — Lice are repelled by rosemary. A light daily application of rosemary-based repellent spray is one of the easiest prevention habits to build.
Regular Head Checks
- Check your child’s hair once a week during the school year, especially after sleepovers, camps, or close-contact sports.
- Focus on the nape of the neck and behind the ears — these are lice’s preferred hiding spots.
- If you’re ever unsure what you’re looking at, call or text Jamie. She’ll help you figure it out.
Questions? We’re Here to Help.
Jamie is available by phone and text — personally, not through an answering service. Call or text directly at (847) 715-9700.
Want to know what to expect cost-wise? Contact us for pricing →
Still have questions? Visit our FAQ →