Come to lice treatments in Toronto!
Come to Nit Works today for lice treatments in Toronto!
Come to Nit Works today for lice treatments in Toronto!
Nit Works operates the largest group of lice treatment clinic toronto proudly serving families in Central Lice treatment toronto, Bloor West Village, Vaughan and surrounding areas. We conduct the Shepherd Method of Strand by Strand Nit Removal which is an approach from the United States that utilizes a methodical, step by step process. We use clear, chemical free enzyme to stun and kill live lice and break off the nits from the hair shaft. Families are most impressed with our lice knowledge, simple home care instructions and lice education. Children of all ages feel comfortable in our clinics and enjoy the private treatment rooms where they choose their own movies to watch or play a variety of games and enjoy a snack. We provide clinic hours from morning to early evening and offer home visits for busy families in need as well. We proudly offer a comprehensive GUARANTEE of our services and will make sure that you are lice free at the end of our lice treatment process. Natural, safe, non-toxic products, a complimentary follow-up visit 5-7 days post-treatment and the convenience of our state of the art clinics make us the best choice for your lice needs. Come and see why thousands of happy clients have come to Nit Works and see the difference today!!!
What is the Shepherd Method TM and is Nit Works Certified?
The Shepherd Method TM is a safe, non-toxic means lice treatments of head lice that utilizes a Strand by Strand combing technique that ensures every hair has been examined and all nits and lice have been removed. The Shepherd Method further ensures that the hair has been checked and re-checked allowing the client to be treated effectively. Nit Works is proud to be a Canadian Business Certified in the Shepherd Method TM of Strand by Strand Nit Removal and all of our technicians have also been trained in this method.
What is the Treatment Process Like at Nit Works?
· No chemicals or pesticides are used; all products are natural and chemical free
· Hair is detangled and a natural enzyme is applied to stun live lice and assist in nit removal
· An initial comb out is done removing the majority of lice and nits
· Strand by Strand nit removal is conducted by dividing the hair into small sections
· Hair is dried and a re-check is performed
· Additional enzyme is applied, hair is combed again thoroughly
· Wash out enzyme in the shower at least 2 hours after application
· Return for a complimentary re-check within 5-7 days after the initial treatment
During this time it is recommended that you treat and comb for up to 21 days
Why is a Follow-Up Re-Check so Important?
We offer a complimentary, follow-up re-check at the salon/clinic to ensure that you are effectively combing at home in between the 5-7 days and that you are at the end of the lice cycle. We take the time that is needed to inspect your hair both wet and dry, examine your scalp and conduct a thorough comb through. Lice treatment is a process of reduction, and for complex infestations it is our job to ensure that our clients are lice free. We will work together to rid your family of head lice and this appointment allows us to assess the client, answer any final questions and this visit will ensure your guarantee. We are your community lice resource and will assist you as needed until you are completely free of head lice in your home. Our thorough initial treatment, combined with follow-up combing at home and the post-treatment re-check give you the peace of mind and tools needed to eradicate head lice for good.
Why Should all Family Members be Checked?
We often find that more than one family member is infested in a home with an active case of head lice. Children have daily direct head to head contact with others at school, camp, programs, outings, parties and at home and adult head lice are easily transmitted. Preventative combing and “taking a peek once a week” will assist you in detecting an early case of head lice. We have treated countless families with more than one member infested with head lice. It is very important that all members living in the same household be screened and/or treated to stop the spread. Let us show you how easily head lice can be treated using non-toxic, natural products and we provide you with all of the information and tools you need in a cost effective and positive manner. Come for a consultation today and meet one of our dedicated and experienced lice professionals.
What are Head Lice?
The head louse, or Pediculus humanus capitis, is a parasitic insect that can be found on the head, eyebrows, and eyelashes of people. Head lice feed on human blood several times a day and live close to the human scalp. Head lice are not known to spread disease. They are very small, have 6 clawed legs and range in size from 2mm-4mm. Claws equip the louse to grasp onto the hair shaft. Lice vary in colour from greyish white to reddish brown. They do not have jointed bodies, hind legs or wings and do not jump or fly.
What are Common Signs and Symptoms of Head Lice?
Head lice may cause itching of the scalp due to the bites of the head louse and red sores on the head caused by scratching. One may also detect a red rash on the nape of the neck or sense a tickling feeling or movement on the scalp or head. Itching is caused by a reaction to the bug’s saliva but only 50% of people with head lice will develop an itch. Some people even develop a mild fever or swollen glands.
What is the History of Head Lice?
Evidence of head lice can be traced back for centuries. Found on mummies in ancient tombs and in prehistoric burial grounds. References to head lice have been made as far back as 16 B.C..
How do Female and Male Head Lice Differ?
Females are generally longer and wider than males and have a more rounded stomach. Males have a brown band around their backs. The female louse lays eggs by gluing them to one side of the hair shaft on a human head. Females lay eggs twice a day and can lay up to 5 eggs at a time. A female louse can lay up to 200 eggs in a lifetime.
Who is at Risk for Getting Head Lice?
Head lice are found worldwide and anybody can be affected. Children often spread head lice to their parents, caretakers and siblings living in the same household. Infestation with head lice is most common among pre-school children attending child care, elementary school children, and the household members of infested individuals that need lice treatments. The newest research indicates that the largest numbers of cases are found on children between the ages of 9 through 16.
What is the Prevalence of Head Lice?
An estimated 6 to 12 million infestations occur each year in the United States, which my be an even greater number when adult cases and non-reporting are factored in without proper lice treatment services. The most recent statistic relating to head lice in Canada indicates that 1 out of every 14 households with children ages 3-12 had at least one head lice infestation during the past 12 months.
How do Head Lice Spread?
Head lice move by crawling; they cannot hop or fly. Head lice are spread by direct contact with the hair of an infested person. Anyone who comes in head-to-head contact with someone who already has head lice is at greatest risk. An adult louse can travel up to 9 inches in one minute. Spread by contact with clothing (such as hats, scarves, coats) or other personal items (such as combs, brushes, or towels) used by an infested person is uncommon as head lice require blood to survive. Head lice do not live off the head for more than 24 hours and require warm temperatures. Personal hygiene or cleanliness in the home or school has nothing to do with getting head lice.
What do Head Lice Look Like?
Head lice have three forms: the egg (also called a nit), the nymph, and the adult.
Egg/Nit: Nits are lice eggs laid by the adult female head louse at the base of the hair shaft nearest the scalp. Nits are firmly attached to the hair shaft and are oval-shaped and very small (about the size of a knot in thread) and hard to see. Nits often appear yellow or white although live nits sometimes appear to be the same color as the hair of the infested person. Nits are often confused with dandruff, scabs, or hair spray droplets. Nits usually take about 7-10 days to hatch.
Nymph: A nymph is an immature louse that hatches from the nit. A nymph looks like an adult head louse, but is smaller. To live, a nymph must feed on blood within the first 2 hours of hatching. Nymphs mature into adults about 9-12 days after hatching from the nit.
Adult: The fully grown and developed adult louse is about the size of a sesame seed, has six legs, and is tan to grayish-white in color. Adult head lice may look darker in persons with dark hair than in persons with light hair. To survive, adult head lice must feed on blood. An adult head louse can live about 30 days on a person’s head but will die within one or two days if it falls off a person. Adult female head lice are usually larger than males and can lay up to 10 eggs each day.
Where are Head Lice Most Commonly Found?
Head lice and nits are found almost exclusively on the scalp, particularly around and behind the ears and near the neckline at the back of the head. Head lice or nits can even be found on eyelashes or eyebrows, but this is uncommon. Head lice hold tightly to hair with hook-like claws at the end of each of their six legs. Head lice nits are cemented firmly to the hair shaft and can be difficult to remove even after the nymphs hatch and empty casings remain.
How did my Child Contract Head Lice?
Head-to-head contact with an already infested person is the most common way to get head lice. Head-to-head contact is common during play at school, at home, and elsewhere (sports activities, playground, slumber parties and camp). Although uncommon (approximately 2% of cases), head lice can be spread by sharing clothing or belongings. This happens when lice crawl, or nits attached to shed hair hatch and get on the shared clothing or belongings. Examples include sharing clothing or articles (combs, brushes, towels, stuffed animals, pillows). Dogs, cats and other pets do not play a role in the spread of head lice.
How is a Head Lice Infestation Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of a head lice infestation is made by finding a live nymph or adult louse on the scalp or hair of a person. Because nymphs and adult lice are very small, move quickly, and avoid light, they can be difficult to find. Use of a magnifying lens and a fine-toothed comb may be helpful to find live lice. If crawling lice are not seen, finding nits firmly attached within a ¼ inch of base of the hair shafts strongly suggests that a person is infested and should be treated. Nits that are attached more than ¼ inch from the base of the hair shaft are almost always dead or already hatched. Nits are often confused with other things found in the hair such as dandruff, hair spray droplets, and dirt particles. If no live nymphs or adult lice are seen, and the only nits found are more than ¼-inch from the scalp, the infestation is probably old and no longer active. A nit is difficult to remove from the hair shaft.
Is Head Lice Reportable to Public Health Departments?
Most health departments do not require reporting of head lice infestation. However, it may be beneficial for the sake of others to share information with your child’s camp or school, parents of classmates, and others about contact with head lice.
Do Head Lice Spread Disease?
Head lice should not be considered as a medical or public health hazard. Head lice are not known to spread disease. Head lice can be an annoyance because their presence may cause itching and loss of sleep if lice are not treated. Excessive scratching can increase the chance of a secondary skin infection, but lice themselves are not harmful.
Can Head Lice Spread by Sharing Sports Helmets or Headphones?
Head lice are spread most commonly by direct contact with the hair of an infested person. Spread by contact with inanimate objects and personal belongings may occur but is very uncommon. Head lice feet are specially adapted for holding onto human hair. Head lice would have difficulty attaching firmly to smooth or slippery surfaces like plastic, metal, polished synthetic leathers, and other similar materials.
Can Swimming Spread Lice?
Head lice can survive under water for several hours but are unlikely to be spread by the water in a swimming pool. Head lice have been seen to hold tightly to human hair and not let go when submerged under water. Head lice can hold their breath for up to 2 hours and can not be washed away. Chlorine levels found in pool water do not kill head lice. Head lice may be spread by sharing towels or other items that have been in contact with an infested person’s hair, although such spread is uncommon.
Why do Drug Store Treatments Not Work?
Head lice treatment shampoos kill adult lice and adolescent nits. Baby lice or “nymphs” do not respond to head lice treatment shampoos because they have not developed a central nervous system and are unable to be killed. Lice shampoos do not kill lice eggs or “nits” and the eggs will remain post-treatment. Most lice shampoos contain toxic chemicals, and it appears that lice are developing resistance to lice-killing products that contain pesticides or harsh chemicals. The best method to remove lice and nits is to manually remove with a quality lice comb along with non-toxic, natural products.
Do I Have to Clean my Entire House?
Head lice cannot live off the head for more than 24 hours, so we recommend a thorough vacuum of all cloth upholstery and carpets, washing of linens, blankets and pillows, washing of daily clothing and towels, and environmental cleaning of all surfaces in and around the home. Hair brushes and toys can be sterilized in a bag for 2 days or put into the freezer overnight.
How does Blood Type Affect Head Lice?
Head lice are very intelligent, have a strong sense of smell and excellent eyesight. Research has shown that head lice prefer compatible blood types and only when faced with death will they cross over to feast on an incompatible blood type. Feasting on a new blood type causes the intestinal tract of a louse to explode.
Why Does Head Lice Continue to be Such a Problem?
New research conducted by the National Pediculosis Association has proven that methods for treating head lice that were effective in the past are no longer viable. Head lice have been shown to build up a resistance to over the counter products that were once effective in killing them. Furthermore, research has shown that exposure to neuro-toxic products has been linked to seizures, developmental disabilities, hormone disruption and disease.
Is There a More Desirable Season or Climate for Head Lice?
Head lice occurs all year around. Since children have more contact with one another in a classroom environment, we see an increase in head lice throughout the school months. In addition, in warmer temperatures head lice move more freely around the hair and lay eggs in more areas. In colder temperatures they lay eggs closer to the scalp.
What Can be Done to Prevent Head Lice?
You can be proactive! If you have long hair, put it in a ponytail or pull it back. Use a quality mint spray every day before work or school. Obtain a quality lice comb and run it through your hair bi-weekly. Be aware of the sign of lice which may include itching, swollen glands, sleeplessness or a rash as the base of the neck. Be aware of contacts that may have head lice and check your family members during this time.
How Can Nit Works Help?
Head lice prevention and lice treatment is just a phone call away. Nit Works is a one stop solution for head lice diagnosis, treatment and removal. We evaluate, eliminate and educate in a safe and effective way that is time and cost effective. Non-toxic lice treatment options and products are available in our salons and we highly recommend the Nit Free Terminator Comb for effective lice treaments and nit removal in one of our Toronto locations. Nit Works carries the full line of LiceLogic products that are safe and gentle for daily use and free of harsh chemicals and toxins.
See the chart below which indicates how rapidly lice reproduce and how quickly a person can become infested…. Do not let the cycle of lice continue.
Come to Nit Works today for lice treatments in Toronto!