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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

There are so many questions when it comes to Lice, Lice Treatment, and Lice Removal Services. For many families, lice is a huge unknown that is likely an unplanned event and can impact the entire household.  At The Lice Clinic, we have answers! Take a look at some of our most Frequently Asked Questions about the Clinic, the treatment process, and how we can best help you! 

How long does a treatment usually take?

On average, a lice treatment takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, however, the thicker the hair the longer it might take. This duration primarily depends on a persons hair texture, length, density, and how long they have had lice. Indivduals with heavier lice cases, thicker hair, long hair, or other determining factors can take a bit longer. Large families can also expect to stay longer. 

Does the lice removal treatment involve chemicals?

At The Lice Clinic, we use professional-grade lice combs called NitFree Terminator and a treatment oil based on 100% Dimethicone. Dimethicone oil is a silicone based oil that is found in many common goods including cosmetics, shampoos, lotions, contact lenses, and even food! This silicone polymer is fully inert, non flammable, and non toxic. 100% Dimethicone oil is a very thick, silky substance whose density is thick enough to succcessfully suffocate living lice on the head without having to repeat treatment. We use it as our primary form of treatment, and even sell bottles so you can treat at home! 

What can I expect once I arrive at The Lice Clinic? 

The Lice Clinic is a two room, salon-style establishment that provides a calm, family friendly atmosphere. For your appointment, feel free to come on in! Upon arrival, your lice technician will welcome you and invite you to our treatment area. In some cases, we may ask you questions regarding your lice case, and please feel free to share as much information as possible! We have a tv, snacks, and various refreshments including coffee and hot chocolate! Your technician will happily help educate you on lice spread, prevention, and at-home care. 

How do I prepare for my Lice Removal Treatment?

Your lice removal appointment is easy to prepare for. When you make your appointment, please account for how many people are in your party, hair type, hair length, and any other accommodations may be needed. We have some refreshments available, but feel free to bring your own. We ask that you arrive with dry and detangled hair. There is an additional fee for hair that need extensive detangling. Bring a towel to drape over seatbacks/carseats for the drive home, and feel free to bring a clean change of clothes.  

Can The Lice Clinic treat all hair types and all ages?

Yes! Staff at The Lice Clinic has extensive experience treating all hair types on all ages of individuals. We treat 4c hair types, ultra-fine baby hair, and everything in between as long as the hair is comb-able with a standard comb and conditioner. Our treatment is color safe. The Lice Clinic is welcoming to all, with the sole purpose of treating your lice infestation and educating our community on lice prevention and ending the stigma surrounding Lice. While our clinic is friendly to all ages, please reach out and let us know if there are any accommodations that we can help make your visit as smooth as possible. 

Does everyone in my family need to be checked for lice?

Yes! The 5-week guarantee is only valid if everyone in the household gets checked within 24 hours of the initial treatment. We also advise a small degree of contact tracing so you can best inform friends, family, schools, caregivers, and whoever else may have possibly been exposed. Lice can transfer quickly and easily, and close family and friends can cycle through lice infestations if not everyone is checked thoroughly. We are able to accommodate many same day appointments, so getting a head check is easier than ever! 

What is included with a Lice Removal Treatment? 

We understand that professional lice removal services are usually an unplanned expense. We aim to give our clients the highest value of our service. At your appointment, your lice technician will provide you the high level of education on lice treatment, spread, and prevention. Every treatment includes one free follow up within 3 to 7 days after the treatment. The follow up included a thorough comb-out to ensure all lice and nits are gone. The lice clinic also offers a conditional five week guarantee for clients. 

I did a home treatment, do I still have lice? 

The Lice Clinic's lice removal treatment does not interfere with the OTC treatment shampoos. In fact, it is advisable to get a head check after applying a home treatment. Drug store treatments have become less effective over the last several years, as the lice mutated and became resistant the some the the active ingredients. In many case the nits (eggs) can remain detached through the hair even through heavy chemicals. Nits are encased in a strong keratin shell, and the best method is to remove them fully. Our lice technicians are equipped with excellent professional-grade tools to ensure that you are lice free, and can provide thorough head checks at a low cost, and a full treatment remains optional for all of our clients recieving a head check. 

Can my pet get head lice? 

No, your pet cannot get human head lice. Lice are highly species-specific parasites. Human head lice  require human blood to survive and are adapted specifically to the temperature of a human scalp and shape of human hair, meaning they cannot live or reproduce on dogs or cats. 

Is lice treatment covered by health insurance?

In Washington State lice removal clinics are not permitted to accept insurance directly or bill insurance directly. However, we accept FSA/HSA accounts. The vest majority of health insurance plans allow you to use Flexible Spending Accounts or Health Savings Accounts to pay for both OTC products and professional services.

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Out-of-Network Reimbursement: The Lice Clinic can provide you with an itemized receipt and diagnostic codes associated with lice detection. You can submit this to your provider to see if it qualifies for out-of-network. reimbursement. 

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