No. While witch hazel may soothe your scalp and bring temporary relief from lice bites, it does not kill adult lice or their eggs.
Witch hazel may make your scalp and other areas affected by lice feel better, but it cannot stop lice from spreading.
Witch hazel is sometimes recommended as a home remedy for lice or as an ingredient in homemade lice treatments. But since witch hazel doesn’t kill lice, it will only temporarily relieve the itchiness of lice bites.
Witch hazel can kill bacteria and help reduce skin inflammation, which is why it may temporarily make you feel better. However, since the lice are still alive, your symptoms will return, and you can still spread lice to others.
Your best bet for stopping lice is to use an FDA-approved lice treatment shampoo or prescription medication. These treatments include
- benzyl alcohol (Ulesfia lotion)
- ivermectin (Sklice)
- malathion (Ovide)
- spinosad (Natroba)
Since many of these treatments only kill adult lice, you will need to use them at least twice, 7 days apart, to ensure all lice are gone. A few treatments kill all or some lice eggs, so they may work with only one use. Be sure to follow the directions for the lice treatment you use.
If you or your child has lice, speak with your doctor or healthcare professional. They can help you choose the best treatment option. Since lice can spread through direct contact with a person who has lice or from items like shared hats, hairbrushes, or pillowcases, others in the family may need to be treated as well.