Olive Oil and Coconut Oil... Do these Household Oils have the Potential to be an Effective Non-Toxic Lice Treatment?

If you're battling head lice, you've probably come across several home remedies—especially olive oil and coconut oil. These pantry staples seem like a safe, non-toxic lice treatment solution, but do they actually work to kill lice?

Although some say Olive Oil and Coconut Oil can treat lice, you may want to look a little closer before you try this at home lice treatment. Let’s break down the facts.

What the Oils Can Do

Both olive oil and coconut oil are thick, greasy oils that can help smother live lice to some extent. This works by coating the lice and potentially blocking their airways. In theory, if lice are completely submerged in the oil for several hours, some may suffocate.

Additionally, these oils can make it easier to comb through the hair and remove both lice and nits (lice eggs), since the oil provides extra slip and makes hair less tangled.

But Here’s the Problem...

Neither olive oil nor coconut oil kills lice eggs (nits). And those eggs hatch in 7–10 days. So unless you’re repeating the oil treatments every few days for at least two weeks—and being very consistent—it’s very likely the lice will return.

Even worse? Some lice can survive the oil, especially if they aren't fully coated or if the treatment isn't left on long enough. That’s why relying only on oil treatments can often lead to reinfection.

What the Science Says

Several studies have looked at natural oils compared to professional lice treatments. While coconut oil may be slightly more effective than olive oil, neither one is as reliable as a professional-grade enzyme or dehydrator-based treatment.

So while oils can help as part of your treatment routine, they aren’t a complete solution.

What is the Best Non-Toxic Lice Treatment Option?

At The Lice Fairies, we believe in a safe, non-toxic, and effective approach. Our DIY lice kits include:

✅ Dehydrator based lice treatment spray that kills nits using hot air and kills lice without chemicals

✅ A professional metal lice comb (the kind salons use)

✅ Step-by-step video instructions to guide you through every part of the process

✅ Optional rental of a professional-grade dehydrator that kills all nits

Olive and coconut oil? Not bad as a helper. But if you want the lice gone, you'll need something stronger and more reliable.

Need Help Now?

We deliver our treatment kits straight to your door (often within the hour you call) in North County San Diego. Send us a message, photo, or question—we’re here to help you get lice-free fast.

📞 Text or call us at 619-483-2326 to schedule your lice kit delivery

Follow us on Instagram: @thelicefairiesnorthcounty