Petroleum Jelly - What's The Worst That Could Happen?

[Scarlet_Heart]

I'll try to keep it brief.

I love petroleum jelly on my skin. Especially in the winter, it's an excellent skin protectant and moisturizer (seriously, put it on your knuckles, elbows, knees, anywhere you get dry).

Anyway, the way I usually oil my hair is to work a few drops into my wet hair after a shower. I rub it in my palms, smooth it on, comb through, and leave to air dry.

So my question is, can I use petroleum jelly? Just a teeny tiny bit? Would anything bad happen?

[Kaelee]

People often recommend mineral oil on wet hair to seal in moisture.

Nothing horrible will happen to your hair I would imagine, but I wouldn't be tempted to try it because I imagine it would be a greasy, stringy mess and difficult to remove.

[Sillage]

Petroleum jelly is touch sticky IMO and it won't evaporate out (like some silicones) or absorb (like some oils) so you'd have to be extra careful with how much you put in but otherwise I say go for it. If you hate it you can always shampoo it out. BTW, I also agree it's an excellent skin protectant/moisturizer. I love Aquaphor and Eucerin Orginal Healing Cream and they're both petroleum based. :)

[Nae]

Well, one time I decided to henna everything but my white streak so I decided that petroleum jelly would be a good barrier to keep the henna off.

It worked, except then I couldn't figure out how to get it out, I wound up having to use corn starch on it and that helped remove it after failing to remove it with three shampoos and a couple of CO rounds. But I don't think it damaged my hair. It didn't feel bad it just felt like I had a greasy kind of gummy patch of hair.

So, the moral of this story is that as long as you don't slather it on like peanut butter I don't think it is going to hurt anything. It might be nice sparingly......maybe.

P.S. Don't slather it on like peanut butter.

[endlessly]

The only concern I would have with adding petroleum jelly - even a small amount - would be tangles. I don't think it could really absorb into the hair shaft based on what I know about it, which would mean that it would stay sticky on your hair and never actually "dry". I wouldn't try it on the full length, but if you're interested, maybe try a small section and see what happens. If it isn't what you thought it would be, then just wash it out and know you didn't risk applying it everywhere, and if you get great results, then try working it into the rest of your hair.

[CurlyCap]

People use petroleum jelly on their hair on the time!

The catch is that those people are those who tend to be able to tolerate LOTS of oil and heavy butters in their hair. So, if your hair gets stringy and gross with with light oilings, I would avoid it. I can't think of how someone could apply petroleum jelly "lightly". Maybe, just maybe, you could apply and then use a boar bristle brush to work it through....but that sounds like a lot of work.

[Scarlet_Heart]

Thanks everyone! Nae, I will make every effort to avoid a peanut butter-like slathering. ;)


People use petroleum jelly on their hair on the time!

The catch is that those people are those who tend to be able to tolerate LOTS of oil and heavy butters in their hair. So, if your hair gets stringy and gross with with light oilings, I would avoid it. I can't think of how someone could apply petroleum jelly "lightly". Maybe, just maybe, you could apply and then use a boar bristle brush to work it through....but that sounds like a lot of work.

My hair is pretty coarse and can take the heavier oils. It seems to particularly like EVOO. I would keep my method the same. I'll rub a very small amount in my palms after a shower, smooth it over my length, and comb through. I don't see why it would be a problem. I just figured I would ask just in case. I just washed my hair tonight so it will be a few days before I'll get to give it a try (already dry). I'll update with my results.

[Andeee]

My hair is somewhat coarse, but I wouldn't touch petroleum jelly (not my hair or skin) with a 10 foot pole; it being a thick, sticky gross by-product of the petroleum industry.

[Sillage]

I was wondering how long it would take for the anti-petroleum jelly crew to show up.

[Andeee]

I was wondering how long it would take for the anti-petroleum jelly crew to show up.
Not long at all.

[catasa]

I use pure mineral oil on both skin and hair as sealant/"moisturizer" and it works excellently, and regarding the hair it seems to wash out fine with non-SLS shampoo. I am not really sure about the differences between mineral oil and petroleum jelly but my only concern would be as others have also said, using too much and it maybe being harder to wash out. But starting with small amounts as you said I guess the worst thing that could happen would be a need for clarifying/harsher wash.

I wasn´t aware that you could buy pure petroleum jelly but I googled it now and there it was :) not sure if it is available in (IRL) shops in my country though. But thank you for the tip, I may very well try this at least for my skin!

Good luck! :)

[monsoonstorm]

It's often sold in baby sections, it's used as a barrier cream against nappy rash and things.

In the UK the brand name is Vaseline.

It's just a clear thick grease. I'm fairly certain every country has it, as it has various medical uses and it is extremely cheap to produce.

I use oodles of it all over my skin every time I henna to stop me ending up like some weird spotty/stripey orange munchkin. It works wonderfully.

[LadyCelestina]

Isn't petroleum jelly pomade or hair grease? I have a styling wax with it as a main ingredient.It never gave me any trouble and it washes out easily.It is a bit sticky though so if you need to look presentable, watch how much you use,really just dip your fingers in,rub them together and smooth over hair.
And I can imagine if you decided to do a DT with it,you'll have to shampoo many many times to get it out.

[catasa]

It's often sold in baby sections, it's used as a barrier cream against nappy rash and things.

In the UK the brand name is Vaseline.

It's just a clear thick grease. I'm fairly certain every country has it, as it has various medical uses and it is extremely cheap to produce.

I use oodles of it all over my skin every time I henna to stop me ending up like some weird spotty/stripey orange munchkin. It works wonderfully.

Thanks for the info! :)

I am just curious - I know that "vaseline" exists, i e the thick, solid/compact/non-runny colourless stuff that you can use on your lips for instance. Is this what is meant by "petroleum jelly"? To me "jelly" sounded like something else, more loose/runny/"trembly" if shaken :)

ETA: Sorry for hijacking the thread...

[Sillage]

Vaseline is pure petroleum jelly, Catasa-- and I agree the term jelly has a more loose and trembly (love that word) feeling which denser, thicker petroleum jelly does not have. We call it petroleum jelly in the States anyway :)

[monsoonstorm]

Thanks for the info! :)

I am just curious - I know that "vaseline" exists, i e the thick, solid/compact/non-runny colourless stuff that you can use on your lips for instance. Is this what is meant by "petroleum jelly"? To me "jelly" sounded like something else, more loose/runny/"trembly" if shaken :)

ETA: Sorry for hijacking the thread...

Yep that's the stuff, that's petroleum jelly. I guess "jelly" sounded better from a marketing point of view rather than "grease"!

[catasa]

Thanks a lot for the clarifications! :)

[Scarlet_Heart]

Yep it's super cheap and you buy it in a tub at any drug store. And it is more of a grease than a jelly. I would never use it as a DT. I don't due DTs anyway. I have so much hair that it's counter-productive to put that amount of oil in my hair only to wash it out. I much rather comb a few drops into my wet hair and leave it in there.

I'm thinking maybe just a pea-sized amount combed into wet hair and left to dry. Shouldn't be too disastrous.

[spidermom]

It was extremely hard to wash out of my hair the one time I got it in there. The only thing that would take it out was Dawn dishwashing liquid.

[lapushka]

I think even a tiny bit of petroleum jelly is going to be a lot greasier than a few drops of mineral oil, but you can always try. I'm thinking it's going to be a greasy mess, not to mention hard to wash out of your ends.

[jeanniet]

Yep it's super cheap and you buy it in a tub at any drug store. And it is more of a grease than a jelly. I would never use it as a DT. I don't due DTs anyway. I have so much hair that it's counter-productive to put that amount of oil in my hair only to wash it out. I much rather comb a few drops into my wet hair and leave it in there.

I'm thinking maybe just a pea-sized amount combed into wet hair and left to dry. Shouldn't be too disastrous.

I'm very curious to see how it turns out, but I would use way less than a pea-sized amount. When in doubt, use less. Try a teeny dab rubbed over your palms. You can always add more!

[monsoonstorm]

The weird thing about Vaseline is, I find it makes my skin go overly dry. Almost as if my skin is going "oh ****! Grease overload!" And shutting down oil production completely, which is strange as Elizabeth Arden 8 hr cream doesn't cause the same reaction despite being a similar consistency.

If you do use it on your hair I'd keep it well away from your scalp, just incase.

[Scarlet_Heart]

I think even a tiny bit of petroleum jelly is going to be a lot greasier than a few drops of mineral oil, but you can always try. I'm thinking it's going to be a greasy mess, not to mention hard to wash out of your ends.

Welllllllll.... I enjoy taking risks! This one isn't a big deal if it goes wrong as I'm sure I'll find a way to get it out but if it works, I'll be like some kind hair jelly pioneer! :draw: </illusions of grandeur>



If you do use it on your hair I'd keep it well away from your scalp, just incase.

My scalp is prone to follicle clog-related shedding so I never put any kind of oil on my scalp anyways. Thank you for the heads up though. It's appreciated.

[Nae]

Okay, I shall haunt this thread until I find out how it went. :popcorn:

[HintOfMint]

Just from the title alone, I feel as though this is the LHC equivalent of "That looks fun, here, hold my beer."

[Scarlet_Heart]

Just from the title alone, I feel as though this is the LHC equivalent of "That looks fun, here, hold my beer."

Lol... Yea, why not. I'll be that lady. :eyebrows:

[longhairedlady]

Just from the title alone, I feel as though this is the LHC equivalent of "That looks fun, here, hold my beer."

Hhahahaa!!!!

[marykatz]

My daughters once smeared a jar of Vaseline (petroleum jelly) in their hair. Even dawn couldn't take it out. Here is the best method I found wash it out. Saturate your hair with baby oil (mineral oil), it melts the Vaseline and you can wring it out of your hair. Then you can easily wash out the mineral oil.
Just thought I would toss that out there in case you try it and can't remove it...

[Buddaphlyy]

I used petroleum based hair greases during most of my younger years and was never the worse for wear because of it. When I first did my big chop, I used Softee Coconut Oil whose first ingredient was petrolatum everyday for 3 months and my hair was awesome. I was able to co wash it out with White Rain Extra Body conditioner or cholesterol.

My advice, go in baby steps. Use the smallest amount, emulsify it as much as you can in between your hands, and comb it through your hair.

[spirals]

If I were to do it, I'd put it on my very ends because they are damaged and need to be sealed. I want something that won't wash out easily. Otherwise, I only use it to remove eye makeup or for very dry winter skin. It doesn't wash out of hair easily.

[monsoonstorm]

My daughters once smeared a jar of Vaseline (petroleum jelly) in their hair. Even dawn couldn't take it out. Here is the best method I found wash it out. Saturate your hair with baby oil (mineral oil), it melts the Vaseline and you can wring it out of your hair. Then you can easily wash out the mineral oil.
Just thought I would toss that out there in case you try it and can't remove it...

Mine got into a large tub of sudocrem (a waxy/greasy zinc oxide cream)

hair, face, body, walls, floor, everywhere.

I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. I still can't remember how I got it all out. I think my brain has erased that particular episode from my memory.

[katelinn]

I have never even thought of using it in my hair,I only use it on my lips.

[marykatz]

Mine got into a large tub of sudocrem (a waxy/greasy zinc oxide cream)

hair, face, body, walls, floor, everywhere.

I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. I still can't remember how I got it all out. I think my brain has erased that particular episode from my memory.

Oh wow! I can see why you erased that from your memory!! :)

[Scarlet_Heart]

Washed my hair tonight and put in the PJ. Nothing out of the ordinary to report yet. I'll see how it dries and report back. :toast:

[starlamelissa]

I use petroleum products in my hair and on my skin on the regular.

[Nae]

Mine got into a large tub of sudocrem (a waxy/greasy zinc oxide cream)

hair, face, body, walls, floor, everywhere.

I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. I still can't remember how I got it all out. I think my brain has erased that particular episode from my memory.

Lol, I remember being at my Aunt's house when I was about 12 and all the aunts and uncles were letting the small ones play together in the bedrooms. Eventually, Aunt C says to me, "Hey, can you go check on the girls?" I go back and can't find my two year old cousin Liz anywhere. I am looking all over and the three year old finally points between the bed and the wall. I climb onto the bed to look into the little space to find my two year old cousin taking handfuls of that pink petroleum jelly-ish stuff from Mary Kay called "Extra Emollient Night Cream." She had pink clumps of greasey stuff just dangling from her hair.

I grabbed her and ran to show my Aunt, who almost had a conniption fit. They washed her hair 7 times with Dawn before they gave up that afternoon. Later, I remember hearing Aunt C tell my Mom that Liz's hair was STILL looking greasy nearly 3 weeks later. It was all better within a month rofl.

[Scarlet_Heart]

Wow, Nae. :P

Well my hair air-dried (as usual) and here's what I notice. It's kind of dry-ish. I usually use a generous amount of oil (since my hair is full and course) but as I was being cautious, I probably used too little of the PJ. One interesting thing, though. For having air-dried, I have more wave than I usually do. So that's interesting. I'll use a little more next time and see what happens. FWIW, I probably used about 2 pea-sized amounts, rubbed in the palms, smoothed over, and combed through (wet hair).

[slipperlady]

Once upon a time, when one of my girls was little, she came home with lice. I was embarrassed to buy lice shampoo to put in her hair and was trying to come up with home remedies that would kill them. Somebody told me to put petroleum jelly in her hair. It was supposed to kill them. All it did was gunk up her hair and no matter how many times we washed it, the stuff wouldn't come out. As it didn't kill the lice, I ended up buying lice shampoo anyway and the side effect was that it made the jelly come out too. I should have just bought that in the first place.

[Nae]

Wow, Nae. :P

Well my hair air-dried (as usual) and here's what I notice. It's kind of dry-ish. I usually use a generous amount of oil (since my hair is full and course) but as I was being cautious, I probably used too little of the PJ. One interesting thing, though. For having air-dried, I have more wave than I usually do. So that's interesting. I'll use a little more next time and see what happens. FWIW, I probably used about 2 pea-sized amounts, rubbed in the palms, smoothed over, and combed through (wet hair).

The wave side effect is interesting. Keep us posted!!

[fairylover46]

I have used Vaseline both times I have grown my hair out. Whenever I braid it (which is almost every day) I put a dime sized dab in my hands, rub them together then "grease down" the braid, paying special attention to the ends. It protects and moisturized the hair while also adding shine. It is such a small amount spread over the hair that even if it doesn't wash out I can barely tell. I am able to comb and brush through it easily, also. Fly aways are almost nonexistent due to being slicked down by the jelly. I use it year round, especially in winter. I have long fairy tale ends due to previous issues but........ I have no split ends at all!!! I check frequently just in case but there are none. It is also good for skin, eye makeup remover, chapped lips, moisture to under eye area, eyebrow conditioner and so on. In small amounts it is wonderful for all kinds of things, especially protecting ends and preventing split ends.

[getoffmyskittle]

:laugh: Vaseline is really good for chapped lips in winter, but I doubt I'd have ever thought to put it on my hair...

Then again, I put Listerine in my hair sometimes, so who am I to judge. ;)

[dreamingstar]

:laugh: Vaseline is really good for chapped lips in winter, but I doubt I'd have ever thought to put it on my hair...

Then again, I put Listerine in my hair sometimes, so who am I to judge. ;)

Same here! My mom used to use the original Seabreeze (and I think original Listerine sometimes) in my hair when I was little to get rid of buildup - it worked! I don't know if I'd do it now, but if it works, it works. If Vaseline does work for protecting hair, and is reasonably removed, why not?

[getoffmyskittle]

Same here! My mom used to use the original Seabreeze (and I think original Listerine sometimes) in my hair when I was little to get rid of buildup - it worked! I don't know if I'd do it now, but if it works, it works. If Vaseline does work for protecting hair, and is reasonably removed, why not?

Yep! It's great for seborrhea flare-ups. I use dandruff shampoo but sometimes it isn't enough. :shrug:

[jacqueline101]

I've used petroleum jelly on my hair but I did this in a certain manner. I applied it to dry hair, barely put any on my fingers pea sized or less amount. Then I put it on my scalp to control my fly always. I don't know if my method is the best but that's how I used it. It didn't make my hair gummy but it did make it shiny. I used the cocoa butter Vaseline brand. I did notice my hairs that I put it on my fly aways grew. I did this on just before joining here last of my pre lhc days.

[anitacs9101]

I've heard horror stories of people getting petroleum jelly in their hair and it taking several shampooings to get it all out. I would be suuuper careful and just add the tiniest bit.

[Debra83]

How's the Vaseline experiment going for you? I might try this next time I wash!

[door72067]

the *kills fly-aways* part interests me, but I don't think I could get past the smell of Vaseline ...I think I'll stick with baby oil


good luck with your experiment!

[jacqueline101]

the *kills fly-aways* part interests me, but I don't think I could get past the smell of Vaseline ...I think I'll stick with baby oil


good luck with your experiment!

I probably wouldn't recommend it for daily use but I did mine as a one time use deal. Mainly I was desperate my fly away hairs we're going wild. It did weigh them down and I guess since mine was a one time deal and I'm a weekly shampooer at the time. I didn't have any problems getting it out as I stated I mainly put mine on the scalp and smoothed it out towards the hair. I agree plain Vaseline has a smell to it that's why I used cocoa butter.

[Aingeal]

Just from the title alone, I feel as though this is the LHC equivalent of "That looks fun, here, hold my beer."

I'm laughing so hard right now! Dh is looking at me like I'm nuts!

[Scarlet_Heart]

I've heard horror stories of people getting petroleum jelly in their hair and it taking several shampooings to get it all out. I would be suuuper careful and just add the tiniest bit.

It's going well! The only problem I'm having is that I don't think I'm using enough. I've been combing teeny tiny amounts through after each wash (washing scalp only) in hopes that it will build up on the length over time. But that doesn't seem to be happening. So next time, I'll use a little more. My hair is so thirsty. I could put pretty much the greasiest, thickest oil in it and it will still want more. I've been careful to keep it from my scalp though.

[lapushka]

It's going well! The only problem I'm having is that I don't think I'm using enough. I've been combing teeny tiny amounts through after each wash (washing scalp only) in hopes that it will build up on the length over time. But that doesn't seem to be happening. So next time, I'll use a little more. My hair is so thirsty. I could put pretty much the greasiest, thickest oil in it and it will still want more. I've been careful to keep it from my scalp though.

I actually didn't expect it to go as well as it did... Keep us posted what happens when you use more. I'm *really* curious.

[Scarlet_Heart]

I actually didn't expect it to go as well as it did... Keep us posted what happens when you use more. I'm *really* curious.

Used more tonight. Extra wave and shine. My hair likes it! I would only recommend it for people who find heavy oils to be good for their hair. If you're using coconut or jojoba and it's working for you, don't mess with a good thing. But if you have thick, coarse, or super-curly hair, (or if you usually use olive oil or other heavier oils) I might recommend giving it a try. Start with a teeny tiny bit and adjust as necessary. Mine seems to like a big old glob.

This is freshly washed and air-dried. Not the best pic, but at least you can see the wave and not-greasiness.

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h114/eelaynuh/DSC09024_zps899af81a.jpg (http://s62.photobucket.com/user/eelaynuh/media/DSC09024_zps899af81a.jpg.html)

As an aside, I've been exclusively finger-combing my hair (except for when I have to comb my petroleum jelly through) and have found that I've been shedding a lot less. I know a lot of us deal with fall sheds so I just thought I'd share.

[hanne jensen]

Slipperlady and any others that have had or will have a lice problem in the family, here's a cheap and not so embarrassing tip. Flea shampoo for dogs. The active ingredients to kill fleas, larva and eggs is identical to lice shampoo. A lot cheaper and can be bought in any supermarket. Leave the poo on the head for 10-15 minutes wearing a plastic bag or shower cap. Rinse thouroghly and use a very moisturizing conditioner. Maybe PJ or oil of choice. Flea and lice poo fries the hair.

[ErinLeigh]

There are several products in the ethnic hair care section of drugstores that are made with petroleum that would be easier to apply perhaps. i have one that is mineral oil, petroleum, olive oil, jojoba oil plus a few other ingredients. It is a nice creme that glides right on. This may give you the benefit you seek, but with the ease of application. If cost is an issue don't worry as this was only $3 for a large bottle.
I can go look at the name if you are interested. It is in a yellow bottle. I have only tried it once on the tips and it made them feel very protected. I bought it on a whim since it was so affordable. I do plan on using it on days I know will be very rough hair.

[chen bao jun]

Thanks for this tip. I'm going to Ukraine next year to spend some time with orphans and I am really pretty sure I will get lice. Not looking forward to that part. I heard that tea tree oil might help prevent? As well as always leaving the hair in braids? I am a curly so I can't use a fine tooth comb. There is some myth going around that curlies don't get lice but I don't want to trust in that--sounds like a myth.
Never had lice before...

Slipperlady and any others that have had or will have a lice problem in the family, here's a cheap and not so embarrassing tip. Flea shampoo for dogs. The active ingredients to kill fleas, larva and eggs is identical to lice shampoo. A lot cheaper and can be bought in any supermarket. Leave the poo on the head for 10-15 minutes wearing a plastic bag or shower cap. Rinse thouroghly and use a very moisturizing conditioner. Maybe PJ or oil of choice. Flea and lice poo fries the hair.

[Scarlet_Heart]

There are several products in the ethnic hair care section of drugstores that are made with petroleum that would be easier to apply perhaps. i have one that is mineral oil, petroleum, olive oil, jojoba oil plus a few other ingredients. It is a nice creme that glides right on. This may give you the benefit you seek, but with the ease of application. If cost is an issue don't worry as this was only $3 for a large bottle.
I can go look at the name if you are interested. It is in a yellow bottle. I have only tried it once on the tips and it made them feel very protected. I bought it on a whim since it was so affordable. I do plan on using it on days I know will be very rough hair.

That sounds like a good mix of heavy oils. Sure, I'd be interested to know the brand. Where did you buy it?

[chen bao jun]

Yeah, pretty much everything in the ethnic section has petroleum jelly.
I have bad memories of that, but actually I know now that is because I was using this kind of product wrong. I don't think petroleum jelly is very different from mineral oil. If you use it as a 'sealant'-- apply some to the ends of moisturized hair (either just washed or you use a moisturizing spray, I make one for myself with rose water, some aloe vera gelly and a bit of glycerine) then I think it can be a good idea, as you are finding out. Just keep it away from the scalp.
You can also make your own ethnic type product for cheap. I did it for my husband once. You basically take some petroleum jelly and using a hand held mixture, beat some mineral oil and a LOT of water and maybe a drop or two of essential oil into it. I think I used some lanolin also. What I did was look at the ingredient list of a product I liked and used the first five ingredients, which really are the only ones that actually count.

There are several products in the ethnic hair care section of drugstores that are made with petroleum that would be easier to apply perhaps. i have one that is mineral oil, petroleum, olive oil, jojoba oil plus a few other ingredients. It is a nice creme that glides right on. This may give you the benefit you seek, but with the ease of application. If cost is an issue don't worry as this was only $3 for a large bottle.
I can go look at the name if you are interested. It is in a yellow bottle. I have only tried it once on the tips and it made them feel very protected. I bought it on a whim since it was so affordable. I do plan on using it on days I know will be very rough hair.

[lapushka]

Sounds like you've found a good recipe for your hair. I'm not gonna venture into it, I guess, with my F hair. :)

[hanne jensen]

chen bao jun, anybody can get head lice. Doesn't matter if you have curly, short, long hair or are bald. Lice are spread by head to head contact, swapping hoodies, borrowing hair brushed and combs. The lousy part is you don't realize you've been infected until it's too late. Headlice is a big problem here in Dk amongst school and day care children. I've never heard of tea tree oil as a preventative. Here we can buy a gizmo that's a very fine toothed comb that attaches to a vacuum cleaner. While combing the hair, lice, larva and eggs are sucked into the vacuum. Of course the vacuum bag is thrown in the trash immediately after use.

Headlice don't care if your hair is clean or dirty. Normal hairwashing might remove a few, but won't remove eggs and larva. Water won't kill the devils. Might be a good idea to take some flea doggy poo with you. Chrisco makes a good one and can be bought in any supermarket. I've used it on my dogs and on the whole family when my daughter was infected. Remember a good moisturizing conditioner.

Symptoms are extreme itchy scalp. Constant scratching. If you see what looks like small pepper flakes on the scalp, there's lice.

[chen bao jun]

Well, I'll be hugging kids, so I'll probably get it. I definitely won't be sharing hair brushes and combs or wearing the same hoodie but we will probably have head to head contact. I won't refuse to hug a child who needs hugs (parents dumped these kids and they have a hard life) because I'm scared of lice.
So I might just try to bring the flea doggie poo with me. There actually won't be that much water. We will get to wash everything with a gallon bucket attached to a stick that we turn over. Oh my.
I really want to go, and I'm going.

chen bao jun, anybody can get head lice. Doesn't matter if you have curly, short, long hair or are bald. Lice are spread by head to head contact, swapping hoodies, borrowing hair brushed and combs. The lousy part is you don't realize you've been infected until it's too late. Headlice is a big problem here in Dk amongst school and day care children. I've never heard of tea tree oil as a preventative. Here we can buy a gizmo that's a very fine toothed comb that attaches to a vacuum cleaner. While combing the hair, lice, larva and eggs are sucked into the vacuum. Of course the vacuum bag is thrown in the trash immediately after use.

Headlice don't care if your hair is clean or dirty. Normal hairwashing might remove a few, but won't remove eggs and larva. Water won't kill the devils. Might be a good idea to take some flea doggy poo with you. Chrisco makes a good one and can be bought in any supermarket. I've used it on my dogs and on the whole family when my daughter was infected. Remember a good moisturizing conditioner.

Symptoms are extreme itchy scalp. Constant scratching. If you see what looks like small pepper flakes on the scalp, there's lice.

[ErinLeigh]

Once upon a time, when one of my girls was little, she came home with lice. I was embarrassed to buy lice shampoo to put in her hair and was trying to come up with home remedies that would kill them. Somebody told me to put petroleum jelly in her hair. It was supposed to kill them. All it did was gunk up her hair and no matter how many times we washed it, the stuff wouldn't come out. As it didn't kill the lice, I ended up buying lice shampoo anyway and the side effect was that it made the jelly come out too. I should have just bought that in the first place.

it worked for my tick situation once :)

[ErinLeigh]

That sounds like a good mix of heavy oils. Sure, I'd be interested to know the brand. Where did you buy it?

walgreens.
Soft Sheen.Carson
Optimum Oil Therapy
3 in 1 creme oil moisturizer

First few ingredients in order
Water, paraffinum, Mineral OIl, Petrolatum, lanolin
then lower it has Olive fruit oil, jojoba seed oil, coconut oil,avocado oil and a synthetic ceramide.

It makes hair soft and shiny and feels really protected. I applied to damp and dry in test spots and like both.

[Scarlet_Heart]

walgreens.
Soft Sheen.Carson
Optimum Oil Therapy
3 in 1 creme oil moisturizer

First few ingredients in order
Water, paraffinum, Mineral OIl, Petrolatum, lanolin
then lower it has Olive fruit oil, jojoba seed oil, coconut oil,avocado oil and a synthetic ceramide.

It makes hair soft and shiny and feels really protected. I applied to damp and dry in test spots and like both.

Thank you very much for the info! I have a walgreens just down the street. I might have to give it a whirl. ;)

[Wildcat Diva]

Chen, regarding your comment last page, would covering your hair with a scarf help? Maybe a scarf that's been hand washed with some drops of tea tree oil in the last rinse?

[Madora]

Interesting article on mineral oil. Also mentions petrolatum. Scroll down to references for a detailed history of Petrolatum (petroleum jelly etc.)
http://ktanihairsense.blogspot.ca/search?updated-min=2013-01-01T00:00:00-05:00&updated-max=2014-01-01T00:00:00-05:00&max-results=26

[YamaMaya]

I would advise against using Petroleum Jelly, as it can be potentially toxic as well as not a true moisturizer. It in fact just seals in moisture already in your skin, and prevents any more from being absorbed. It's the reason I've given up on most brands of lip balm and stick to burts bees. Theres a better alternative to petroleum jelly on this vid http://youtu.be/osqXdIuxBpw.

[heidi w.]

I would NEVER recommend using Petroleum Jelly as an oil. That's like saying rub grease in your hair. Would you; I wouldn't.
heidi w.

[Scarlet_Heart]

I would NEVER recommend using Petroleum Jelly as an oil. That's like saying rub grease in your hair. Would you; I wouldn't.
heidi w.

I have, and I like it. To each their own. :shrug:

[ratgirldjh]

I have a friend with very curly hair who swears by Blue Magic Coconut Oil which is actually petroleum jelly and coconut oil and it smells amazing!

Her hair is super shiny and soft and her curls are awesome! She puts a tiny bit on her damp hair after washing.

I got my boyfriend to try it who also has curly hair and I think it would work good but he couldn't get past the idea of it... so he only used it once.

On me a TINY bit on my ends is good - but for some reason if I use more my hair seems dry and NOT shiny.