Hedrin FAQs

What's special about Hedrin?

Instead of using an insecticide to poison the head lice Hedrin lotion kills them by preventing them from functioning and disrupting their water elimination process.

Is Hedrin suitable to use on the whole family?

Because silicones are not absorbed through the skin, Hedrin 4% dimeticone lotion and Hedrin Liquid Gel are suitable for use on children as young as 6 months. Hedrin does not contain any solvents which could be a problem for people with asthma.

Can Hedrin be used on coloured or bleached hair?

Yes. Dimeticone (the active ingredient) and cyclomethicone (the carrier in Hedrin 4% lotion) are used in a lot of shampoos and conditioners, so Hedrin can be used on coloured or bleached hair. However it is not advisable to use Hedrin directly before colouring or bleaching because it may prevent the colour taking to the hair.

Does Hedrin have a nasty odour?

No. Hedrin 4% lotion is a completely odourless, colourless silky lotion which spreads easily, making it simple to apply. Hedrin Gel contains penetrol which gives it a faint pleasant perfume.

Does Hedrin sting?

No again. It is kind to the hair and skin and feels a bit like a cosmetic hair conditioner when it is applied.

What about lice eggs?

In order to ensure that the lice are effectively eradicated, a second dose of Hedrin lotion should be applied 7 days after the first treatment to deal with any eggs which may have hatched since the first application. The 'nits' (empty egg cases) are glued to the hair but are completely harmless.

They can be removed with the fingers or a fine toothed comb.

Do I have to comb the lice out?

Once the lice are killed they should wash or easily comb out of the hair - there is no need for a laborious combing regime.

The empty egg cases or nits are glued to the hair shaft and can be removed with the fingers or a fine toothed comb if desired.

Won't the head lice become resistant?

No. Because of the way Hedrin works (by killing lice physically rather than by poisoning) lice cannot develop resistance to it — and it can still kill insecticide-resistant lice.

How often can I repeat the treatment?

Two applications of Hedrin one week apart are necessary for the head lice infestation to be effectively dealt with. If reinfestation occurs within a short period then Hedrin may be used again straight away.

How should Hedrin be used?

Hedrin should be applied to dry hair. The hair should be fully covered with Hedrin from root to tip. A second treatment after 7 days effectively deals with hatched eggs.

Hedrin 4% Lotion

Should be left to dry for 8 hours or overnight.

The active ingredient (Dimeticone) is carried in Cyclomethicone (a silicone commonly used in hair conditioners) which evaporates, leaving the Dimeticone coating the louse.

Because the hair dries off, it is not at all unpleasant to leave the lotion on. Hedrin is then easily washed out.

Important Safety Advice
Keep hair away from sources of ignition, especially naked flames and burning cigarettes, whilst being treated with Hedrin 4% lotion. Treated hair can readily burn if ignited.

Hedrin Liquid Gel

This has been specially formulated with non-volatile  ingredients and should be left on the hair for at least 1 hour (or longer if more convenient).

Wash the hair thoroughly with a non-conditioning shampoo.  For best results apply the shampoo directly to the hair without wetting it.  Hedrin Liquid Gel contains anti-foaming ingredients so the shampoo will not lather readily.

Important Safety Advice
Hedrin Liquid Gel is slippery. Baths, shower cubicles etc may become slippery when using or washing the hair. Take care. Wash any residues away with detergent and warm water.

How much will I need?

A little Hedrin goes a long way. The amount needed depends entirely upon the length of hair to be treated. A 50ml bottle should be sufficient for a two-dose treatment of short hair. Longer hair or multiple treatments will require a larger bottle.

Where can I buy Hedrin?

Hedrin 4% Lotion — 50ml and 150ml and Hedrin 120ml (spray) — is available through pharmacies and pharmacy counters.

Hedrin Liquid Gel — 100ml, 250ml bottles, 60ml (spray) and 100ml (Spray) — is available from pharmacists, pharmacy counters and medicine aisles in-store.

If you would like to order online then you can purchase directly from Pharmacy2U or from ExpressChemist.

 

Hedrin 4% lotion contains dimeticone

Always read the label