Lice and Greasy Hair: What's the Connection?

No, lice themselves do not make your hair greasy. Greasiness is caused by the overproduction of sebum, an oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands in your skin.

However, the following factors associated with lice infestations might *seem* like they're causing greasiness, even though they aren't directly:

* Excessive scratching and touching: People with lice often scratch their scalps frequently. This can spread the natural oils from the scalp down the hair shaft, making the hair *appear* more oily.

* Treatments: Some lice treatments can be oily and leave a residue in the hair. If not washed out properly, this can contribute to a greasy feeling.

So, while lice don't directly cause greasy hair, behaviors and treatments related to having lice might contribute to the appearance or feeling of greasiness.