Lice on the Team: Helmet & Headband Hygiene for Sports

Sports are peak head-to-head contact: huddles, bench selfies, shared helmets, and gear tossed in the same bin. Lice can’t jump or fly, but they crawl quickly between heads—and shared items that touch the scalp (helmets, headbands, hats) raise the risk. A few simple habits dramatically cut spread without disrupting practice.

1. One person, one liner: Each helmet gets a washable fabric liner or disposable cap labeled with the athlete’s name. Wash or replace weekly (or after a positive case).
2. Personal headgear rule: No sharing helmets, headbands, hats, hair brushes, or headphones—ever. Keep a couple of spare disposable caps for emergencies.
3. Hair up for contact sports: Long hair goes braided or in a bun under the helmet to reduce strand-to-strand contact.
4. Bench storage: Assign individual hooks or cubbies. Skip the shared gear pile.
5. Weekly self-checks: Teach families the 1-minute scalp check (behind the ears and at the nape). Report concerns early.

Gear stays personal. If your helmet is missing, grab a disposable cap until you get yours... no sharing. If your head’s itchy, tell me after practice; we’ll help you get checked

You don’t need chemical foggers or harsh sprays. Focus on what actually touches the scalp and a short heat/clean routine.

Helmets

• Liners/pads: Remove and launder on hot water; dry on high heat 20–30 minutes. If non-removable, use manufacturer-approved disinfectant wipes and allow full dry time.
• Shell: Wipe inside surfaces that contact the head. Let air dry before next use.
• Between athletes (loaners): Use a disposable cap barrier and wipe contact points after each use.

Headbands, caps, scrunchies

• Wash in hot water or place in dryer on high heat 20–30 minutes. Keep spares on hand; rotate and clean weekly.

Brushes & accessories

• Soak in hot water or 70% alcohol for 10 minutes, then air-dry.

• Multiple reports in the same week
• Pre-season baseline checks (football, cheer, wrestling, lacrosse)
• Before travel tournaments or camp weeks

A professional station can move 30–60 athletes per hour per tech with immediate pass/needs-treatment results—quick, discreet, and documented

Can lice live in helmets for days?
Lice need human warmth and blood. Off the scalp they don’t live long; focus on drying liners/headbands and wiping contact points rather than deep sanitizing the entire facility.

Are team sprays necessary?
No. Physical removal (combing) and short heat cycles on items that touch the scalp are enough. Avoid strong chemicals around athletes.

Do we have to cancel practice?
Usually not. Encourage hair up, no sharing, and quick screenings for close contacts. An affected player can often return as soon as live lice are removed and your league policy is met.

• Personal helmet liner/cap labeled

• Hair braided/bun for long hair athletes

• No sharing helmets, headbands, brushes, headphones

• Weekly self-check at home (ears + nape)

• Dryer high heat 20–30 min for liners/headbands after a case

• Discreet team screening if multiple reports pop up

We provide on-site team screenings and pesticide-free treatments across Temecula, Murrieta, Menifee, Wildomar, Lake Elsinore, North County San Diego, and Riverside/Corona. Discreet arrival, fast throughput, clearance notes provided.

Call: 951-297-9297 • Book: Click Here