Here are the best flea shampoo for humans we’ll be covering:
- Hair shampoo: Honeyskin Organic Tea Tree Oil Shampoo
- Hair shampoo: Rocky Mountain Barber Company Shampoo
- Hair shampoo: Tea Tree Lavender Mint Moisturizing Shampoo
- Body shampoo: Wondercide Repel Soap Bar
- Body shampoo: Defense Soap Original Tea Tree Bar Soap
- Body shampoo: Remedy Soap Tea Tree Oil Body Wash
What kills fleas in human hair?
While we normally think of fleas as a nuisance for our pets, certain species of fleas can also bite and even live on humans. Fortunately, there are many ways to get rid of fleas on human hair. This article will tell you what to do if you have a problem and how to pick the best flea shampoo for humans.
Itching on your head, scalp, and neck are signs that you might have fleas living in your hair. Fleabites look like red, swollen lumps and may develop into blisters or small wounds. Fleas can cause problems such as disease, infection, and allergic reactions, so it’s best to get rid of them as quickly as possible.
Some common remedies for fleas in human hair are flea shampoo for dogs, lice shampoo, lemon dish soap, baking soda, tea tree oil, and apple cider vinegar. Whichever of these remedies you use, it is best to leave it on for at least 10 minutes and then to rinse with warm water and comb through the hair with a flea comb.
Does washing your hair kill fleas?
Simply washing your hair will not necessarily kill fleas. Rather, you will need to use a shampoo or product that has special properties, let it sit on your hair for a specified period of time, comb with a fine-tooth comb, and repeat as needed until the fleas are gone. You will also need to eliminate the fleas in your environment.
Does baking soda kill fleas?
Baking soda has flea-killing properties and can be used to get rid of fleas on human hair. You can mix it with salt and water to make a paste, apply it to hair, leave it on for at least 10 minutes, comb thoroughly, and wash it out with warm water.
Can fleas live in people’s hair?
Of the more than 2000 species of fleas, only a few types can infest humans: the cat flea, the dog flea, and the human flea (Pulex irritans). The human flea looks similar to pet fleas but is larger. Human fleas are between 1.5 mm and 3 mm in length, wingless, and flat. They have large hind legs and are hard to remove.
Rare in most industrialized countries, human fleas are a nuisance and can transmit dangerous diseases such as the plague.
Does lice shampoo kill fleas?
Some shampoos made for treating lice or hair-mites can be effective against fleas. Apply the shampoo and work it into the scalp and hair. Leave it on for 10 minutes, wash with warm water, and comb thoroughly. Repeat this for a few days until the fleas are gone.
Can you use dog/cat flea shampoos on humans?
Another possible treatment for fleas in human hair is using dog or cat flea shampoo. According to some opinions, this should be fine. However, pet flea shampoo might contain chemicals or pesticides that can be dangerous for humans.
Pyrethrins and pyrethroids, for example, can be extremely toxic if ingested, so it’s best to avoid using pet shampoos that contain them. If you do try a pet shampoo, be sure to use one with a gentle formula that is made from human-grade materials.
Our recommendation for the best flea shampoo for humans
When choosing the best flea shampoo for humans, you will want to be sure it has ingredients known to be beneficial for repelling pests and relieving symptoms. Shampoos with tea tree oil or lavender oil are effective at killing fleas and their eggs and also have antiseptic properties. Peppermint oil is good for soothing itching.
Also, try to choose a shampoo that has no harsh ingredients. Some ingredients to avoid are paraben, sulfate, mineral oil, petrolatum, and formaldehyde because they are potentially harmful to people. Products with fragrances and alcohol should also be avoided.
Honeyskin Organic Tea Tree Oil Shampoo
Organic Tea Tree Oil Shampoo is made for deeply cleansing the hair and scalp and provides nutrients and hydration. It repairs damaged hair, treats dandruff, promotes hair growth, and soothes itching caused by dryness or insect bite. Made in the USA from all-natural ingredients, it is free from harmful chemicals, parabens, and sulfates and safe for sensitive skin and color-treated hair.
The active ingredients are organic tea tree oil, manuka honey, aloe vera, apple stem cell, and coconut oil. Tea tree oil is known to repel fleas, maintain a healthy scalp, remove dead skin, and eliminate fungi and bacteria. Honey seals in moisture and has antiseptic qualities to avoid infections. Coconut oil stimulates hair growth and promotes healing from insect bites.
Pros: No harmful chemicals, hydrating, made in the USA, repels fleas, antiseptic qualities
Cons: Questionable packaging
Rocky Mountain Barber Company Shampoo
Rocky Mountain Barber Company Daily User Shampoo is made for men and can be used on oily, dry, and normal hair. It prevents dryness and itching and is paraben, SLS, and DEA-free. Made in small batches from fresh ingredients, it is perfect for all hair types and contains no artificial ingredients. It is cruelty-free and made in Canada.
The active ingredients, natural peppermint oil, tea tree oil, and eucalyptus oil, give it a forest minty scent and reduce scalp irritation. Tea tree oil also works to repel fleas. The ingredients won’t dry out your scalp and will keep hair healthy and looking good. To use, dispense in hair, massage, and rinse.
Pros: Smells good, paraben, SLS, and DEA free, concentrated
Cons: Small bottle, expensive
Tea Tree Lavender Mint Moisturizing Shampoo
Tea Tree Lavender Mint Moisturizing Shampoo is a moisturizing shampoo made for coarse dry hair. It can also be used for other hair types. The fragrance is soothing and calming like a trip to the spa. The packaging is sustainable, and the company is phasing into post-consumer recycled packaging. This shampoo is made by John Paul Mitchell Systems and is salon-quality.
The active ingredients include tea tree oil, which works to repel fleas, conditioners, and amino acids for strength, shine, and manageability. The shampoo cleanses, soothes, and moisturizes unruly hair. It leaves hair shiny and fresh, exfoliates the scalp, and invigorates the scalp. It is vegan, color-safe, and free from paraben and gluten.
Pros: Cleansing, fresh fragrance, good for all hair types, paraben and gluten-free
Cons: High price point
Wondercide Repel Soap Bar
Wondercide Repel Soap Bar is a 4-ounce hand and body bar crafted with high-quality essential oils. Gentle on sensitive skin, it is safe for the whole family. It is infused with geranium and citronella which repel ticks. It is 100 percent biodegradable which makes it great for camping and hiking, and it is easy to use lasting longer than liquid soap and washing out in half the time.
The active ingredients include coconut oil for a rich lather and aloe vera for cooling relief from bug bites, burns, and scratches. Other ingredients include palm oil, shea butter, castor oil, citronella oil, and vitamin E. It is free from harsh chemicals, artificial colors, fragrances, parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and harsh ingredients.
Pros: Gentle, repels insects, safe for the whole family, cooling relief for bug bites, made in the USA, free of harsh chemicals
Cons: High price
Defense Soap Original Tea Tree Bar Soap
Defense Soap Original Tea Tree Bar Soap is clinically proven to wash away bacteria and fungus. Originally created to prevent skin infections in wrestlers, it is made with high-quality ingredients that remove dirt, protect the skin, and control the production of sebum and dead skin cells. It is triple-milled for quality and lathers richly.
Made with natural essential tea tree and eucalyptus oils, this soap provides many benefits. Its active ingredients perform against ringworm, athlete’s foot, jock itch, dandruff, and acne. Tea tree oil is effective as a flea repellent. Hypoallergenic and safe, it contains no parabens, sulfates, SLS, triclosan, dyes, alcohol, or fragrances.
Pros: Prevents skin infections, clears up fungus, high-quality ingredients, hypoallergenic and safe, triple-milled
Cons: Dries out skin, not fragrance free
Remedy Soap Tea Tree Oil Body Wash
Remedy Soap Tea Tree Oil Body Wash is a shower gel that helps with a host of issues including body odor, athlete’s foot, jock itch, ringworm, yeast infections, and skin irritations. It is made in the USA and comes in a 12-ounce bottle. Great for the gym or for everyday use, this gel smells nice and is balanced for all skin types. It comes with a 100 percent guarantee.
Made with tea tree oil to fight odors, skin conditions, and fleas, and peppermint, aloe vera, eucalyptus, and coconut oils, this soap is refreshing, moisturizing, and subtle. The peppermint oil balances natural oils, and the eucalyptus helps with skin irritations. There are no parabens, preservatives, petroleum, sulfate, silicone, synthetic fragrances, or dyes to be found in this soap.
Pros: Fights body odor and rashes, smells good, refreshing, 100 percent guaranteed
Cons: Bottle is hard to squeeze
Here are some topical treatments you can consider:
Humco Calamine Lotion
Humco Calamine Lotion is an anti-itch medicine that cools your skin as it evaporates. It dries oozing or weeping caused by skin irritation and treats diaper rash, insect bites, poison ivy, and chickenpox blisters. It can help with eczema, psoriasis, hives, and it reduces dark spots and scars. It moistens and hydrates skin as well as relieving pain and itching.
The active ingredients are calamine eight percent and zinc oxide eight percent. Zinc oxide has anti-inflammatory properties. It is safe for children two years or older. To use, shake well, and apply to cleansed skin. Let it dry, and apply more as needed. Pregnant women can use it to help relieve itchy skin and blotches.
Pros: Wide range of uses, relieves pain and itching, protects skin, drying agent, safe for children
Cons: Somewhat watery
Puriya Tea Tree Oil Balm
Puriya Tea Tree Oil Balm is an extra-strength, fast-acting balm for the relief of many types of skin conditions. It is great for common issues in athletes and provides fast and powerful relief. The cream forms a gentle layer on the skin that alleviates itching and burning in the most sensitive areas. It stays where you put it and is sweat-proof, lightweight, and non-greasy.
Made from natural, plant-rich ingredients including macadamia nut oil, safflower oil, tea tree oil, and eucalyptus oil, this balm soothes and nourishes itchy, dry skin. It contains no preservatives, parabens, or petroleum and is made from only safe ingredients. Beeswax shields skin from irritants, and it is safe for daily use.
Pros: Fast relief for itchy skin conditions, great for athletes, all-natural, nice fragrance, great customer care
Cons: Jar is very small
Dr. Berry’s Multi-Purpose Sulfur Cream
Dr. Berry’s Multi-Purpose Sulfur Cream relieves itching from mites, insect bites, acne, and fungal infections. Its anti-inflammatory ingredients are natural and work quickly and effectively. It can also treat acne, dermatitis, and eczema. It provides long-lasting relief without harsh chemicals and is recommended by dermatologists. It is made in the USA.
The active ingredients are tea tree essential oil and volcanic sulfur for quick relief of itching and sunflower oil for hydration. The tea tree oil kills fungi and bacteria and heals wounds and inflammation. It is made by hand in small batches by skilled production technicians. It can be used two times a day and left on between washings for three to five days.
Pros: Natural ingredients, soothing relief from itching, made in the USA, no harsh chemicals
Cons: Thin, gritty, unpleasant odor
How do you keep fleas off of you?
The best way to keep fleas off of you if you have pets is to use flea control treatment on them. Types of flea prevention medicines include topical products that are applied monthly, flea and tick collars, and oral medication. If your home is infested with fleas, you will need to do a thorough cleaning to get rid of them. This includes vacuuming sleeping areas and carpeting.
Other things to try include using a shampoo with tea tree oil to repel fleas and keeping your distance from any animals or people who might have fleas. Eliminating flea infestations can be accomplished with products like food-grade diatomaceous earth and essential oils. Essential oils should not be used around cats and used sparingly on children.
How do you tell if your house has fleas?
If you have pets, the best way to know if your house has fleas is by observing and inspecting them. If your pets are scratching, check them for fleas and for flea dirt and look in their bedding and on sheets, floors, and carpets for specks.
If you find specks, place them in water. Flea dirt turns red when placed in water. You can also check for fleas on upholstered furniture.
How long do fleas live indoors?
Fleas can remain dormant for long periods of time. At the pupae stage, they can live for two years. Adult fleas can live for 100 days. Without a host, they live about four days on average. Fleas can survive in an empty house for several months or even years by remaining in their cocoons in a dormant state.
Cocoons stick to carpets and floors, so removing them is a challenge. Vacuuming and sweeping will not rid carpets of fleas. Adult fleas will remain in their cocoon until they sense the presence of a host and emerge when they detect warmth, vibrations, or carbon dioxide. Once a flea leaves its cocoon, it can live for only a week without a host.
As you can see, fleas are nasty little bugs that are crafty and hard to get rid of. If you notice signs of fleas in your home, it is best to act right away. Fleas are much easier to eliminate when you catch them early.
