Are you worried about bed bugs infesting your home? Well, the bad news is that these pesky little creatures can also make a home in your hair. This may sound terrifying, but don’t panic just yet – there are ways to eliminate bed bugs from your hair and prevent future infestations.
Dealing with bed bugs can be a distressing experience, especially when they find their way into your hair. While bed bugs typically prefer to hide in furniture, mattresses, and bedding, they can occasionally make their way onto your scalp, causing discomfort and concern. Getting rid of bed bugs from your hair requires a careful and systematic approach to ensure complete removal and prevent future infestations.

In this guide, we’ll provide you with straightforward and effective steps on how to get bed bugs out of your hair, restoring your peace of mind and comfort.
What Will You Need?
Before you begin removing bed bugs from your hair, gathering all the necessary tools and products is essential. Here is a list of items that will come in handy:
- Fine-tooth Comb: This tool will help you remove the bed bugs and their eggs from your hair.
- Shampoo: You’ll need a medicated or pesticide shampoo to kill any remaining bed bugs and soothe your scalp.
- Conditioner: After using the shampoo, apply the conditioner to soften your hair and make it easier to comb through.
- Hair Dryer: Heat can effectively kill bed bugs, so having a hairdryer on hand will help eliminate any remaining bugs.
- Clothes, Towels, and Bedding: It’s crucial to wash all of your clothes, towels, and bed sheets in hot water to kill any bed bugs hiding in them.
10 Easy Steps on How to Get Bed Bugs Out of Your Hair
Step 1: Remove Bed Bugs from Your Hair
The first step is to remove as many bed bugs from your hair as possible. Start by using your fine-tooth comb to gently comb through your hair, starting at the roots and working towards the ends. Make sure you’re combing through small sections at a time, and check the comb after each pass for any bugs or eggs.

Step 2: Rinse Your Hair
Once you’ve thoroughly combed through your hair and removed as many bed bugs and eggs as possible, it’s essential to rinse it to wash away any remaining bugs or debris. Use warm water to rinse your hair thoroughly, ensuring that the water is not too hot to avoid scalp irritation. Warm water can help loosen any remaining bed bugs.
Step 3: Apply Medicated Shampoo
After rinsing, it’s time to apply a medicated or pesticide shampoo to your hair. These shampoos are specially formulated to eliminate pests like bed bugs and relieve scalp irritation. Follow the instructions on the shampoo bottle, making sure to lather your hair thoroughly and leave the shampoo on your scalp for the recommended amount of time. This step is crucial as it ensures that any bed bugs that may have been missed during the combing process are effectively killed.
Step 4: Rinse and Apply Conditioner
Once the medicated shampoo has worked its magic, rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water to remove all traces of the shampoo. After rinsing, apply a generous amount of conditioner to your hair. Conditioner not only makes your hair feel soft and manageable but also helps detangle it, making it easier to comb through without causing damage or breakage. Using a conditioner can also soothe your scalp if it has been irritated by bed bugs or the shampoo.
Step 5: Comb Through Your Hair Again
With conditioner still in your hair, take your fine-tooth comb and gently comb through your hair once more. The conditioner will make it easier to glide the comb through your hair, ensuring that any stubborn bed bugs or eggs left behind are removed. Pay extra attention to the roots and the nape of your neck, as these areas can be hotspots for bed bugs.
Step 6: Dry Your Hair with Heat
After combing through your conditioned hair, dry it using a hairdryer set to a high heat setting. The heat from the dryer can help kill any remaining bed bugs that might have survived the shampooing and combing process. Make sure to dry your hair thoroughly, focusing on the roots and scalp.

Step 7: Clean Your Environment
To prevent re-infestation, it’s crucial to clean your living environment thoroughly. Wash all clothes, towels, and bed sheets in hot water and dry them in the highest heat setting. Vacuum your living space, especially areas around your bed and furniture, to remove any bed bugs that might be hiding in your home. Consider using bed bug-proof mattress covers and pillowcases to protect your bedding from future infestations.
Step 8: Repeat if Necessary
Sometimes, a single treatment may not completely eradicate bed bugs from your hair and environment. Bed bugs are notoriously resilient creatures, and it’s possible for some to survive the initial treatment. Therefore, you will need to repeat the entire process if you notice any signs of bed bugs reappearing, such as itching, bites, or visible bugs in your hair or surroundings.
This involves combing through your hair with the fine-tooth comb, using the medicated shampoo, applying conditioner, and drying your hair with heat again. Additionally, it’s important to continue maintaining a clean environment, washing all clothes and bedding in hot water regularly and vacuuming frequently to ensure that any remaining bed bugs or newly hatched eggs are promptly dealt with. Consistency and thoroughness are key to managing bed bugs effectively, so don’t hesitate to reapply these steps until you are confident that the infestation has been fully eliminated.
Step 9: Monitor for Any Signs of Reinfestation
Even after taking thorough steps to remove bed bugs from your hair and environment, it’s essential to remain vigilant. Monitor your scalp and hair regularly for any signs of re-infestation. Look out for symptoms such as persistent itching, red spots, or even visible bed bugs or eggs. If you notice these signs, take immediate action to prevent the problem from escalating. Additionally, watch your living space, particularly areas where you sleep and lounge. Early detection and prompt treatment can help prevent a full-blown reinfestation, ensuring that you remain bed bug-free.
Step 10: Seek Professional Help if Needed
If you’ve followed all the above steps diligently and still find bed bugs in your hair or environment, it may be time to seek professional help. Pest control professionals have specialized tools and expertise to eliminate bed bugs from your home effectively. They can provide more intensive treatments that may not be accessible or practical for home use. Consulting with a professional can offer peace of mind and ensure that the infestation is thoroughly eradicated. Remember, dealing with bed bugs can be a persistent battle, and getting professional assistance might be the most efficient way to resolve the issue completely.
By following these steps and taking necessary precautions, you can effectively remove bed bugs from your hair and prevent them from reinfesting.

5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Use Essential Oils: Essential oils like tea tree, lavender, or eucalyptus have insecticidal properties that can help repel bed bugs. Add a few drops to your shampoo and thoroughly wash your hair.
- Comb with a Fine-Toothed Comb: Use a fine-toothed comb, often called a lice comb, to remove bed bugs and their eggs from your hair. Comb your hair in small sections to ensure thorough removal.
- Apply an Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse: After shampooing, rinse your hair with a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water. Apple cider vinegar can help kill bed bugs and any remaining eggs.
- Consider Heat Treatment: Bed bugs are susceptible to heat. Using a hair dryer in its highest setting can help kill any bed bugs hiding in your hair. Be sure to start from the roots and move to the ends.
- Check and Treat Your Clothing: Bed bugs can also hide in your clothing, so it’s important to check and wash all of your clothes, especially those that were worn while you were dealing with the bed bug infestation. Use hot water and a high heat setting on your dryer to kill any bed bugs or eggs.
With these additional tips and tricks, you can effectively eliminate bed bugs in your hair and prevent them from returning.

Conclusion
Dealing with bed bugs in your hair can be a stressful and unsettling experience, but by utilizing effective techniques, you can successfully eliminate these pests. Incorporating essential oils, meticulous combing, apple cider vinegar rinses, heat treatment, and thorough laundry ensures a comprehensive approach.
Consistency and diligence are key in eradicating bed bugs and preventing re-infestations. Following these tips and tricks can regain peace of mind and maintain a bed bug-free environment.
Hopefully, this guide has provided you with the necessary information and solutions on how to get bed bugs out of your hair. Remember, always seek professional help if the infestation is severe or persists despite your efforts.
About the Author
Jane Hubbard is a passionate beauty expert with a wealth of experience in makeup, hair, and overall beauty techniques. After years of working as a hairdresser specialist, she followed her entrepreneurial spirit and started her own consultancy business.
Jane has always been driven by her desire to help others feel confident in their own skin, and she does this by sharing her knowledge, experiences, and practical beauty tips. Through her consultancy, she empowers individuals to embrace their unique beauty, offering tailored guidance that boosts both self-esteem and personal style.
Professional Focus
- Specializes in makeup, hairstyling, and beauty consulting.
- Provides personalized beauty advice, tips, and techniques to help individuals feel confident in their appearance.
- Dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends and developments.
- Passionate about creating a comfortable and empowering experience for every client.
Education History
- University of Craft and Design – Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Woodworking and Furniture Design
- Woodworking Apprenticeships – Extensive hands-on training with skilled craftsmen to refine carpentry and furniture making techniques
- Online Courses & Masterclasses – Continued education in advanced woodworking techniques, design principles, and specialized tools
Expertise:
- Makeup artistry, hairstyling, and beauty consulting.
- Personalized beauty techniques to enhance confidence and self-expression.
- Educating clients on how to maintain their beauty routines at home.