As an early years teacher I’ve seen my share of head lice, but when my own child’s preschool had a warning note posted earlier this year it still freaked me out. Have it in your classroom is one thing. Having it in your home is quite another entirely, so I was quite thankful for the timely opportunity to review the “Rosemary Repel” line of lice prevention products from Fairy Tales Hair Care.

There’s shampoo, conditioner, gel, leave in conditioner, and a spray & shield which are all made with natural rosemary extract as a repellant. During a lice outbreak, they recommend using at least 3-4 products to provide maximum protection, and to not shampoo everyday as lice like clean hair not dirty because it’s easier to attach to a squeaky clean hair shaft. For maintenance, they recommend shampooing every few days with the Rosemary Repel Shampoo and using the Rosemary Repel Leave-in Conditioning Spray each morning before school. Layering on the fragrant herbs are what help to keep the bugs away so these products do no smell sweet, but they don’t smell bad either. The products are not tear free, but the shampoo is very thick and doesn’t drip. Because they use herbs rather than harsh chemicals, they are safe to use on children but their eyes should be shielded. My daughter will attest to the fact that they sting nicely if they get in the eyes, but as a natural mama I wasn’t worried about what was leaching into her bloodstream at the same time. We’ve been using them now for a few weeks and haven’t brought any little bugs home, thank goodness. (…but I am scratching my head just typing about it!)

If we do, we’ll be using Fairy Tales all-natural, nontoxic, pesticide free, enzyme based Lice Be Gone -a great alternative to the cancer-in-a-bottle available at the local drug store that used to be our only commercial option.

There’s also a bed bug spray that I thankfully haven’t had the chance to use but I’m certainly keeping it handy and taking it when I travel!

Win it! We’ve got three separate Rosemary Repel packages to give away to three T.O.P. readers. To enter, leave a comment on this post before noon mst on December 17, 2010.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED