Hedrin is a brand name that includes three anti-lice products:
- Hedrin Original
- Hedrin Once
- Hedrin Treat & Go
In this article, we have compared the three products and given each of them a star rating (★). Because the products' prices and modes of action are similar, the assessment is primarily based on their effectiveness, duration and application.
Hedrin Once is the most effective of the Hedrin lice remedies; it has the shortest duration of action and only needs to be used once
Hedrin Once ★★★★★
Effect: Hedrin Once is based on the same active ingredient as Hedrin Original (dimethicone), but works faster and only needs to be used once. In other words, there is no need for re-treatment after 7 days.
How to useApply the gel to dry hair and scalp and leave in for 15 minutes. Then air-dry the hair (do not blow-dry). Do not use a comb or brush while the product is in the hair. To wash out the lice repellent, apply the shampoo directly to the hair (before soaking the hair with water), otherwise it may be difficult to wash the repellent out of the hair. Wash your hair several times if necessary. Remember to read the product instructions carefully before use.
Contents100 ml
IngredientsDimeticon, Nerolidol, PEG/PPG Dimeticon co-polymer, Silica Silylat.
Hedrin Original ★★★★☆
Effect: Hedrin Original is a solution based on silicone oil (dimethicone). The oil blocks the body openings of the lice so they cannot excrete fluid. As a result, the intestines burst and the lice die.
How to useApply the product to dry hair and scalp, where it should remain for a minimum of 1 hour and a maximum of 8 hours. Then air-dry the hair (do not blow-dry). Do not use a brush or comb when the product is distributed in the hair. When washing the product out of the hair, shampoo directly into the hair (before using water), otherwise it may be difficult to wash out the product. Wash your hair several times if necessary. After 7 days, repeat the treatment. Remember to read and follow the instructions carefully.
Contents100 ml
Ingredients: Not available
Hedrin Treat & Go ★★★☆☆
Effect: While the other two products in the Hedrin range are based on dimethicone, Hedrin Treat & Go is based on Activdiol (Octane-1,2-diol). All lice and eggs are surrounded by a natural wax layer that regulates the amount of fluid that evaporates from the body. Activdiol dissolves this wax layer, causing lice to dehydrate and die.
How to useApply the mousse to dry hair (and dry scalp) for a minimum of 8 hours and a maximum of 24 hours. Dry the hair by blow-drying or air-drying, followed by regular hair washing. After 7 days, repeat the treatment. Always read the product instructions carefully before use.
Contents100 ml
IngredientsIngredients: Octane-1,2-diol, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Aqua.
Common to all products
The products from Hedrin have the following in common:
- How to use: They can be used by children from 6 months old and by pregnant and breastfeeding women.
- No resistanceLice cannot develop resistance to the products because they have a physical effect on the lice.
- HypoallergenicityThey are completely free from harmful chemicals, insecticides, perfumes and parabens. They are also allergy labeled by the organization AllergyCertified.
- Lice and egg removal: After using the Hedrin range of lice repellents, you can remove the dead lice and eggs with your fingers or with a dense comb.
You should also avoid the products coming into contact with your eyes.
What if Hedrin doesn't work?
In cases where Hedrin doesn't work (i.e. doesn't kill all lice), this can be due to the following reasons:
- Incorrect use of the lice repellent (remember to follow the product's instructions carefully)
- Re-infection (when you are re-infected - i.e. after an otherwise successful treatment)
If a specific product doesn't work, try one of the other products in the Hedrin range or try a different lice repellentsuch as Lincin.
How do the active ingredients work?
Dimeticon
Head lice have a special way of dealing with water; instead of producing urine, they excrete excess water via small passages in their exoskeleton (spiracles).
Dimeticon is a silicone oil that encapsulates the lice, blocking the spiracles and preventing them from excreting excess water.
As a result, all lice die. Lice that have ingested food die when their intestines burst because they can't excrete excess fluid. Unfed lice die from starvation.
This physical encapsulation of the lice means that, in theory, there is no possibility of the lice developing resistance to dimethicone.
Dimethicone is the active ingredient in Hedrin Original and Hedrin Once.
Activdiol®.
Like all insects, lice are covered in a protective wax layer that helps them maintain fluid balance in the body by preventing body fluids from evaporating.
Activdiol - the active ingredient in Hedrin Treat & Go - dissolves the lice's natural wax layer, limiting their ability to feed. As a result, the lice die due to dehydration.
Penetrol®.
Penetrol is also called nerolidol and is a substance in Hedrin Once that helps the product penetrate the lice eggs, killing them as well.
Side effects of Hedrin
The known side effects of Hedrin Original and Hedrin Once are:
- Mild irritation
- Formation of flakes on the scalp
- Itching and irritation around the eyes
It has not been possible to obtain information about the side effects of Hedrin Treat & Go from the manufacturer.
Hedrin should not be used if you are hypersensitive to any of the ingredients in the individual products.
If you experience any side effects while using Hedrin, you should report them to your doctor.
Sources and further information
The sources for this article are:
You can find more information about Hedrin on all the websites above, but the most information can be found on the UK (co.uk) and Australian (com.au) websites.