Hedrin Once Spray Gel - feedback thread NOW CLOSED

[AnnMumsnet]

This thread is for the MNers who have recently experienced head lice in the family and have tried Hedrin Once Spray Gel to blast those little critters!

Here's what Hedrin have to say about their product, "head lice remedies have traditionally required a second application to kill lice that have hatched since the original treatment - where they were protected in the egg. Hedrin Once Spray Gel has been shown, in a clinical trial, to eradicate the infestation of live lice and the un-hatched eggs with a single application. This removes the need for repeat treatments and laborious combing, making the process of managing head lice easier than ever before.

"Hedrin Once Spray Gel is a silicone-based, skin-friendly non-pesticide formula that is pleasant for children and easy for parents to use. The active ingredient, dimeticone, kills lice by blocking the opening to their air tubes and disrupting their ability to manage water. Its physical method of killing head lice prevents them developing a resistance – a common problem with traditional pesticide treatments. Available in Boots and pharmacies nationwide, Hedrin Once is available in a liquid or spray gel format priced from £7.14 for 60ml".

So if you're a tester we'd like you to add feedback to this thread and complete the survey which we emailed to you.

Please note your comments may be used by Hedrin in marketing material, on their website and possibly elsewhere.

1. Who in your family is being treated for head lice? Please include gender and age
2. Is this the first time they've had head lice? If no, how many times have they had head lice?
3. How did you find the application process for the Hedrin Once Spray Gel? How long did it take to apply and use the spray gel?
4. How did Hedrin Once Spray Gel compare to other treatments you've used in the past?
5. (if you used it on your child) Did your child like the gel? Please say what they thought
6. How effective has this product been?
7. Would you use this product again if you or your child had headlice?

All selected testers who add their feedback on this thread and complete the survey form will be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win a £200 John Lewis voucher.

Thanks and good luck (with everything )

MNHQ

1. Who in your family is being treated for head lice? Please include gender and age Daughter age 8
2. Is this the first time they've had head lice? If no, how many times have they had head lice? yes
3. How did you find the application process for the Hedrin Once Spray Gel? How long did it take to apply and use the spray gel? Easy to apply. Didn't seem to be saturating hair to begin with but finger combed it through. Took a few minutes to apply.
4. How did Hedrin Once Spray Gel compare to other treatments you've used in the past? Was impressed at how far the tiny looking bottle went, how easy it made even dd's mixed race hair to comb, the lack of chemical smell and the fact it only needed to be left on 15 minutes. Much better in all those respects than the product my mum used on me many years ago and seems to compare favourably to those I've seen on the shelves.
5. (if you used it on your child) Did your child like the gel? Please say what they thought DD liked that it worked quickly and that it made her hair easy to comb. did complain a bit about drips down neck.
6. How effective has this product been? Very effective in aiding combing and egg removal. Have not seen any lice since using product but do need to comb properly again this evening.
7. Would you use this product again if you or your child had headlice? Yes.

1. Who in your family is being treated for head lice? Please include gender and age

Myself 32 and dd 7 years old

1. Is this the first time they've had head lice? If no, how many times have they had head lice?

First time for me and second time for dd

1. How did you find the application process for the Hedrin Once Spray Gel? How long did it take to apply and use the spray gel?

Application process was easy and took minutes to apply

1. How did Hedrin Once Spray Gel compare to other treatments you've used in the past?

I found it a little easier than the previous treatment I used on dd. It was hard work to rinse out though and took several shampoos

1. (if you used it on your child) Did your child like the gel? Please say what they thought

Dd found it fine. She says that it felt okay when on. I was pleased that the Hedrin didn't have an odour as dd can't cope well with strong smells

1. How effective has this product been?

*So far so good

1. Would you use this product again if you or your child had headlice?

Yes I would as it's so easy and stressfree

1. Who in your family is being treated for head lice? Please include gender and age

Daughter, aged 10

1. Is this the first time they've had head lice? If no, how many times have they had head lice?

Many times over. I find live nits nearly every week. I suspect I never quite get all the buggers when I comb, rather than re infestation.

1. How did you find the application process for the Hedrin Once Spray Gel? How long did it take to apply and use the spray gel?

We really liked the spray. Very easy to use and took about 10 mins on very long thick hair using a comb to work it through the hair after spraying the roots.

1. How did Hedrin Once Spray Gel compare to other treatments you've used in the past?

I usually use conditioner and wet comb and this was as easy.

1. (if you used it on your child) Did your child like the gel? Please say what they thought

She liked it and helped to spray and comb through. We both liked that there was no strong smell.

1. How effective has this product been?

I don't know. With wet combing I can see the nits coming out of the hair there and then. I didn't see any nits being washed away when I washed the hair so I guess time will tell.

1. Would you use this product again if you or your child had headlice?

If we stay nit free over the holidays (so I can discount catching new nits from school) then I will know it's been more effective than comb and conditioner and will use again.

1. Who in your family is being treated for head lice? Please include gender and age

Dd, 4

1. Is this the first time they've had head lice? If no, how many times have they had head lice?

Yes

1. How did you find the application process for the Hedrin Once Spray Gel? How long did it take to apply and use the spray gel?

Really easy

1. How did Hedrin Once Spray Gel compare to other treatments you've used in the past?

N/a

1. (if you used it on your child) Did your child like the gel? Please say what they thought

Thought it was fine

1. How effective has this product been?

Very I think we are clear

1. Would you use this product again if you or your child had headlice?

Yes

1. Who in your family is being treated for head lice? Please include gender and age

5yoDS
3yoDD

1. Is this the first time they've had head lice? If no, how many times have they had head lice?

first time - have unsuccessfully tried to treat with Hedrin treat and go

1. How did you find the application process for the Hedrin Once Spray Gel?

How long did it take to apply and use the spray gel?

Straightforward - I lilked the spray and it took about 5 mins to saturate each head!

1. How did Hedrin Once Spray Gel compare to other treatments you've used in the past?

Much easier to apply that Treat and Go which dripped everywhere and I don't feel covered the hair/scalp as thoroughly. My only complaint woud be that it's really difficult to get it out - my daughters hair felt greasy and heavy for several days afterwards even after shampooing as directed.

1. (if you used it on your child) Did your child like the gel? Please say what they thought

no complaints!

1. How effective has this product been?

I used the gel 5 days ago and combed through their hair with a nitty gritty today. I only found a small number of tiny lice on each of them -hoping that these are from the last remaining eggs. Will continue to comb every few days and will treat again in a couple of days to be on the safe side.

1. Would you use this product again if you or your child had headlice?

It certainly seems more effective than treat and go, so probably, yes.

1. Who in your family is being treated for head lice? Please include gender and age

DD age 13 & DD age 10

1. Is this the first time they've had head lice? If no, how many times have they had head lice?

No, have had it a few times

1. How did you find the application process for the Hedrin Once Spray Gel? How long did it take to apply and use the spray gel?

Easy, the gel is greasy but it make it easy to see where I had missed

1. How did Hedrin Once Spray Gel compare to other treatments you've used in the past?

Easier to apply

1. (if you used it on your child) Did your child like the gel? Please say what they thought

Thought it was to greasy and hard to wash out but liked that it doesn't smell

1. How effective has this product been?

So far so good but will check hair everyday to check its been 100% effective

1. Would you use this product again if you or your child had headlice?

Yes, if I find it has totally cleared them

1. I was treating DD 5yrs, DH's hair is too short and mine seems ok but will use if I think she's passed it to me.

1. DD has had headlice on and off for the last 18mths, she seems to attract them very easily despite always having her hair up and plaited at school.

1. I found the application process a lot easier and quicker than I expected and as it was a gel it stayed on DDs hair without getting anything else messy.

1. I have only used a nitty gritty on DD so far which works well but obviously takes longer, I was surprised the gel didn't smell as I remember when I was little the nit treatments smelt really strongly.

1. My DD didn't seem to mind having the gel on at all, we did have to re-wash her hair the next morning as it still looked a bit greasy but it said this on the instructions so wasn't a big deal.

1. It seemed to work really well and have no sign of any lice, it also seems more effective at getting rid of the eggs which can sometimes be hard to get with combing alone.

1. I will probably use this product again, I'm just not keen on using chemicals that often on DDs hair. I think I will be tempted to use the nitty gritty during term time as she seems to get them so often from school and would probably use the hedrin gel at the start of school hols. The price of these type of treatments has put me off in the past and its hard to tell which ones best, Hedrin seems to be cheaper than a lot of rival brands and now I know its effective I would happily pay out for it.

1. Who in your family has been treated for headlice?
   *my two girls who are 10 and 8.

2. is this the first time they have had headlice?
   *this is the second time they have had the

3. how did you find the application process
   For the hedrin once spray gel? How long did it take to apply and use?
   *I found it very easy it took about 10 minutes to do both hairs.

4. how did hedrin once spray gel compare to other treatments you have used?
   *very easy very quick compared to wet combing which can take a while at a time over a couple of weeks to try and clear the headlice.

5. did your child like the gel?
   *yes they were fine with having it on , no problems at all.

6. how effective has this product been?

• so far this has been very effective they seem to be clear of headlice as have not found any yet.

7. would you use this product again if you or your child had headlice? *yes I would use this again on me or my children's hair as I have found it has works.

Thank you for letting us take part in this test ??

1. Who in your family is being treated for head lice? Please include gender and age

Girl age 7

1. Is this the first time they've had head lice? If no, how many times have they had head lice?

No has had before

1. How did you find the application process for the Hedrin Once Spray Gel? How long did it take to apply and use the spray gel?

Was easy to use and didn't take long

1. How did Hedrin Once Spray Gel compare to other treatments you've used in the past?

Hopefully it will be better than previous ones they tended to need 2 or 3 applications

1. (if you used it on your child) Did your child like the gel? Please say what they thought

She didn't complain as much as with last gel

1. How effective has this product been?

So far great hopefully none will return

1. Would you use this product again if you or your child had head-lice

Yes definitely was easy to use just wish others treated their children !!!

1. Who in your family is being treated for head lice? Please include gender and age
DS1 aged 5, DS2 aged 2, Me (female) aged 37.

2. Is this the first time they've had head lice? If no, how many times have they had head lice?
DS1: 2nd time
DS2: first time
Me: first time as an adult.

3. How did you find the application process for the Hedrin Once Spray Gel? How long did it take to apply and use the spray gel?
Took about 3 minutes for each of the boys (they have short fine hair and are cooperative. More like 10 minutes for me just making sure it was all covered.

4. How did Hedrin Once Spray Gel compare to other treatments you've used in the past?
I love the fact that it is only on for 15 minutes. Much easier to apply than the lotion, and less fiddly/ time consuming than combing. It took 4 shampoos (the first on dry hair) to get it all out, which is fine as my boys don't mind and as I said, their hair is fine and short. More irritating for me, but worth it!

(if you used it on your child) Did your child like the gel? Please say what they thought. DS1 said it was fine. Definitely better than the wet combing.

6. How effective has this product been?
Time will tell! This was a second treatment after using the normal hedrin lotion last week. I didn't comb the hair after this second treatment, I noticed a couple of baby lice on rinsing.

7. Would you use this product again if you or your child had headlice?
Yes

1. Who in your family is being treated for head lice? Please include gender and age

Me (F, 23) and DS (M,4)

1. Is this the first time they've had head lice? If no, how many times have they had head lice?

My first time and my son's second time

1. How did you find the application process for the Hedrin Once Spray Gel? How long did it take to apply and use the spray gel?

The application process was very easy, the spray bottle was handy to hold and ensure it got all over the scalp and hair. It only took a couple of minutes to apply and have it all evenly covered and then in just 15 minutes ready to be washed off.

1. How did Hedrin Once Spray Gel compare to other treatments you've used in the past?

This was so much easier and quicker to use than other brands as it didn't need to be left on overnight, it didn't have any unpleasant smells and it seems to have killed all the lice in one go rather than needed to be re-applied.

1. (if you used it on your child) Did your child like the gel? Please say what they thought

My son didn't seem to mind at all as it was so quick although he didn't like the feel of the shampoo on his hair without it being wet first but other than that had no complaints.

1. How effective has this product been?

It seems to have been very effective in killing all the live lice but time will tell if it has killed all the eggs.

1. Would you use this product again if you or your child had headlice?

Definitely!

1. Who in your family is being treated for head lice? Please include gender and age

It was dd (3) myself and dh

1. Is this the first time they've had head lice? If no, how many times have they had head lice?

Yes it was the first time she did

1. How did you find the application process for the Hedrin Once Spray Gel? How long did it take to apply and use the spray gel?

It was very easy on dd and dh it took about 10mins for each of them and about 15/20 minutes for myself

1. How did Hedrin Once Spray Gel compare to other treatments you've used in the past?

We never had to use any other product

1. (if you used it on your child) Did your child like the gel? Please say what they thought

Dd liked the fact that it was a spray, she was thinking that she was very grown up and that I was putting a perfume on her

1. How effective has this product been?

So far they are all gone, I will check again in a week time to make sure it is the case

1. Would you use this product again if you or your child had headlice?

Yes probably, but I find that it is quite expensive

1. Who in your family is being treated for head lice? Please include gender and age

I treated both my daughters Aged 7 and 12 although i couldnt see headlice on my younger child I treated her too 'just in case'

1. Is this the first time they've had head lice? If no, how many times have they had head lice?

My eldest has had headlice at least 10 times

1. How did you find the application process for the Hedrin Once Spray Gel? How long did it take to apply and use the spray gel?

it took about half an hour to apply to my eldest who has very thick, long hair, easy to apply and comb through which i did in sections

1. How did Hedrin Once Spray Gel compare to other treatments you've used in the past?

I am pleased that I dont have to repeat the process

1. (if you used it on your child) Did your child like the gel? Please say what they thought

My daughter liked it because 'it wasnt too cold, it was warm'

1. How effective has this product been?

I saw a lot of lice washed out when I rinsed my daughters hair.

1. Would you use this product again if you or your child had headlice?

I would use it again although the price may put me off as I had to use 2 bottles!

1. Who in your family is being treated for head lice? Please include gender and age

Female age 8 and female age 5

1. Is this the first time they've had head lice? If no, how many times have they had head lice?

8yr old on and off since September, very annoying as we wet combed without success. 5yr old first time

1. How did you find the application process for the Hedrin Once Spray Gel?

Easy! My children have no idea of the smell and embarrassment we wet through with the lotions as children.

How long did it take to apply and use the spray gel?

Not long at all, sprayed and then massaged in.

1. How did Hedrin Once Spray Gel compare to other treatments you've used in the past?

Much quicker than wet combing, never used a treatment before.

1. (if you used it on your child) Did your child like the gel? Please say what they thought

The 8yr old was very pleased to escape so quickly as she is used to long wet combing sessions. Youngest never complained at all.

1. How effective has this product been?

So far we seem to be free of them

1. Would you use this product again if you or your child had headlice?

Yes I would, certainly if they were persistent or I was short of time.

1. Who in your family is being treated for head lice? Please include gender and age

Dd - 6 DM - 38

1. Is this the first time they've had head lice? If no, how many times have they had head lice?

Dd - lost count
DM - 2

1. How did you find the application process for the Hedrin Once Spray Gel? How long did it take to apply and use the spray gel?

Application was super easy, and less pain on the eyes while left in - but painful in eyes as being washed out.
Despite the instructions, DD looked like she had been in an argument with a tin of beef dripping. It took two baths over three days to get her hair back to normal. But - worth it if this knocks the critters on the head.

1. How did Hedrin Once Spray Gel compare to other treatments you've used in the past?

Easy application - good not to have to do the combing. Will see on the effectiveness...

1. (if you used it on your child) Did your child like the gel? Please say what they thought

She is beyond caring - but pleased not to be attacked with the nitty gritty comb.

1. How effective has this product been?

Need to do a check tomorrow... I am hopeful.

1. Would you use this product again if you or your child had headlice?

If tomorrow's check is clear then definitely.

1. Who in your family is being treated for head lice? Please include gender and age

DD aged 8.

1. Is this the first time they've had head lice? If no, how many times have they had head lice?

Second time in space of few weeks.

1. How did you find the application process for the Hedrin Once Spray Gel? How long did it take to apply and use the spray gel?

Really easy application process. I would say it took no more than 5 minutes.

1. How did Hedrin Once Spray Gel compare to other treatments you've used in the past?

Much better as it actually worked! I used Hedrin mousse overnight previously which was nowhere near as effective and also a different make which did not work at all. I also like the shorter period of time that the gel needed to stay on for, it made the whole thing a less tedious process!

1. (if you used it on your child) Did your child like the gel? Please say what they thought

DD was fine with it, she said it smelt worse than the others we had used (but probably because it is more effective), it did not put her off having it on her hair.

1. How effective has this product been?

Really effective, no sign of any eggs or lice two days after using it.

1. Would you use this product again if you or your child had headlice?

Absolutely, definitely. Just hoping I don't have to!

1. My daughter aged 3.
2. First time since starting nursery.
3. Easy to use and spray on all over to get a good coverage.
4. First treatment but I remember all the solutions used when I was a child and this is much better!
5. She didn't mind it, said it smelt ok. Remember to read instructions before using though!!
6. Appears to be affective, keep checking hair and no movement.
7. Would buy, worth the money for ease, smell and application .

1. Who in your family is being treated for head lice? Please include gender and age

dd3 and me 34 (female)

1. Is this the first time they've had head lice? If no, how many times have they had head lice?

First time for daughter, first time since being a child for me

1. How did you find the application process for the Hedrin Once Spray Gel? How long did it take to apply and use the spray gel?

very quick and easy to apply, easier to get someone else to put it in my hair. Took about 5 mins to apply throughout my thick hair

1. How did Hedrin Once Spray Gel compare to other treatments you've used in the past?

I can't remember the treatments were like when I was a child

1. (if you used it on your child) Did your child like the gel? Please say what they thought

Dd was ok with it, but she didn't like having to get her hair washed more then usual

1. How effective has this product been?

It seems to have been effective

1. Would you use this product again if you or your child had headlice?

Yes, to get rid of the itchy lice quickly

1. Who in your family is being treated for head lice? Please include gender and age. DD10, DS8, DD5

1. Is this the first time they've had head lice? If no, how many times have they had head lice? God no - not the first time. My 5yo dd shamed me the other day by declaring to a friend "My mummy nit combed me once and I didn't have nits". Nuff said.

1. How did you find the application process for the Hedrin Once Spray Gel? How long did it take to apply and use the spray gel? Application was very easy. It took about 5 mins to apply and we left it on for about 20 mins. It took two washes to get all the hedrin out.

1. How did Hedrin Once Spray Gel compare to other treatments you've used in the past? It was messier than combing and took a bit longer longer overall. However, I haven't had to spend hours nit combing them since, so I guess in the long run it's saved time.

1. (if you used it on your child) Did your child like the gel? Please say what they thought. They didn't mind it. Overall, they didn't mind it. A bit got in one dc's eye and that stung. Would recommend tying long hair up and away from eyes after application, also giving them a tissue so they can wipe away drips easily and quickly.

1. How effective has this product been? Brilliant! It's been a nit appocalypse.

1. Would you use this product again if you or your child had headlice? Yes, although I'd probably nit comb if it was only one or two of the buggers. With an infestation I'd definitely use this again and have already recommended it to others.

1, both dds needed treating dd1 is 11 and dd2 is 7.

2, no they both frequently get headlice as its very much a problem in the school amongst the girls especially.

3, it was really easy to apply although I was worried we would run out as it didn't seem to cover a large area. But was plenty in the end.

4, this was alot easier to use than other types of headlice treatment. No drips and good coverage.

5, no complaints from dd's didnt take long to apply and there wasnt any unpleasant smells like a lot of other treatments out there.

6, no scratching since and I did fibd a few dead lice on dd pillow the next morning. Which showed it had worked for the lice hopefully the g
eggs too.

7, we will definitely be using this again, easy use, not too pricey and has worked most importantly. Only criticism is a comb would be of use for the eggs left behind.

1. Who in your family is being treated for head lice? Please include gender and age

Just me, female, aged 57

1. Is this the first time they've had head lice? If no, how many times have they had head lice?

First time I've had it for a decade - I've had it twice before.

1. How did you find the application process for the Hedrin Once Spray Gel? How long did it take to apply and use the spray gel?

It was very easy to apply. The spray nozzle made the application gentle and controllable. It took me 10 minutes to apply, to be sure of getting the hair saturated from root to tip.

1. How did Hedrin Once Spray Gel compare to other treatments you've used in the past?

Much easier to apply and the smell was far less unpleasant - barely noticeable. It was very oily but warned by the included leaflet I expected that and used masses of shampoo on my treated, unwetted hair before rinsing off

1. (if you used it on your child) Did your child like the gel? Please say what they thought

NA

1. How effective has this product been?

I seem to be clear of itching and visible signs of lice and eggs for the first time in weeks - after a VERY persistent infestation.

1. Would you use this product again if you or your child had headlice?

Absolutely, yes.

1. Who in your family is being treated for head lice? Please include gender and age

Eldest boy aged 7

1. Is this the first time they've had head lice? If no, how many times have they had head lice?

No. Unfortunately fairly frequently as his friends mum doesnt believe in using chemicals :o/

1. How did you find the application process for the Hedrin Once Spray Gel?

Soooo easy! Even when they wiggled I still managed to get it on all over.

How long did it take to apply and use the spray gel?
about a minute for the youngest and about 3 to get ensure eldests was thoroughly covered

1. How did Hedrin Once Spray Gel compare to other treatments you've used in the past?

Itw as quicker, easier and less oily. Boys preferred it too to other brands we've used in the past.

1. (if you used it on your child) Did your child like the gel? Please say what they thought

Yes! It didnt droped down the eyes like some which was a huge relief! They played minecraft and didnt even realise when the time was up! Normally we have whinging and crying the whole time!

1. How effective has this product been?

We think we've got it all! No more scratching and I think using the comb as well we've got all those horrible eggs too!

1. Would you use this product again if you or your child had headlice?

YES if I can find it!

1. Me and dd 7.
2. No. Had them so many times I've lost count.
3. Easy but a bit messy, maybe I but a bit too much on. Had us both done in under 15 minutes, but neither of us has particularly long hair.
4. It works more quickly than the other pesticide free treatments we've tried which often need to be left on either all day or overnight.
5. She liked not having to leave it on so long. Also noticed it doesn't smell bad like some do.
6. Seems to have killed them all. Itching has stopped.
7. Yes.

1. Who in your family is being treated for head lice? Please include gender and age

DS aged 12 DD aged 9 and me.

2. Is this the first time they've had head lice? If no, how many times have they had head lice? We have had head lice repeatedly since September. It seems as soon as we get rid of them they are back again!

1. How did you find the application process for the Hedrin Once Spray Gel? How long did it take to apply and use the spray gel?

I found it easy to apply and very quick to spray in and cover hair. The only criticism was that it did sting in the eyes a bit. I would say only 5 mins to spray in and cover hair.

1. How did Hedrin Once Spray Gel compare to other treatments you've used in the past?

It was a lot easier than long sessions of wet combing. It did not smell. I will reserve judgement until we have a week nit free! It is difficult to wash out even using the dry shampoo method. I still shampooed three times and hair still required a wash the next day.

1. (if you used it on your child) Did your child like the gel? Please say what they thought

They are both fed up of me wet combing their hair to get rid of nits. As it is harder to supervise my 12 year old Ds to shampoo his hair we did have to repeat the shampoo process the next day as his hair was left very lank and greasy.

1. How effective has this product been?

I think that it has worked and we are currently nit free. I will check again after 7 days and hopefully there will be no more.

1. Would you use this product again if you or your child had head lice?

I would use this if we had head lice in our family. I think that I would get some cheap shampoo to help get rid of the treatment as it needs a lot of shampoo and washing.

Thanks Hedrin for letting me try this out and fingers crossed keeping our family free of nits.