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

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

Ds3(10) and dd(4)

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

No ds3 has had them a few times before and dd has had them once 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?

I found it pretty simple, it was fairly quick, I combed their hair to get it tangle free first then sprayed and combed to get it properly coated. Dds hair though longer was easier to do as it is very fine. Ds3 took longer as his hair is thick. Didn't time it but ten mins for dd and probably 20 for ds3 to make sure it was thoroughly covered.

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

It was easier to apply and less messy than others.

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

They were both fine with it, neither had much of an opinion, they were bribed with a dvd and chocolate to sit still whilst I did it.

1. How effective has this product been?

It was very effective as long as you make sure hair is properly covered in it.

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

I would use it again if we had a,bad infestation but tbh I tend to just use a nitty gritty comb and check their hair at least twice a week so we catch any infestations early.

DD 5 DS 6 Me adult

1. Is this the first time they've had head lice? If no, how many times have they had head lice? 4/5 times
2. 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 easy to apply other than dripping everwhere and making the floor sticky. It took around 20min to apply.
3. How did Hedrin Once Spray Gel compare to other treatments you've used in the past? The smell was better and I liked the spray bottle.
4. (if you used it on your child) Did your child like the gel? Please say what they thought DD said it was cold when it was sprayed on her head. DS liked the fact that it was quick and no combing required.
5. How effective has this product been? Ineffective. Three weeks after application there are signs of headlice again. I am pretty fed up about this.
6. Would you use this product again if you or your child had headlice? Probably not as it hasn't worked, plus it gave DS eczyma.

Sorry I'm late with this feedback.

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

19 month old dd and me 30's

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

Yes for her, no for me... I've had them countless times. I'm like a magnet!

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 all really easy to use, and was very quick.

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

It didn't smell and took less time, however, the nitty gritty comb is more effective on me.

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

Hard to say, dd hated the removal process though

1. How effective has this product been?

It worked on the baby... however I've used it twice unsuccessfully on me though.

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

Yes if there are only a few eggs on my children, but more than that I'd go back to using the comb for them. I wouldn't use it on me again.

1. Who in your family is being treated for head lice?

Daughter aged 7, Son aged 3 and me. My husband just used the combing method on his very short hair. Daughter was the only one with a live louse, the rest of us were treated just in case.

1. Is this the first time they've had head lice?

No they keep getting them from school and nursery.

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 easy to apply but was a little concerned about it going in my wriggly kids eyes!

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

Not stinky like other products on the market, fast-acting - you don't have to worry about washing hair the next morning as with the mousse you leave on overnight (we never have much time to spare in the mornings). Hard to wash out though and hair did seem a bit lanky afterwards!

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

Daughter was glad not to go through the painstakingly long combing process that we do on a weekly basis to detect/get rid of lice (she has long hair). On the other hand, she hated the repeat hair washings we had to do as she loathes having her hair washed. Son also hated the repeat hair washings.

1. How effective has this product been? It seems to have been very effective.

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

I would use it if the kids had a bad outbreak but also keep up regular combing sessions in between treatments.

1. I treated the whole family just incase, my 3 sons aged 5,9,10 and 2 year old daughter then myself and husband.

2.No, The boys have had headlice several times over the last couple of years. 3.application was really easy, it took a bit longer to do my hair due to length and 10 yr olds due to curls. Waited 15 mins before washing out and shampooing.

1. Found it really easy to use and not as long to wait before shampooing/rinsing as other treatments I've used.
2. The boys seemed to like it better than other treatments as didn't run/drip when using.
3. It seems to have been very effective and certainly got rid of the headlice.
4. yes I would use again

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

Have treated the whole family – Oldest daughter (7), Son (6), youngest daughter (2) and myself (37!)

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

No, I’m afraid head lice is rife in the kids school and the older kids have had head lice a few times and this is the youngest 2nd case already!

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 the application process simple and easy to administer, it is a lot easy using a gel spray which seems to stay on the hair, rather than the oil based treatments which you need to pour on and normally ends up everywhere except where you want!!! - It did take quite a lot of washing to get out, but if I'm honest I would rather use something that does the job and have to wash their hair a few times rather than have to repeat the whole process

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

I thought that this compared favourably, When you are trying to treat 3 kids at the same time the product need to go on easily and with as least fuss as possible and the Hedrin Spray gel managed this perfectly.

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

The kids seemed fine, they didn’t moan which is a massive plus! They are now used to being treated as have had cases before and my oldest said that this was better as it didn’t run down her face!

1. How effective has this product been?

So far we have remained head lice free (even though my head feels really itchy as I right this, why does they thought of head lice provoke such a response!!!!) I feel this has been very effective and easy to use!

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

I would definitely use this again and have recommended it loudly around the playground in the hope that whoever is not treating their child will hear how easy and effective it is so that we can stop the spread!!!!

My 3 year old DD and myself both had head lice and this was the first time she has had it so was a bit of a shock. She goes to nursery so presume she got it there. Using the product was easy and fine. We did both of us at the same time and sat in front of the tv while it worked. My DD didn't have any problems having it applied and was fine (probably because peppa was on tv).

It was really hard to wash out. I think i didn't appreciate just how thoroughly you have to shampoo it out before you put water on it, and we both woke up the next morning with very greasy hair and had to wash it off again a couple of times.

But it got rid of them! we now do regular checks with the comb and conditioner but they haven't come back - and it was actually a few weeks ago we used it (i've been very slow to put on my comments).
i would definitely use it again without a doubt - this will be my go-to product as i know it works. And next time i'll know to shampoo within an inch of my life before using any water. (it does say that clearly on the instructions I obviously wasn't paying much attention.

Thanks for the trial!

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

Me- 50+ and DS 14

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

No- we have been battling constantly for years.

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?

Ds has short hair and it took about 5-7 minutes to make sure his hair was properly saturated. I have long, thick hair and IT took longer- maybe 15 minutes?

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

Easier to put on than many. No smell was a big bonus. Washing it out was a serious pain thoguh.

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

He is old enough now not to object- but he said that had he been younger he woild have liked that it didn't smell, but not liked that it dripped, and was hard to wash out.

1. How effective has this product been? Fantastic. We are headlice free for the first time for ages- and we did only use the product once.
2. Would you use this product again if you or your child had Headlice? Absolutely.

The product was quick and easy to use, and no smell. Found it quite difficult to remove, as made hair very "greasy". Would probably use it again, but only time will tell if the nits have gone for good!

1. Who in your family is being treated for head lice? Ds2 8

1. Is this the first time they've had head lice? No

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? Quick and easy.

1. How did Hedrin Once Spray Gel compare to other treatments you've used in the past? Only used wet combing in the past and this was much easier!

1. (if you used it on your child) Did your child like the gel? Please say what they thought. Wouldn't say liked it but didn't protest as much as wet combing.

1. How effective has this product been? Very effective.

1. Would you use this product again if you or your child had headlice? Definitely, it was quick and easy to use.

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

Dd age 8, ds age 10

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

Lots of times lately ??

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 to apply, took about 10 minutes for my daughters hair and about 2 minutes for my sons

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

A lot easier to apply than other products ive used in the past

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

My kids dont like any headlice treatments, they whinge about them all ??

1. How effective has this product been?

Very effective, completely got rid of all lice after one treatment ??

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

Definitely

The whole family treated here!
This isn't the first time for myself but once dd got them we all had them and just as we get rid of them on one head the other one is crawling. We have used other chemical treatments which have worked but can only be used Saturday night as they need washing out the next day, so not very convenient. Wet combing works but not so easy when more than one person is affected.
The application was fine, no problems. The real advantage was get it done in such a short period of time so could be done any day of the week.
It was effective at get rid of the head lice and although if only one family member was affected I would prefer the natural and cheaper option of wet combing, if it spreads like it has in our family I would definitely turn to hearing.

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

dd aged nearly 4

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

no, she has picked it up several times from nursery

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?

my daughter has very long hair so it took around 12 minutes it was easy to apply

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

It was easier to use, as i found it less slippery that a lot of the other treatments i have tried. It also seemed to leave her hair less greasy.

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

she doesn't like the process in general as it involves lots of combing and washing. However she was much happier that it involved less washing than usual because i usually have to wash her hair 3 times because it is so greasy. This time washing once was fine!

1. How efective has this product been? It seems to have done the job, she hasn't been scratching her head since.
2. Would you use this product again if you or your child had headlice?

yes, i found it much less time consuming and less tears!

1. I used this for the whole family ( to ensure we fully got rid) but mainly for dd age 5 and ds age 3
2. This is the first time they have had head lice
3. The spray was very easy to apply but took longer for my daughter as she has got very long hair. The spray helped to get into the roots and make sure we got full coverage.
4. I haven't used any products previously
5. Dd said it was cold! But they were both fine and said good if it gets rid of the bugs!
6. It seems to have been very effective as they both look to be clear now
7. I would definitely use this again as it worked well for us and seems to be at a good price point

1. Dd1 8,DD2 7 Myself 39
2. Not the first time they have had it..several times since started school
3. We found the spray very easy to use and was very quick ..hair still looked greasy afterwards even though we put lots of shampoo on the hair.
4. We have used most of the products available before
5. Girls weren't bothered by the process at all
6. It seems to be effective on the girls at the moment but after I applied to myself..I still found 2 babies and an adult wriggling around on the comb through
7. I wouldn't use again as 2 bottles only just covered us. Also because I found live lice after treatment

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

Son aged five

1. Is this the first time they've had head lice?

No If no, how many times have they had head lice? Numerous at least four times since September, at least a dozen times since starting school (although better since we cut all his beautiful hair off )

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

Easy How long did it take to apply and use the spray gel? Not long but then son has very short hair, if it were me that was being treated I'm sure it would take an age (my hair's thick and long-down to my bum!)

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

No smell and easy to use. Quick and effective but a pain to wash out.

1. (if you used it on your child) Did your child like the gel? Not particularly but then he's not a fan of anything on his hair!

Please say what they thought: he thought it was quicker than the Nitty Gritty but didn't like having to wash his hair three times to get rid of the greasy look.

1. How effective has this product been? Very
2. Would you use this product again if you or your child had headlice? Possibly, it's not the cheapest option but if I needed a quick remedy rather than an hour combing then I probably would and it's not as expensive as I would have expected.

1. Daughters 8, 6, 4
2. Yes
3. dead easy. took 10 min each child
4. OK although prefer the nitty gritty comb
5. They hate all nit treatment....
6. We will see - has taken ages to get rid of these!
7. Yes!

The feedback from dadjoe is

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

2 boys, aged 3 and 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?

Very easy to apply...took about 15 minutes for both as they have fine straight hair.

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

Haven't used in past

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

They didn't complain or express any preference as they're quite compliant

1. How effective has this product been?

IT seems to have cleared up the problem

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

Me , DP, DD8,DD6, DS2 .. its a family affair

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

No .. we are in constant battle thanks to others not treating and having long haired children

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?

Gel was quick , little messy on the longer hair.

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

Children preferred the mousse, foam one

1. (if you used it on your child) Did your child like the gel? Please say what they thought. DD6 said it smelt too nice to kill bugs
2. How effective has this product been? Worked nearly 100% , some little legs were still kicking when we combed out
3. Would you use this product again if you or your child had headlice? Yes we would BUT only after buying a huge bottle of cheap shampoo.. It took 3 washes on 2 of them to remove the brill cream effect and 4 on me.. pricey if you only have nice shampoo in the house (almost reached for the fairy washing up liquid which I've had to to resort to with previous treatments)..

Briefly nit free until some untreated children lovingly passed some back to us.. so combing every day but would use it again if the bug(gers) are being too tenacious

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

Myself and dd5

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?

Easy to apply...took about 5 mins for dd & 10 mins for me as wanted to ensure I covered my hair completely.

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

Previously used conditioner & nitty gritty comb in past

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

Didn't love it it hate it, just had to be done.

1. How effective has this product been?

Quite effective but think it may not have got all the nits, live lice yes but not eggs.

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

Perhaps, but it's not a substitute for combing as I still had to do that as well.

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

Female age 11, male aged 8

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

3/4 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?

I found it easy to put on and it took around 5 minutes

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

It's easier with the spray, it is still greasy like the others though. No smell to it which was good

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

They didn't moan about it which is a bonus!! They were happy with how quick it was to put on but it did take 2/3 washes to get it out

1. How effective has this product been?

Very effective

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

Yes definitely

Really very sorry to reply so late,

1. I used it on my 5 year old and 14 year old daughters.
2. This wasn't the first or possibly the last time we've had them, we have three long haired girls.
3. I found it very easy to use and took about 20 minutes to apply to the girls hair but I think this was due to the thickness of hair rather than the product.
4. We've used a variety of things over the years, lyclear, derbac, wet combing with conditioner or baby oil and nitty gritty comb.
5. The children were fine with the gel it didn't smell too strong and was quick and fairly mess free
6. I found it very effective especially when used with the nitty gritty comb. They've since been checked by there elder sister and father ( as I was in hospital) and are still clear of headlice
7. I would buy it in future even though as a family of 6 due to be 7 in July it would cost a small fortune. I'd definitely recommend it for effective and quick treatment

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

Daughter 15 Myself

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

Lost count

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 to apply, done in minutes, even with long hair

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

Compares very well, although we still didn't get them all. Easy to wash out

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

Daugter really liked the gel

1. How effective has this product been?

Not totally, which is a shame

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

Probably

1. Who in your family is being treated for head lice? Please include gender and age: boy 4
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 use, very fast
4. How did Hedrin Once Spray Gel compare to other treatments you've used in the past? Not used other
5. (if you used it on your child) Did your child like the gel? Please say what they thought yes, like it, no fuss
6. How effective has this product been? Good
7. Would you use this product again if you or your child had head-lice? Yes

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

DD age 6

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

Yes it was.

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?

Took about 5 mins or so, she has long and fairly thick hair. Used a whole spray for her.

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

She's never had them before. However my other DC have I. The past and that was an endless chore of conditioner and combing. This is SO much better!

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

She was fine. Sat and read to me while I did it. Is keen not to have nits again, and reckons it should be done every other day.

1. How effective has this product been?

Brilliant. No more itching, no more little critters. And as much as the combing is oddly satisfying, I'd rather not have to be dong it.

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

Absolutely. Thank you Hedrin.