Lyclear Express Shampoo 200ml

What Is Lyclear Express Head Lice Shampoo?

Head lice are one of the most common childhood nuisances in the UK, affecting millions of families every year. If you've spotted the telltale signs — an itchy scalp, tiny eggs clinging to hair shafts, or live lice moving through the hair — you'll want something that works quickly and reliably. Head lice shampoo like Lyclear Express Shampoo 200ml offers a straightforward, mess-free solution that fits into a busy family routine. Available from our head lice treatment collection, this product is designed to tackle infestations in a single 15-minute application.

Lyclear Express Shampoo contains dimethicone 4% as its active ingredient. Unlike older insecticide-based treatments, dimethicone works through a physical rather than chemical mechanism, which means there are no concerns about lice developing resistance over time. It is available over the counter without a prescription, making it easy to access when you need it most.

How Does Lyclear Express Shampoo Work?

The science behind Lyclear Express is straightforward. Dimethicone is a silicone-based compound that coats the louse's body and blocks its ability to manage water, ultimately causing it to die. It also penetrates the egg casing, targeting nits before they hatch. Here's how the mechanism works step by step:

• Dimethicone coats the outer surface of lice and eggs on contact.
• It disrupts the louse's ability to excrete water, leading to death by osmotic stress.
• The shampoo formulation allows even distribution from root to tip.
• A 15-minute contact time is sufficient to achieve efficacy against live lice and eggs.

Because this is a physical mode of action rather than a neurotoxic one, it remains effective even where chemical resistance has been reported in local lice populations.

Who Should Use Lyclear Express Shampoo?

This product is suitable for most people who have a confirmed or suspected head lice infestation. It is particularly useful for families who want a quick treatment that doesn't require lengthy application times. That said, it's worth knowing who it's most appropriate for before you buy.

• Children aged 2 years and over (with adult supervision).
• Adults with an active head lice infestation.
• Individuals who have not responded to wet combing alone.
• Those seeking a non-insecticide treatment option.

It is not recommended for children under 2 years of age without specific medical advice. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to your pharmacist or GP before use.

How Does Lyclear Express Shampoo Compare to Other Lice Treatments?

Is Lyclear Express Shampoo Safe to Store at Home?

Yes. Lyclear Express Shampoo should be stored below 25°C, away from direct heat and sunlight. Keep it out of reach of children when not in use. The 200ml bottle provides enough product for multiple treatments, which is particularly useful if more than one family member needs treating at the same time. If you're also managing other skin or hair concerns, you might find our hair care collection helpful for complementary products.

Do not use the product after the expiry date printed on the packaging. If you notice any change in colour, consistency, or smell, do not use it and contact your pharmacist for advice.

This product is a medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking other medicines.

What Is Lyclear Express Shampoo and What Is It Used For?

Lyclear Express Shampoo 200ml is a topical treatment used to eliminate head lice infestations in adults and children aged 2 years and over. It contains dimethicone 4%, a silicone-based active ingredient that physically suffocates lice and their eggs rather than relying on chemical insecticides. Head lice are tiny parasitic insects that live on the scalp and feed on blood. They spread through close head-to-head contact and are particularly common among school-age children, though anyone can be affected. The NHS advises that head lice cannot jump or fly — they can only crawl from one head to another during direct contact.

This head lice shampoo is used for the treatment of an active infestation. It is not intended as a preventative measure. Two treatments are required — the first application and a repeat seven days later — to ensure any lice that hatch from eggs after the initial treatment are also eliminated.

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Lyclear Express Shampoo?

Before using this product, read the following carefully. There are certain situations where you should not use Lyclear Express Shampoo or should seek advice first.

Do not use if:

• You are allergic to dimethicone or any other ingredient in the formulation.
• The person being treated is under 2 years of age (without medical advice).
• The scalp has open wounds, broken skin, or a secondary infection.
• You have a known sensitivity to silicone-based products.

Speak to your pharmacist or GP before use if:

• You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• The person being treated has asthma or a respiratory condition (avoid inhaling the product).
• You are treating a very young child or an elderly person with a sensitive scalp.

Known drug interactions:

• No significant drug interactions have been identified for topical dimethicone.
• Avoid using alongside other scalp treatments at the same time unless advised by a pharmacist.

How Should You Use Lyclear Express Shampoo?

Always follow the instructions in the patient information leaflet supplied with the product. The steps below reflect standard guidance for this type of head lice shampoo treatment.

1. Check that the hair is dry before applying — do not wet the hair first.
2. Apply a generous amount of shampoo directly to the dry scalp and hair.
3. Massage thoroughly from roots to tips, ensuring all hair is covered.
4. Leave the shampoo on for 15 minutes — set a timer to be sure.
5. Rinse the hair thoroughly with warm water.
6. While the hair is still damp, comb through with a fine-tooth nit comb to remove dead lice and eggs.
7. Repeat the entire process after 7 days.

If you are also managing other hair or scalp conditions alongside a lice infestation, browse our skin care collection for complementary products that may help soothe an irritated scalp.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Lyclear Express Shampoo?

Like all medicines, Lyclear Express Shampoo can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Dimethicone is generally well tolerated when applied topically.

Common side effects:

• Mild scalp irritation or itching after application.
• Temporary redness of the scalp or surrounding skin.
• A slight burning or tingling sensation during the 15-minute contact period.

Less common side effects:

• Skin rash or hives at the site of application.
• Eye irritation if the product accidentally contacts the eyes — rinse immediately with water.
• Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals with silicone sensitivity.

If you experience signs of a serious allergic reaction — such as swelling of the face, lips, or throat, difficulty breathing, or a widespread rash — stop using the product immediately and seek emergency medical attention. This type of reaction is rare but requires prompt action.

How Should You Store Lyclear Express Shampoo?

Correct storage helps maintain the product's effectiveness and safety throughout its shelf life. For families managing recurring infestations, it's worth keeping a bottle accessible but stored safely. You might also find it useful to explore our baby and toddler collection for other family health essentials.

• Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place.
• Keep away from direct sunlight and sources of heat.
• Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
• Store out of sight and reach of children.
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the bottle or carton.
• Do not dispose of medicines via wastewater or household waste — return unused product to your pharmacy.