Kathy Nelson really knows how to scratch the itch; she has learned the hard way.
Capitalising on that experience, Ms Nelson now runs a head-lice treatment business, Delouse, at Salon 86a on Guyton St, that uses an all-natural, hypo-allergenic treatment that so far has had a 100 per cent success rate.
The
single mother of five witnessed countless other parents' frustration and spent several years trying all manner of concoctions to rid her daughter's head of lice before deciding to get serious with the blighters.
Trawling the internet for an answer that worked and wasn't toxic, she discovered a combination of essential oils and natural ingredients that finally cured her daughter's itch.
"It was then that I realised there was a gap in the market. No one performs this direly needed service, and parents rarely have the time to find a solution."
Ms Nelson set up a mobile service initially, informing people of it through adverts in the paper and by word of mouth at schools.
"When I saw the salon on Guyton St come up for sale it was a chance for a permanent base where I could set up proper facilities and offer a consistent service that works."
Ms Nelson said that although the place was run down, it was cheap and didn't take long to get into shape before she opened for business on December 1.
The salon offers a three-part service, which she says solves the problem of lice completely.
The first step was to kill the adult lice, then a week later kill the lice newly hatched from the adult's eggs, and the third treatment removed any remaining eggs, she said.
Because she uses all natural ingredients Ms Nelson is confident that her products will be tolerated by even the most sensitive skin types.
She does offer a sensitivity test, however, which can be administered 24 hours before a treatment begins to make sure a client will respond well.
"Salon 86a is a discreet, relaxed environment where families can come to solve this problem quickly, cheaply and shamelessly. Once the treatment is finished, I also supply each client with a free supply of lice repellent."
Ms Nelson said that preschoolers were treated for free, and on Wednesdays a hairdresser was available for bookings.
