One in five UK hairdressing salons regularly see people with head lice.
A survey of 75 hairdressers found that 20% of salons see one case of head lice a month.
The poll also found that 96% had met a customer with head lice at some point in their career.
About one tenth of those surveyed said that they would be "disgusted" if they came across a customer with lice, and would refuse to cut their hair.
But most took a rather more constructive approach: 84% said they would welcome the opportunity to pass on tips on how best to get rid of the parasites.
More than half had received little or no formal training on head lice detection.
Alan Goldsbro, chief executive officer of the Hairdressing And Beauty Industry Authority (HABIA) said: "All hairdressers are advised to check for head lice during consultation, but this research shows that a large number either do not check their clients for head lice at all or only check when they `suspect' a head louse infection."
Mr Goldbro said hairdressers had a "vital role" to play in helping to reduce the spread of infection.
It is estimated that 5% of the community is affected by head lice at any one time.
The study was commissioned by the makers of a head lice treatment, Lyclear Creme Rinse.
(3 September, 2001) UK. Source from bbc.com
Click Here For More News
