Potomac Lice Lady

Potomac Lice Lady started as a mobile service that visited homes to remove lice. Lauren Salzberg founded it after seeing how many people in the community were troubled by lice. The business later moved into an office at Rio, where families now come in for treatment. The office sits between Yard House and the parking garage.

Each visit is hands-on. Technicians comb through the hair with professional-grade lice combs and chemical-free combing aids, and the business uses its own treatment oil, a blend of essential oils, to help detangle and condition hair. Clients also receive instruction for treating the home and ways to help prevent future infestations. Most treatments take one to three hours, depending on hair length, how severe the infestation is and hair thickness. Treatment is billed hourly with a one-hour minimum and then in 15-minute increments, and extra time is charged at $110 per hour. Additional cost may apply if the infestation is severe or the hair needs extra work. Pricing is per person, and the business asks clients to call for quotes.

The business favors combing over over-the-counter pesticide treatments, which it says lice have developed resistance to. It states that its own products are all natural, pleasant smelling and free of pesticides and harsh chemicals. It does not use Rid, Nix or other over-the-counter lice products. In extreme cases it recommends the prescription lotion Ulesfia, though it cannot write the prescription itself.

Booking requires a credit card and a non-refundable deposit taken at the time of booking. Payment can be made by credit card, cash or Zelle, but a card is needed to book even when paying cash. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours notice, including no-shows, are charged the full cost of the service. Late arrivals may not be accepted, and appointments may be shortened or rescheduled. Children need to be able to sit still so the technician can work safely. Clients should comb their hair daily and use a recommended anti-lice shampoo until the follow-up screening, which usually takes place seven to ten days after removal. Full clearance generally takes about three weeks. Bedding and clothing that touched the affected person should be washed or dry cleaned, with laundry done during the first 48 hours after treatment. Office hours are Monday to Friday 7:30am to 5:00pm and Saturday 8:00am to 1:00pm, with Sundays reserved for emergencies.

The business says it was awarded a 2012 Start Up Nations Leading Mom's in Business honor and has been featured in media including Fox 5 DC, NBC4, WTOP, The Washington Post and WJLA.

Removal is done by hand with combing, on the business's view that combing is more effective than over-the-counter pesticide treatments.

The business describes its space as a stress-free, family-friendly setting inside Launch Workplace at Rio.