All hairdressers are advised to check for head lice during consultation

Alan Goldsbro

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.

No formal training

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.

Lyclear will tomorrow launch a telephone information service for hairdressers and other professionals on 020 7617 0817.