The Nit Pickers

Over the years, I have collected a short list of words that cause me to have some type of irrational physical or emotional reaction. Most of these words cause a negative effect upon me. For example, when someone mentions the word lice to me, I go into automatic itch mode. It’s ridiculous, I know; but I’ll still scratch my head and have someone look through my hair to assure me that no lice have nested.

Maybe it’s because I’ve gone through the painful process of de-lousing both my hair and my daughter’s, strand by strand, day after day. It’s definitely a job made for those who are patient, meticulous and have great eyesight. That’s so not me!

It was a pleasure to learn that Buffalo Grove residents Lisa and Steve Weisberg recently opened The Nit Pickers in Northbrook. It’s a salon that strictly helps families and children that have been infected with lice. Lisa says the idea blossomed for her after all five members of her family were infested with lice. She explains, “We all have a ton of hair and it was very difficult for me to remove the lice and nits from everyone's hair and keep up with all of the cleaning that goes along with lice. There was no place to turn to for help in the suburbs, which really surprised me. We did some research, and there were no lice removal salons around here. We realized what a necessity it was and decided to get trained properly and open a salon.”

Thank goodness they did. It’s a fabulous idea. Lisa went to a training facility in Florida for a week where she learned everything there is to know about lice and nits as well as opening a salon that specializes in the process. Lisa explained that most of her employees are moms who wanted to get back into the workplace. The salon is run on a "by appointment only" basis so her schedule, as well as her employees', is quite flexible.

It’s good to know that there’s a place to go for help if I’m ever infested by those not-so-friendly critters again. (Although I’m still biting my tongue right now.) Lisa said she and her team relieve so much stress from the parents that it’s almost like being a therapist!

As always, email me with any news, topics or ideas that you want to read about. Remember, I’d like to be the first to know! I can be reached at laurenbgpatch@aol.com.