How are lice combed out? - briefly
A fine-toothed nit comb is passed through wet, conditioned hair from the scalp outward, separating strands to detach lice and their eggs; the comb is rinsed after each pass to remove captured insects. Repeating the process every few days eliminates any remaining parasites.
How are lice combed out? - in detail
The removal process relies on a specialized fine‑tooth lice comb, typically metal or high‑density plastic with teeth spaced 0.2 mm apart. Before combing, hair should be washed with a regular shampoo, towel‑dried, and left slightly damp; excessive moisture makes the lice cling more tightly, while completely dry hair reduces grip. Apply a conditioning agent or a small amount of olive oil to ease the comb’s movement and to immobilize the insects.
The technique proceeds as follows:
- Divide the hair into manageable sections, securing each with a clip.
- Starting at the scalp, place the comb’s base directly against the skin and pull it slowly toward the hair tip, maintaining steady pressure.
- After each stroke, wipe the comb on a white paper towel or rinse it in hot water to remove captured lice and nits.
- Repeat the pass through the same section at least three times, repositioning the comb slightly to cover any missed areas.
- Release the clip, move to the next section, and repeat until the entire head has been processed.
Once the initial session is complete, repeat the combing after 7–10 days to eliminate any newly hatched lice that escaped the first treatment. During the interval, wash all bedding, hats, scarves, and hair accessories in hot water (≥ 60 °C) or place them in a sealed bag for two weeks to prevent reinfestation. Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture to remove fallen lice and eggs. Consistent application of the described method, combined with environmental sanitation, eradicates the infestation without the need for chemical insecticides.