How can a lice treatment be made at home? - briefly
Combine equal parts of pure olive oil and tea tree oil, massage onto the scalp, cover with a shower cap for 30 minutes, then remove nits using a fine‑toothed lice comb. Rinse afterwards with a diluted vinegar solution to dissolve any remaining eggs.
How can a lice treatment be made at home? - in detail
A practical home remedy for head‑lice infestations relies on readily available ingredients and systematic application.
Begin with a thorough wash of the hair using a regular shampoo. Rinse completely, then apply a warm mixture of 1 cup olive oil and 2 tablespoons coconut oil. The oils suffocate the insects and make the nits easier to extract. Leave the blend on the scalp for 30 minutes, covering the head with a shower cap to retain heat.
After the waiting period, comb the hair with a fine‑toothed lice comb. Start at the roots, pulling each strand gently but firmly, and wipe the comb on a white towel after every pass. Continue until the towel remains free of live insects and egg shells. Repeat the combing process at least once daily for a week.
To enhance the effect, prepare a secondary rinse using diluted white vinegar (1 part vinegar to 4 parts water). The acidic solution loosens the glue that attaches nits to hair shafts. Apply the rinse after the oil treatment, let it sit for 5 minutes, then rinse with cool water. Follow with the combing step.
For households with children, repeat the entire protocol on all family members and wash bedding, hats, and hair accessories in hot water (≥ 60 °C) or place them in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks to eliminate any surviving lice.
Key points to observe:
- Use only pure oils; avoid products containing added fragrances or preservatives.
- Do not apply heat directly to the scalp; the warm oil should be comfortably warm, not hot.
- Maintain a consistent schedule; intermittent treatment allows surviving lice to reproduce.
- If symptoms persist after two weeks, consider professional medical consultation.
This regimen provides a cost‑effective, chemical‑free solution that can be implemented with common household supplies.