How can I get rid of head lice at home? - briefly
Apply a pediculicide shampoo or a suffocating oil (such as olive oil) to damp hair, then comb with a fine‑toothed lice comb to remove nits. Repeat the procedure every 2–3 days for two weeks and launder bedding and clothing in hot water.
How can I get rid of head lice at home? - in detail
Eliminate head lice without leaving the house by following a systematic approach.
Begin with a thorough combing routine. Use a fine‑toothed nit comb on wet, conditioned hair. Section the scalp, pull the hair taut, and run the comb from the scalp to the hair tip. After each pass, wipe the comb on a white towel to detect any live insects. Repeat the process every 24 hours for at least seven days, because newly hatched nits emerge within that period.
Apply an over‑the‑counter pediculicide if chemical treatment is acceptable. Choose a product containing 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrin. Follow the label precisely: apply to dry hair, leave for the recommended time (usually 10 minutes), then rinse. A second application after nine days eliminates any surviving nymphs that were protected by the egg shell during the first treatment.
For chemical‑free alternatives, use a mixture of 20 % dimethicone or 100 % silicone oil. Saturate the scalp and hair, cover with a plastic cap for 30 minutes, then comb out the lice and nits. The oil suffocates the insects while loosening the adhesive that holds nits to the shaft.
Clean personal items to prevent reinfestation. Wash bedding, towels, and clothing in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and tumble dry on high heat for at least 20 minutes. For items that cannot be laundered, seal them in a plastic bag for two weeks or place them in a freezer at –18 °C for 24 hours. Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and car seats; discard the vacuum bag afterward.
Maintain a lice‑free environment by avoiding head‑to‑head contact, not sharing combs, hats, or hair accessories, and regularly inspecting all family members. Prompt detection and immediate treatment reduce the risk of widespread infestation.