How can I get rid of lice on hair using folk remedies? - briefly
A warm apple cider vinegar rinse followed by meticulous combing with a fine‑tooth lice comb eliminates nits and kills lice. Applying a paste of neem or tea‑tree oil mixed with coconut oil for several hours suffocates any remaining insects.
How can I get rid of lice on hair using folk remedies? - in detail
Traditional methods for eliminating head‑lice infestations rely on readily available ingredients and precise application techniques. The following sections outline effective options, preparation steps, and safety considerations.
Essential oil blends
- Combine 10 drops of tea‑tree oil with 10 drops of lavender oil in 2 cups of warm water.
- Soak a clean cotton cloth in the mixture, then apply to the scalp, ensuring full coverage of the hair shaft.
- Leave the solution on for 30 minutes before rinsing with mild shampoo. Repeat every 48 hours for three cycles.
Vinegar rinse
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and water.
- After shampooing, pour the solution over damp hair, massage gently, and let sit for 10 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with cool water. The acidic environment detaches nits from the hair shaft, facilitating removal with a fine‑tooth comb.
Olive oil treatment
- Warm ¼ cup of extra‑virgin olive oil until it is comfortably warm (not hot).
- Apply the oil to dry hair, saturating each strand.
- Cover the head with a shower cap and leave for 8–10 hours, preferably overnight.
- Comb out lice and nits using a nit comb, then wash hair with regular shampoo.
Salt and mustard paste
- Blend 2 tablespoons of salt with 1 tablespoon of mustard powder and enough water to form a thick paste.
- Apply to the scalp, avoiding eyes and mucous membranes.
- Allow the paste to dry (approximately 20 minutes), then rinse thoroughly. The abrasive texture helps dislodge parasites.
Safety and efficacy notes
- Conduct a patch test on a small skin area before full application to detect possible allergic reactions.
- Do not use essential oils undiluted; they may cause irritation.
- Repeat any chosen method at least three times, spaced 48–72 hours apart, to break the lice life cycle.
- After treatment, wash bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water (≥ 60 °C) or seal them in plastic bags for two weeks to prevent reinfestation.
- Use a fine‑tooth nit comb daily during the treatment period to remove remaining eggs.
By following these protocols, individuals can manage infestations without resorting to commercial insecticides, relying instead on time‑tested household substances.