How can I get rid of nits on long hair at home and also remove lice? - briefly
Apply a pediculicide shampoo to wet hair, then meticulously comb through the strands with a fine-toothed nit comb, removing each egg and louse; repeat the combing every 2–3 days for two weeks while laundering bedding and clothing in hot water.
How can I get rid of nits on long hair at home and also remove lice? - in detail
Effective home treatment for lice and their eggs in long hair requires a systematic approach that combines chemical or natural agents, thorough mechanical removal, and preventive measures.
First, select an appropriate product. Options include:
- Over‑the‑counter pediculicides containing permethrin (1 %) or pyrethrin. Apply according to the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring complete coverage from scalp to hair tips.
- Natural alternatives such as 20 % tea‑tree oil mixed with a carrier oil, or a 1 % dimethicone lotion. These substances suffocate insects and are less likely to cause irritation.
After application, leave the product on the scalp for the recommended duration, typically 10–15 minutes. Rinse hair with warm water, avoiding hot water that may damage hair shafts.
The critical step is nit removal. Use a fine‑toothed nit comb, preferably metal, and follow these actions:
- Divide hair into 2‑inch sections.
- Starting at the scalp, pull the comb through each section slowly, from root to tip.
- After each pass, wipe the comb on a paper towel to capture dislodged eggs.
- Repeat the process for every section, then re‑comb the entire head.
Perform the combing procedure at least twice, spaced 7–10 days apart, to eliminate newly hatched nits that survived the initial treatment.
Cleaning the environment prevents re‑infestation:
- Wash all bedding, towels, and clothing used within the past 48 hours in water ≥ 60 °C or seal items in a plastic bag for two weeks.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; discard the vacuum bag afterward.
- Soak hair accessories (combs, brushes, hair ties) in hot water for 10 minutes or soak in a solution of 1 % bleach per liter of water.
Regular inspection of the scalp, performed every three days for two weeks, confirms the success of the regimen. Absence of live insects and empty nits indicates complete eradication.