How can I properly comb out lice and nits with a comb? - briefly
Wet the hair, apply a fine‑toothed lice comb from the scalp to the tips, and wipe the comb after each pass; repeat the process every 2–3 days until no live lice or nits are detected.
How can I properly comb out lice and nits with a comb? - in detail
To eliminate head‑lice and their eggs with a fine‑toothed comb, follow a systematic procedure.
Begin by washing the hair with a regular shampoo and drying it completely. Apply a light, non‑greasy conditioner to reduce tangles; avoid heavy products that may obscure the comb’s teeth. Gather a metal or high‑quality plastic nit‑comb, a wide‑tooth comb, a towel, a bowl of warm water, and a small container for collected debris.
- Section the hair into 1‑inch strips using hair clips.
- Starting at the scalp, run the nit‑comb through the first section, pulling the teeth straight down to the ends of the hair.
- After each pass, wipe the comb on the towel, then rinse it in the warm water to remove any attached lice or nits.
- Repeat the motion three times per section, rotating the comb 90 degrees after each pass to catch eggs attached at different angles.
- Move to the next section and repeat steps 2‑4 until the entire scalp has been treated.
After the combing session, rinse the hair thoroughly to eliminate residual debris. Inspect the comb under a bright light; any visible lice or nits confirm successful removal. Repeat the entire process every 2‑3 days for at least two weeks, as newly hatched lice may emerge after the initial treatment.
Additional recommendations: perform the procedure in a well‑lit area; use a magnifying glass if necessary; avoid using oily substances that can shield the eggs; and launder all clothing, bedding, and hair accessories in hot water (≥ 130 °F) or seal them in a plastic bag for two weeks to prevent re‑infestation.