How can I remove lice at home using homemade remedies? - briefly
Mix equal parts white vinegar and olive oil, coat the scalp, leave for 30 minutes, then comb out lice and nits with a fine-toothed comb; repeat this process daily for seven days. For persistent infestations, combine the treatment with a tea‑tree oil rinse applied after each combing session.
How can I remove lice at home using homemade remedies? - in detail
Eliminating head lice without commercial products relies on a combination of physical removal, suffocating agents, and thorough sanitation. The process begins with a wet‑combing routine. Apply a generous amount of a thick, non‑greasy oil—olive, coconut, or mineral—to the scalp and hair. The oil coats the insects, making them easier to grasp with a fine‑toothed nit comb. Work the comb through small sections, starting at the roots and pulling toward the tips. After each pass, wipe the comb on a tissue and rinse the oil from the hair. Repeat the combing every 24 hours for at least seven days to catch newly hatched nits.
Complementary suffocation methods can increase effectiveness. A mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water, sprayed onto the hair and left for 10 minutes before combing, dissolves the glue that secures nits to strands. Alternatively, a paste of mayonnaise applied thickly to the scalp, covered with a shower cap for 30 minutes, deprives lice of oxygen. Rinse thoroughly afterward and proceed with wet‑combing.
For added insecticidal action, dilute a few drops of tea‑tree oil or lavender oil in a carrier oil and massage into the scalp. These essential oils possess repellent properties and, when used in low concentrations, are safe for most individuals. Avoid direct application of undiluted essential oils to prevent skin irritation.
Sanitation of personal items prevents re‑infestation. Soak combs, brushes, and hair accessories in hot water (≥ 130 °F) for 10 minutes. Machine‑wash bedding, towels, and clothing in hot water and dry on high heat. Seal non‑washable items in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks, the lifespan of a louse.
A concise protocol:
- Apply oil, let sit 15 minutes, then wet‑comb thoroughly.
- Rinse, repeat combing daily for one week.
- Perform a suffocation treatment (vinegar rinse or mayonnaise mask) twice during the week.
- Apply diluted essential‑oil blend after each combing session if tolerated.
- Clean all personal and household items as described.
Adhering to this regimen eliminates active lice and removes attached nits, reducing the likelihood of recurrence without resorting to chemical pediculicides.