How can lice and nits be quickly removed from long hair at home? - briefly
Apply a fine‑tooth comb soaked in hot water to damp hair, combing from scalp to tips and removing each louse and egg, then repeat after 24 hours to capture any newly hatched nits. Follow with a vinegar rinse to loosen residual nits and wash the hair with a potent anti‑lice shampoo before the final combing.
How can lice and nits be quickly removed from long hair at home? - in detail
Effective removal of head‑lice and their eggs from lengthy hair requires a systematic approach that combines chemical treatment, mechanical extraction, and thorough cleaning of the environment.
Begin with a suitable pediculicide. Choose a product containing 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrin, applied according to the label instructions. After the recommended exposure time, rinse the hair with lukewarm water. If a chemical option is not preferred, use a non‑prescription dimethicone‑based lotion, which suffocates both insects and ova without toxicity.
While the hair remains damp, apply a fine‑tooth comb specifically designed for lice removal. Section the hair into manageable strands of 2–3 inches. Starting at the scalp, pull the comb through each section from root to tip in a single, smooth motion. After each pass, wipe the comb on a disposable tissue and re‑dip it in a container of fresh water or alcohol to prevent re‑infestation. Repeat the process until no live insects or eggs are visible on the comb.
Following the combing session, wash the hair with a clarifying shampoo to eliminate residual product and loose debris. Rinse thoroughly and condition as needed. Allow the hair to air‑dry; heat from a dryer can damage the delicate hair shaft.
To address remaining eggs, repeat the combing procedure after 7–10 days, when any surviving nits have hatched. A second treatment with the same pediculicide may be applied at this interval if live lice are observed.
Environmental decontamination reduces re‑infestation risk. Wash all bedding, towels, and clothing used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (minimum 130 °F/54 °C) and tumble‑dry on high heat for at least 20 minutes. Seal non‑washable items in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks. Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and vehicle seats; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister afterward.
Maintain vigilance for at least three weeks by inspecting the scalp daily. Use the fine‑tooth comb on a dry, unstyled head each morning to catch any early signs of recurrence. Prompt detection combined with the outlined treatment cycle ensures rapid eradication of lice and their eggs from long hair without professional assistance.