How can lice and nits be removed from long hair at home using kerosene? - briefly
Apply a modest amount of kerosene to the scalp, cover the hair with a plastic cap for 10‑15 minutes, then comb out lice and nits with a fine‑toothed nit comb, and wash the hair thoroughly with shampoo to remove any residue.
How can lice and nits be removed from long hair at home using kerosene? - in detail
Kerosene, a petroleum distillate, can act as a solvent that suffocates lice and loosens their eggs when applied correctly. The method requires strict adherence to safety protocols because kerosene is flammable, irritating to skin, and toxic if inhaled or ingested.
Materials needed
- 100 % pure kerosene (no additives)
- Wide-tooth comb designed for lice removal
- Plastic or glass bowl for measuring
- Protective gloves (nitrile)
- Old towels or disposable covering for the floor
- Mild shampoo and conditioner for post‑treatment washing
- Ventilated room or outdoor area
Preparation
- Choose a well‑ventilated space; open windows and turn on a fan to disperse vapors.
- Lay towels on the floor and on the person’s shoulders to catch drips.
- Wear gloves to prevent skin contact with the liquid.
Application procedure
- Measure 30 ml of kerosene in the bowl.
- Starting at the scalp, pour a thin stream of the liquid over a 2‑inch section of hair, ensuring the strands are fully saturated but not dripping.
- Immediately cover the treated area with a plastic cap or cling film to trap the vapor; leave it in place for 5–7 minutes. This period allows the solvent to penetrate the exoskeleton of the parasites and dissolve the cement that holds the eggs to the hair shaft.
- After the exposure time, remove the cover and gently comb through the section with the lice comb, starting at the root and moving toward the tip. The comb should be wiped clean after each pass to remove captured insects.
- Repeat the pour‑cover‑comb cycle for each 2‑inch segment until the entire length of hair has been treated.
Rinsing and aftercare
- Rinse the hair thoroughly with warm water to eliminate residual kerosene.
- Shampoo twice with a mild, sulfate‑free cleanser; follow with a conditioner to restore moisture.
- Rinse again and dry with a clean towel.
- Dispose of used towels and gloves in a sealed bag.
Safety considerations
- Do not apply kerosene near open flames, sparks, or hot surfaces.
- Keep the substance away from eyes, mucous membranes, and broken skin; if contact occurs, flush with water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical advice.
- Children and pets must be removed from the treatment area until the vapors have dissipated.
- Perform a patch test on a small scalp area 24 hours before full application to detect possible allergic reactions.
Effectiveness checklist
- All hair sections treated with the described exposure time.
- Comb used after each segment, with visible lice or nits removed.
- Post‑treatment inspection of the scalp for remaining insects; repeat a second session after 7 days if any are found, as newly hatched lice may emerge.
Following these steps provides a systematic, controlled approach to eliminating head‑lice infestations in long hair using kerosene while minimizing health risks.