How can lice be combed? - briefly
Use a fine‑toothed nit comb on wet, conditioned hair, working from the scalp outward in small sections and wiping the comb after each pass. Continue the process until no lice or nits are visible, then disinfect the comb with hot, soapy water.
How can lice be combed? - in detail
To eliminate head‑lice effectively, a fine‑toothed nit comb must be employed with a systematic approach.
First, prepare the hair. Apply a conditioner or a specialized lice‑removal lotion to wet hair, ensuring the strands are fully saturated. The lubricant reduces friction, allowing the comb to glide and capture insects without breaking hair.
Second, divide the hair into manageable sections. Use clips to isolate 2‑inch strands, starting at the scalp where lice lay their eggs. Working from the roots outward, pass the comb through each section slowly, moving the teeth in a single, smooth motion. After each pass, wipe the comb on a white tissue or rinse it under running water to remove captured lice and nits.
Third, repeat the process. For thoroughness, comb each section at least three times, repositioning the comb slightly with each pass to catch any missed specimens. Continue until the entire scalp has been treated.
Fourth, clean the equipment. Soak the comb in hot, soapy water for at least ten minutes, then rinse and dry. Disinfect by immersing in a solution of 70 % isopropyl alcohol for five minutes, then store in a sealed container.
Fifth, schedule follow‑up sessions. Perform the combing routine every 2–3 days for two weeks, as newly hatched lice emerge from eggs. Inspect the hair each time; remove any residual nits with the same combing technique.
Common pitfalls to avoid:
- Skipping the conditioner step, which increases breakage and reduces capture efficiency.
- Rushing through sections, which leaves eggs attached near the scalp.
- Using a wide‑toothed comb, which cannot grasp the small lice and nits.
- Neglecting to repeat the treatment over the full life cycle of the parasite.
By adhering to this protocol, lice can be removed reliably without resorting to chemical pesticides.