How can lice be combed out of long hair? - briefly
Apply a generous amount of conditioner to damp, detangled hair, then use a fine‑tooth nit comb, starting at the scalp and pulling through to the tips in small sections; wipe the comb on a white tissue after each pass and repeat until no live lice or nits remain.
Urlably repeat the process every 2–3 days for two weeks to ensure any newly hatched insects are removed.
How can lice be combed out of long hair? - in detail
Removing parasites from lengthy hair requires a systematic approach that combines proper tools, preparation, and thorough technique.
First, gather a fine-tooth nit comb (metal or plastic with teeth spaced 0.2 mm apart), a pair of fine-point tweezers, a bowl of warm water, a mild shampoo, and a clean towel.
Begin by washing the scalp with a regular shampoo to loosen debris. Rinse thoroughly, then apply a conditioner that does not contain heavy oils; this lubricates the strands and eases combing.
While the hair remains damp, divide it into manageable sections of 2–3 inches using clips. Starting at the scalp, run the nit comb through each section slowly, pulling the teeth straight down toward the ends. After each pass, rinse the comb in the water bowl to remove captured insects and eggs.
If a live louse or nits are observed on the comb, use tweezers to extract the organism and place it in a sealed container for disposal. Continue the process until the entire head has been examined.
Repeat the combing procedure at least once a day for ten consecutive days, as newly hatched lice may emerge after the initial treatment.
After each session, wash all tools in hot, soapy water, then disinfect with a 10 % bleach solution or alcohol wipe. Launder bedding, hats, and clothing in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat. Vacuum upholstered furniture and carpets to eliminate stray eggs.
Maintaining short, clean hair reduces future infestations, but when long hair is necessary, regular inspection and prompt combing remain the most reliable control measures.