How can lice be eliminated at home without cutting hair when the hair is long? - briefly
Use a fine‑toothed nit comb on thoroughly wet, conditioned hair after applying a pediculicide shampoo or a 1 % dimethicone lotion, repeating the combing every 2–3 days for two weeks. Simultaneously wash bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water and vacuum upholstered surfaces to eliminate remaining lice and prevent reinfestation.
How can lice be eliminated at home without cutting hair when the hair is long? - in detail
Eliminating head‑lice from long hair at home requires a systematic approach that combines mechanical removal, appropriate topical agents, and environmental decontamination.
Begin with a thorough combing session. Use a fine‑toothed nit comb on dry hair, working from the scalp outward in 2‑inch sections. Separate each section with clips to keep it manageable. After each pass, wipe the comb on a white tissue and discard any lice or nits found. Repeat this process for the entire head, then repeat the whole routine after 7–10 days to capture newly hatched insects.
Apply an approved pediculicide if chemical treatment is desired. Choose a product containing 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % malathion, following the manufacturer’s instructions precisely: apply to saturated hair, leave for the recommended duration, then rinse thoroughly. Avoid excessive application; overuse can cause scalp irritation and reduce effectiveness.
For those preferring non‑chemical options, consider a mixture of 20 % olive oil and 5 % tea‑tree oil. Coat the hair, cover with a shower cap for 30 minutes, then comb out nits as described above. The oil suffocates the insects and eases combing.
Maintain scalp hygiene throughout treatment. Wash hair with a regular shampoo after each combing session to remove residues and reduce attraction for lice. Do not use conditioner on the scalp, as it can make combing more difficult.
Decontaminate personal items and the environment. Place hats, scarves, pillowcases, and hair accessories in a sealed plastic bag for at least 48 hours or wash them in hot water (≥ 60 °C) followed by a high‑heat dryer cycle. Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and car seats to eliminate any fallen lice or nits.
Finally, educate all household members about avoiding head‑to‑head contact and not sharing combs, brushes, or hair accessories. Re‑inspection after each treatment cycle ensures that no live insects remain and prevents reinfestation.