How can lice be quickly removed at home from long hair?

How can lice be quickly removed at home from long hair? - briefly

Apply a fine‑toothed comb to wet hair treated with a saturated mixture of water and 1 % dimethicone, combing from scalp to tips every 5 minutes for 30 minutes and repeat after 24 hours. Dispose of the removed nits in a sealed bag and wash bedding in hot water to prevent reinfestation.

How can lice be quickly removed at home from long hair? - in detail

To eliminate head‑lice from lengthy hair quickly at home, follow a systematic approach that combines chemical or natural treatments with thorough mechanical removal.

1. Gather supplies

   • Fine‑toothed lice comb (metal or plastic)
   • Fine‑toothed conditioner or detangling spray
   • Lice‑killing product (permethrin 1 % lotion, dimethicone‑based formula, or tea‑tree oil solution)
   • Wide‑tooth comb for detangling
   • Towels, disposable gloves, and a sealable plastic bag for waste

2. Prepare the hair

   • Wash with regular shampoo, rinse, and apply a generous amount of conditioner.
   • Comb through with a wide‑tooth comb to remove tangles; this prevents the fine comb from snagging.

3. Apply the treatment

   • Follow the product label for dosage and contact time.
   • For oil‑based options, saturate the scalp and hair, covering the length to ensure lice cannot escape.
   • Keep the hair covered with a shower cap for the recommended period (usually 10–15 minutes).

4. Wet‑comb technique

   • After the contact time, rinse hair with lukewarm water while keeping the conditioner in place.
   • Divide hair into 2–3 inch sections.
   • Starting at the scalp, run the fine comb down each section to the tips, wiping the comb on a tissue after each pass.
   • Repeat the process for every section; this removes both live lice and nits.

5. Inspect and repeat

   • Examine combed hair under bright light; any remaining insects must be removed manually.
   • Perform the combing session every 2–3 days for a total of three cycles to catch newly hatched lice.

6. Post‑treatment hygiene

   • Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels used during treatment in hot water (≥ 130 °F) and dry on high heat.
   • Seal combs, brushes, and applicators in a plastic bag for 48 hours before cleaning.

7. Prevent re‑infestation

   • Encourage regular head checks, especially after school or group activities.
   • Keep long hair tied back or in a braid to reduce scalp exposure.

By combining a proven lice‑killing agent with diligent wet‑combing and repeated sessions, the infestation can be eradicated rapidly without professional intervention.