How can lice be removed at home from an adult with long hair? - briefly
Use a 1 % permethrin or pyrethrin shampoo, apply to fully wet hair, leave for the recommended time, then comb the hair with a fine‑toothed nit comb while still damp to remove lice and nits. Repeat the entire procedure after 7–10 days to eliminate any newly hatched insects.
How can lice be removed at home from an adult with long hair? - in detail
Treating an adult with long hair requires a systematic approach that combines thorough preparation, precise combing, and follow‑up measures. The process can be divided into three phases: preparation, removal, and prevention.
Preparation
- Wash the scalp with a regular shampoo to eliminate excess oils and debris.
- Apply a generous amount of a conditioner or a light mineral oil (e.g., baby oil, coconut oil) to soften the hair and reduce knotting.
- Divide the hair into manageable sections using clips or hair ties; for very thick hair, create 2–3 inch strands.
- Gather a fine‑tooth nit comb, a wide‑tooth comb, a fine brush, a magnifying glass, and a bowl of warm water.
Removal
- Starting at the scalp, run the nit comb through each section from root to tip in a single, steady motion.
- After each pass, rinse the comb in the warm water, wiping away captured lice and nits.
- Repeat the combing process 5–6 times per section, ensuring that the teeth are held as close to the scalp as possible.
- Once the entire head has been combed, use the wide‑tooth comb to detangle any remaining knots.
- Inspect the hair under a magnifying glass; any visible nits should be removed individually with the nit comb.
- Repeat the entire combing routine every 2–3 days for two weeks, as newly hatched lice emerge from eggs.
Alternative home remedies
- Apply a 1 % tea‑tree oil solution (diluted with a carrier oil) to the scalp, leave for 30 minutes, then comb as described.
- Soak the hair in a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water for 10 minutes before combing; the acidity helps loosen the glue that attaches nits to hair shafts.
- Use a commercial over‑the‑counter permethrin 1 % lotion according to package instructions; follow with thorough combing to remove dead insects.
Environmental control
- Wash all bedding, towels, and clothing used within the last 48 hours in hot water (≥ 130 °F) and dry on high heat.
- Seal non‑washable items in a plastic bag for two weeks.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and car seats; discard vacuum bags immediately.
- Avoid sharing combs, brushes, hats, or hair accessories until the infestation is cleared.
By maintaining a disciplined combing schedule, using a conditioning medium to facilitate passage of the nit comb, and eliminating potential reservoirs in the environment, lice can be eradicated from long hair without professional intervention.