How can lice be removed at home from long hair? - briefly
Apply a saturated vinegar or mild detergent solution to wet, conditioned hair, then comb through with a fine‑toothed nit comb from scalp to tips every 2–3 days for two weeks. Wash all bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water to eliminate any surviving eggs.
How can lice be removed at home from long hair? - in detail
To eliminate head‑lice infestations in lengthy hair without professional assistance, follow a systematic approach that combines mechanical removal, safe topical agents, and environmental sanitation.
Begin with a thorough inspection. Separate the hair into sections of about four inches, using clips or rubber bands, and examine each strand under bright light. Locate live insects and their eggs (nits) attached to the hair shaft within a quarter of an inch from the scalp.
Prepare the hair for combing. Apply a generous amount of a conditioner or a specialized lice‑removing lotion to wet hair. The slip provided by the product reduces the grip of nits on the shaft, making them easier to extract. Allow the solution to sit for five minutes.
Use a fine‑toothed nit comb, preferably with teeth spaced 0.2 mm apart. Starting at the scalp, draw the comb through each section slowly, moving outward toward the ends. After each pass, wipe the comb on a white tissue to confirm removal and rinse it in hot water. Repeat the process for the entire head, re‑applying conditioner as needed to prevent tangling.
Collect the extracted insects and nits in a container with a lid. Dispose of them by sealing the container and placing it in a trash bin outside the home, or by boiling the contents for ten minutes.
Repeat the combing routine every 2–3 days for two weeks. This interval covers the life cycle of lice, ensuring that newly hatched nits are eliminated before they mature.
Complement mechanical removal with a non‑prescription pediculicide, such as a 1% permethrin lotion, if desired. Apply according to the product’s instructions, typically leaving it on the scalp for ten minutes before rinsing. A second application after seven days addresses any surviving eggs.
Sanitize personal items and the environment. Wash clothing, bedding, and towels used within the past 48 hours in water heated to at least 130 °F (54 °C) or dry‑clean them. Soak combs, brushes, and hair accessories in hot, soapy water for ten minutes, then rinse and dry. Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats to remove stray lice and nits.
Monitor the scalp for signs of reinfestation. If live insects reappear after the treatment period, repeat the combing protocol and consider consulting a healthcare professional for alternative therapies.
By adhering to these steps—inspection, conditioning, precise combing, repeated treatment, and thorough cleaning—lice can be eradicated from long hair using only household resources.