How can lice be removed at home with folk remedies for long hair? - briefly
Apply a warm mixture of olive oil and apple‑cider vinegar, leave it on the scalp for 20‑30 minutes, then rinse and comb the hair with a fine‑toothed nit comb, repeating the process after each washing. Follow with daily applications of a diluted essential‑oil solution (e.g., tea‑tree, neem, or lavender) and continue combing for seven days to eliminate remaining nits.
How can lice be removed at home with folk remedies for long hair? - in detail
Effective removal of head‑lice infestations in long hair can be achieved with traditional household remedies when applied correctly. The process relies on three core actions: suffocation of the insects, mechanical extraction, and repeated treatment to break the life cycle.
A typical regimen includes the following steps:
- Apply a generous layer of warm olive oil, raw honey, or mayonnaise to the scalp and hair. These substances coat the nits and lice, reducing their ability to breathe.
- Cover the treated area with a plastic cap for 30–45 minutes. The sealed environment enhances the suffocating effect.
- Rinse the hair with lukewarm water, then apply a fine‑tooth lice comb. Work from the roots to the tips, dividing the hair into manageable sections. Comb each section several times, wiping the comb blade with a tissue after each pass.
- Follow the initial combing with a second application of a vinegar‑water solution (one part apple cider vinegar to two parts water). The acidic mixture helps loosen the glue that secures nits to the hair shaft.
- Repeat the entire procedure after 7–10 days, targeting newly hatched lice before they mature and lay eggs.
Additional folk agents that can complement the primary treatment:
- Tea‑tree oil – add 10–15 drops to a carrier oil; its insecticidal properties assist in killing lice.
- Lavender oil – mix with a carrier oil; provides a pleasant scent while acting as a mild repellent.
- Baking soda paste – combine with water to a thick consistency; apply to the scalp, leave for 15 minutes, then rinse. The abrasive texture aids in dislodging nits.
Precautions for long hair:
- Detangle the hair thoroughly before any application to avoid breakage.
- Use a wide‑tooth comb to separate strands, then switch to a fine‑tooth comb for extraction.
- Wash all bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water (minimum 60 °C) or place them in sealed plastic bags for two weeks to prevent re‑infestation.
- Avoid using excessive heat on the scalp; warm, not hot, temperatures prevent skin irritation.
Consistent adherence to the outlined schedule, combined with thorough combing and proper hygiene, eliminates the infestation without resorting to chemical pediculicides.