How can lice be removed from long hair at home using vinegar? - briefly
Apply a warm mixture of one part apple‑cider vinegar to three parts water, soak the hair for 10–15 minutes, then comb with a fine‑toothed lice comb to remove nits; repeat the treatment every 2–3 days for a week. Ensure the scalp is rinsed with plain water afterward and dry thoroughly.
How can lice be removed from long hair at home using vinegar? - in detail
Vinegar works as a safe, readily available agent for eliminating head‑lice infestations in lengthy hair. Its acidity loosens the glue that attaches nits to the hair shaft, allowing them to be combed out more easily.
Materials needed
- White distilled vinegar (5 % acidity) or apple‑cider vinegar
- Wide‑tooth nit comb
- Fine‑tooth comb
- Plastic shower cap or towel
- Warm water
- Mild shampoo (optional)
Step‑by‑step procedure
-
Prepare the solution
Mix equal parts vinegar and warm water in a bowl. The temperature should be comfortable to the scalp, not scalding. -
Saturate the hair
Submerge the hair in the mixture or apply the liquid with a spray bottle, ensuring every strand, especially near the scalp, is fully wet. The solution must remain on the hair for 5–10 minutes to break the nit adhesive. -
Cover and wait
Place a plastic shower cap over the head or wrap the hair in a towel. This prevents evaporation and maintains contact time. -
Comb out the insects
After the waiting period, rinse the hair with lukewarm water. While still damp, use a wide‑tooth comb to detangle, then switch to a nit comb. Start at the scalp, pulling the comb through short sections (about an inch) toward the ends. Wipe the comb blade with a paper towel after each pass to remove captured lice and nits. -
Repeat the process
Perform the combing step at least once daily for one week. Nits that survive the first treatment may hatch within 7–10 days; daily removal prevents new adults from emerging. -
Clean the environment
Wash all combs, brushes, and clothing used during treatment in hot water (≥ 60 °C). Vacuum carpets and upholstery to eliminate stray insects.
Additional tips
- Use a fine‑tooth comb after the wide‑tooth detangling pass; it captures smaller lice that may have escaped the first comb.
- Do not apply vinegar directly to the scalp if irritation or a broken skin surface is present; dilute as instructed.
- For very thick or heavily infested hair, repeat the soaking step every 2–3 days for two weeks to ensure complete eradication.
The described regimen exploits the acidic property of vinegar to release nits, combines mechanical removal with consistent repetition, and eliminates the need for chemical insecticides while remaining safe for home use.