How can lice be removed from the head with vinegar? - briefly
Mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water, saturate the scalp and hair, leave for 10–15 minutes, then use a fine‑tooth nit comb to extract lice and nits. Rinse thoroughly and repeat the procedure after 48 hours to remove any newly hatched insects.
How can lice be removed from the head with vinegar? - in detail
Vinegar, typically white distilled or apple cider, can serve as a supplemental agent in lice eradication when applied to the scalp. The acidic nature (pH 2–3) helps loosen the glue that secures nits to hair shafts, facilitating mechanical removal.
The procedure begins with a thorough wash using a standard shampoo. After rinsing, a solution of one part vinegar to three parts water is prepared. The mixture is poured over dry hair, ensuring complete coverage from root to tip. The scalp is massaged gently for 1–2 minutes to allow the acid to act on the adhesive bonds.
The hair is then left damp for 10–15 minutes. During this interval, a fine-toothed nit comb is drawn through the strands, starting at the scalp and moving toward the ends. Each pass should be repeated at least three times, with the comb cleaned after every stroke. Wetting the comb with the vinegar solution reduces friction and improves grip on the nits.
A second application is recommended 24 hours later to target any newly hatched lice that may have emerged from surviving eggs. The repeat cycle is continued for a total of three days, after which a final inspection confirms the absence of live insects and viable nits.
Safety considerations include avoiding excessive vinegar concentration, which may irritate sensitive skin or cause scalp dryness. Individuals with open wounds, eczema, or allergic reactions to acetic acid should refrain from this method. After treatment, a moisturizing conditioner restores scalp hydration.
Scientific observations indicate that vinegar alone does not possess insecticidal properties; its effectiveness relies on mechanical removal of eggs. Consequently, vinegar should complement, not replace, approved pediculicidal agents when a rapid resolution is required.