How can lice be removed quickly from long hair? - briefly
Use a fine-toothed nit comb on wet, conditioned hair, working from scalp to tips in sections, and repeat after each shampoo. Follow with a thorough cleaning of bedding and personal items to prevent re‑infestation.
How can lice be removed quickly from long hair? - in detail
Rapid elimination of head‑lice infestations in lengthy hair requires a systematic approach that combines mechanical removal, appropriate chemicals, and environmental control.
Begin by washing the scalp with a regular shampoo, then apply a generous amount of a lice‑killing product that contains either permethrin (1 %) or a dimethicone‑based formula. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for contact time, usually 10–15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Chemical treatment alone does not guarantee success; manual extraction must follow immediately.
Prepare the hair for combing. Apply a conditioner or a silicone‑based detangler to reduce knotting. Divide the hair into manageable sections using clips, starting at the crown and working toward the ends. Use a fine‑toothed metal lice comb, holding the hair taut with one hand while the other slides the comb from the scalp outward in 1‑inch increments. After each pass, wipe the comb on a white tissue or rinse it in a bowl of water to expose any captured insects. Continue combing each section until no live nits are visible.
For very thick or heavily tangled hair, repeat the combing process after a second application of the pediculicide, typically 7–10 days later, to target newly hatched nits. A hot‑air dryer set on low can be used to dry the scalp, as temperatures above 45 °C are lethal to lice; however, avoid scorching the hair.
Environmental measures are essential to prevent re‑infestation. Wash all bedding, towels, and clothing used within the previous 48 hours in water ≥ 60 °C or seal them in a plastic bag for two weeks. Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats. Non‑washable items should be isolated similarly.
If mechanical and topical methods fail after two treatment cycles, consider professional nit‑removal services or prescription‑strength treatments such as ivermectin lotion. In severe cases, temporary hair removal may be advised, but this is a last resort.
By adhering to the described sequence—chemical application, thorough detangling, systematic combing, repeat treatment, and strict environmental sanitation—lice can be eradicated from long hair in the shortest possible time.