How can lice be removed using vinegar?

How can lice be removed using vinegar? - briefly

Apply undiluted white vinegar to the hair and scalp, cover with a shower cap for 10–15 minutes, then use a fine‑toothed nit comb to remove lice and nits. Repeat the treatment after 7 days to eliminate any newly hatched insects.

How can lice be removed using vinegar? - in detail

Vinegar can serve as an effective agent for detaching lice and their eggs from hair shafts. The acidity of the liquid weakens the glue that nits use to adhere to strands, allowing them to be brushed out more easily.

Materials required

  • White distilled vinegar (5 % acidity) or apple‑cider vinegar
  • Wide‑tooth comb designed for nit removal
  • Plastic or metal bowl
  • Towels
  • Optional: conditioner for post‑treatment smoothing

Procedure

  1. Mix equal parts vinegar and warm water in a bowl; temperature should be comfortable to the scalp.
  2. Saturate the hair completely, ensuring the solution reaches the roots and covers the entire length.
  3. Cover the head with a shower cap or towel for 10–15 minutes; the prolonged contact loosens the adhesive.
  4. Rinse the hair with lukewarm water, avoiding shampoo at this stage to prevent the liquid from being stripped away.
  5. While the hair remains damp, run the nit comb from the scalp outward, section by section. Clean the comb after each pass by wiping it on a towel or rinsing under running water.
  6. Repeat the combing process two to three times, revisiting sections where nits remain visible.
  7. After the final pass, rinse again and apply a regular conditioner if desired to restore moisture.

Follow‑up

  • Perform the combing routine daily for one week, then every other day for an additional week to capture any newly hatched insects.
  • Wash all clothing, bedding, and personal items that may have contacted the infested hair in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat.
  • Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture to remove stray nits.

The method relies on the chemical action of acetic acid to break the bond between nits and hair, combined with mechanical removal. Consistent application and thorough combing are essential for complete eradication.