How can lice be removed with a home method? - briefly
Apply conditioner to damp hair, then use a fine‑tooth lice comb to remove all insects and nits, repeating the combing every 2–3 days for two weeks while laundering bedding in hot water. Follow with a vinegar rinse to loosen any residual eggs.
How can lice be removed with a home method? - in detail
Removing head‑lice without professional assistance requires a systematic approach that combines mechanical extraction, chemical or natural agents, and environmental control.
Begin with preparation. Gather a fine‑toothed nit comb, a wide‑tooth comb, a bowl of warm water, a towel, a fine‑mesh pillowcase, and a suitable treatment substance such as 1 % permethrin lotion, a 10 % tea‑tree oil mixture, or a 5 % vinegar solution. Ensure the hair is clean and free of styling products, then wet it thoroughly. Wet hair reduces slip and allows the comb to grasp the insects more effectively.
Apply the chosen agent according to the product label: distribute evenly over the scalp, covering the entire hair length. Leave the solution on for the recommended period, typically 10–15 minutes, to incapacitate the parasites. Rinse the hair with lukewarm water, but do not dry completely before combing.
Proceed with mechanical removal. While the hair remains damp, section it into manageable strands. Starting at the scalp, pull the fine‑toothed comb through each section from root to tip in a single, steady motion. After each pass, wipe the comb on a white tissue to confirm that live lice or nits have been captured. Repeat the process until the entire head has been examined. For thoroughness, perform a second combing session after 7–10 days to eliminate any newly hatched nits.
Dispose of all captured insects immediately. Place the comb, towel, and any residual hair in a sealed plastic bag, then discard in an outdoor trash container. Wash all washable items—pillows, hats, scarves, hairbrushes—using hot water (≥ 60 °C) and a high‑heat dryer cycle. Non‑washable objects should be sealed in airtight bags for two weeks to starve any surviving eggs.
Maintain vigilance for the next three weeks. Conduct daily inspections of the scalp and repeat the combing routine if any live insects are observed. Avoid sharing personal items such as combs, hats, or headphones, and limit close head‑to‑head contact during the treatment period.
By following these steps—proper preparation, targeted application of an effective agent, meticulous combing, and strict environmental sanitation—lice can be eliminated at home without professional intervention.