How can lice be removed with vinegar at home from long hair?

How can lice be removed with vinegar at home from long hair? - briefly

Dilute white vinegar with an equal amount of water, saturate the long hair, and leave for 10‑15 minutes. Afterwards, comb through with a fine‑toothed lice comb, repeating the process every 2–3 days until no lice or nits remain.

How can lice be removed with vinegar at home from long hair? - in detail

Vinegar’s acidity disrupts the exoskeleton of head‑lice and loosens the cement that secures eggs to hair shafts, making it a practical home remedy for long hair.

Materials required: white distilled vinegar (5 % acidity), wide‑tooth comb, shower cap or plastic wrap, towel, mild shampoo, and a clean towel for drying. All items should be clean to avoid re‑infestation.

Procedure

  1. Dilute vinegar with equal parts water; a 1:1 mixture preserves scalp comfort while maintaining effectiveness.
  2. Saturate the hair, ensuring the solution reaches the scalp and covers the entire length.
  3. Cover the hair with a shower cap or plastic wrap, leave in place for 30 minutes. The occlusion enhances penetration of the acidic solution.
  4. Remove the cover, rinse hair with lukewarm water, then apply a regular shampoo to eliminate residue.
  5. While hair is still damp, comb through with a wide‑tooth comb, starting at the roots and working toward the tips. Repeat combing every 5 minutes for a total of 30 minutes, removing dead «lice» and dislodged «nits».
  6. Rinse and dry hair thoroughly.

Follow‑up care

  • Repeat the entire process after 7 days to target any newly hatched insects.
  • Perform a second combing session 12 days after the first treatment to ensure complete eradication.

Precautions and limitations

  • Do not apply undiluted vinegar directly to the scalp; irritation may occur.
  • Vinegar does not replace prescription pediculicides when infestation is severe.
  • For individuals with sensitive skin or allergies, test a small hair section before full application.

Consistent execution of the outlined steps, combined with regular inspection, provides an effective home‑based strategy for eliminating head‑lice from lengthy hair.