How can lice in hair be treated at home? - briefly
Apply a medicated lice shampoo or a saturated oil (such as olive or coconut) to the scalp, then comb out nits with a fine‑tooth lice comb, repeating the procedure after 7–10 days. Wash all clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water and vacuum the environment to prevent reinfestation.
How can lice in hair be treated at home? - in detail
Head lice infestations can be resolved with a systematic home approach that combines mechanical removal, topical agents, and environmental control.
Begin with a thorough combing session. Use a fine‑toothed nit‑comb on wet, conditioned hair. Divide the scalp into sections, pull each section taut, and run the comb from the scalp to the ends. After each pass, wipe the comb on a white towel to detect any live insects. Repeat the process every 2–3 days for at least two weeks, because newly hatched nits emerge within that period.
Apply an over‑the‑counter pediculicide if preferred, but many effective formulas rely on natural ingredients. A common regimen includes:
- Olive oil or coconut oil – saturate the scalp and hair, cover with a shower cap, leave for 30 minutes, then comb out nits. The oil suffocates the insects and eases removal.
- Tea‑tree oil mixture – combine 10 drops of tea‑tree oil with 2 tablespoons of carrier oil, apply to hair, let sit for 15 minutes, then comb. Tea‑tree oil possesses insecticidal properties.
- Vinegar rinse – dilute white vinegar 1:1 with water, pour over hair after combing, and let sit for 5 minutes. The acidic solution loosens the glue that attaches nits to hair shafts.
If a chemical pediculicide is chosen, follow the product label precisely: apply to dry hair, leave for the recommended duration (usually 10–15 minutes), rinse thoroughly, and repeat after 7–10 days to target any survivors.
Environmental measures prevent re‑infestation. Wash all bedding, towels, and clothing used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 130 °F) and dry on high heat. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks. Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats to remove stray lice and nits.
Maintain vigilance after treatment. Inspect the scalp daily for the first week, then weekly for a month. Any sign of live lice warrants an immediate repeat of the combing protocol and, if necessary, a second application of the chosen topical agent.
Consistent execution of these steps eliminates the infestation without professional intervention and reduces the likelihood of recurrence.