How can nits be quickly eliminated from long hair infested with lice? - briefly
Apply a fast‑acting lice treatment such as 1 % permethrin or dimethicone, then comb the wet hair with a fine‑tooth nit comb to pull out the eggs. Repeat the treatment and combing after 7–10 days to eliminate any newly hatched nits.
How can nits be quickly eliminated from long hair infested with lice? - in detail
Effective removal of nits from lengthy hair requires a systematic approach that combines chemical treatment, mechanical extraction, and post‑treatment care.
Begin with a thorough wash using a pediculicide shampoo that contains 1 % permethrin or a dimethicone‑based formula. Follow the label’s contact time, then rinse completely. Apply a conditioner to soften the hair shaft, which facilitates combing.
Divide the hair into sections no wider than two inches. Using a fine‑tooth nit comb, start at the scalp and pull the comb through each section toward the ends in a single, steady motion. After each pass, wipe the comb on a paper towel to remove captured nits. Repeat the process until the comb emerges clean for each section.
If manual combing proves insufficient, consider a supplemental heat method:
- Apply a warm oil (e.g., olive or coconut) to the hair, ensuring full coverage.
- Use a hair dryer on a medium setting to heat the oil for 5–7 minutes, maintaining a safe distance to avoid scalp burns.
- Immediately follow with the nit comb while the hair remains warm and pliable.
Regardless of the primary technique, a second treatment is essential 7–10 days later to target any newly hatched lice before they lay eggs. During this interval, wash all bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water (≥ 60 °C) or seal them in airtight bags for two weeks.
Maintain a regular combing schedule—once daily for three consecutive days after the second treatment—to verify complete eradication.