How can one get rid of lice in one day on long hair? - briefly
«Use a 1 % permethrin or pyrethrin‑based shampoo, saturating the entire length of hair, leave for the recommended time, then comb out all lice and eggs with a fine nit comb. Repeat the treatment after 24 hours to ensure any surviving nits hatch and are removed, achieving eradication within a day.»
How can one get rid of lice in one day on long hair? - in detail
Eliminating head‑lice infestations from long hair within a single day requires a systematic approach that combines thorough inspection, immediate treatment, and diligent follow‑up.
Begin with a complete visual examination. Use a fine‑toothed lice comb on damp hair, sectioning the hair into 2‑inch strips from scalp to tips. Move the comb slowly from the root toward the end, wiping each pass on a white towel to detect live insects or viable nits.
Select an appropriate treatment method. Options include:
- Over‑the‑counter pediculicides – apply a 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrin lotion according to package instructions, ensuring full coverage of the scalp and hair length. Rinse after the recommended exposure time, then repeat the combing process to remove dead lice and surviving nits.
- Prescription agents – for resistant cases, a single dose of oral ivermectin (200 µg/kg) or a topical spinosad formulation may be prescribed by a healthcare professional. Follow the exact dosing schedule and combine with mechanical removal.
- Non‑chemical alternatives – apply a generous amount of vegetable oil (olive or coconut) to saturate the hair, covering the scalp for 8–12 hours. The oil immobilizes lice, facilitating easier extraction with a fine comb. After the waiting period, wash the hair thoroughly and comb out all debris.
After chemical or oil treatment, perform a second combing session at least 8 hours later, targeting any newly hatched nits that may have emerged. Repeat the combing at 24 hours to ensure complete eradication.
Implement preventive measures to avoid re‑infestation:
- Wash all bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water (≥ 60 °C) or seal them in a plastic bag for two weeks.
- Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture.
- Encourage regular scalp inspections for at least two weeks following treatment.
By adhering to this protocol—immediate detection, targeted treatment, and rigorous post‑treatment combing—complete removal of lice from long hair can be achieved within a single day, with continued vigilance preventing recurrence.