How can vinegar be used to eliminate lice? - briefly
Applying a 5‑10 % acetic acid solution to the scalp for several minutes softens the adhesive that secures nits, enabling a fine‑toothed comb to remove them. Rinse thoroughly and repeat after 7–10 days to eliminate any newly hatched insects.
How can vinegar be used to eliminate lice? - in detail
Vinegar’s acidity can break down the glue that secures lice eggs to hair shafts, making it easier to remove both insects and nits.
Begin by selecting a clear, distilled white vinegar or apple‑cider vinegar with a 5 % acetic acid concentration. Dilute the liquid with an equal part of warm water to reduce the risk of scalp irritation while preserving the acidic effect.
Apply the mixture generously to dry hair, ensuring full saturation from scalp to tips. Cover the head with a shower cap or plastic wrap for 30–45 minutes; the prolonged exposure softens the nit cement.
After the soaking period, use a fine‑toothed nit comb to systematically work through sections of hair. Start at the scalp and pull the comb through each strand, removing dead lice and loosened eggs. Rinse the hair with lukewarm water, then wash with regular shampoo to eliminate residual vinegar.
Repeat the entire process after 7–10 days, the typical hatching window for any surviving eggs, to interrupt the life cycle and prevent reinfestation.
Safety considerations: perform a patch test on a small skin area 24 hours before the first application to check for allergic reactions. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes; rinse immediately if accidental exposure occurs. Do not use the treatment on children younger than six months or on individuals with open scalp lesions.
For optimal results, combine vinegar treatment with regular combing, thorough cleaning of personal items (bedding, clothing, brushes), and, when necessary, a proven pediculicide for resistant infestations.