How can vinegar be used to remove lice eggs? - briefly
Apply undiluted white vinegar to the hair and scalp, leave it for 5–10 minutes, then use a fine-tooth nit comb to slide out the softened eggs. The acidity loosens the nits’ attachment, facilitating their removal.
How can vinegar be used to remove lice eggs? - in detail
Vinegar’s acidity weakens the cement that attaches nits to hair shafts, making them easier to dislodge.
First, select a clear, distilled white vinegar with 5 % acetic acid. Dilute it with an equal volume of warm water to reduce scalp irritation while preserving sufficient acidity.
Apply the solution generously to dry hair, ensuring full coverage from scalp to tips. Allow it to sit for 5–10 minutes; the low pH penetrates the shell of the egg and loosens the adhesive.
After the waiting period, use a fine‑toothed nit comb. Begin at the scalp, pulling the comb through short sections, and wipe each tooth with a clean tissue after every pass. The loosened nits will slide off the comb and can be collected on a white towel for disposal.
Rinse hair thoroughly with lukewarm water to remove residual vinegar, then shampoo as usual.
Repeat the entire process after 7–10 days, because any newly hatched lice will have emerged from eggs that survived the first treatment.
Safety considerations:
- Perform a patch test on a small skin area before full application to check for sensitivity.
- Avoid prolonged exposure; excessive acidity may cause scalp dryness or irritation.
- Do not use on children under six months or on individuals with open wounds or severe dermatitis.
Effectiveness depends on thorough combing and adherence to the repeat schedule. Combining vinegar treatment with a conventional lice shampoo can increase overall success, provided both products are compatible and used according to their instructions.