How can you get rid of lice at home from children in one day if they have long hair?

How can you get rid of lice at home from children in one day if they have long hair? - briefly

Apply an FDA‑approved lice shampoo or lotion, follow the label timing, then comb the damp hair with a fine‑tooth nit comb from scalp to tips, repeating the combing every 30 minutes for several hours. Wash all clothing, bedding, and stuffed items in hot water and vacuum surfaces to eliminate any remaining nits.

How can you get rid of lice at home from children in one day if they have long hair? - in detail

Eliminating head‑lice infestations in children with long hair can be completed at home within a single day by following a systematic approach.

First, gather the necessary tools: a fine‑toothed nit comb (metal or plastic), a regular shampoo, a conditioner that does not contain silicone, a disposable towel, a pair of rubber gloves, and a container for the removed lice and nits. Prepare a clean, well‑lit area where the child can sit comfortably.

Next, apply a proven treatment. Options include:

  • Over‑the‑counter pediculicide (permethrin 1 % or pyrethrin). Follow the label precisely: apply to dry hair, leave for the recommended time (usually 10 minutes), then rinse thoroughly.
  • Home‑made solution such as a 10 % dimethicone lotion or a mixture of 1 part olive oil and 1 part coconut oil applied to saturated hair, left for 30 minutes, then washed out.
  • No‑chemical method: saturate hair with hot water (approximately 45 °C), then immediately comb.

After treatment, the critical step is thorough combing:

  1. Divide hair into sections 2–3 cm wide.
  2. Starting at the scalp, run the nit comb down to the tips, wiping the teeth on a disposable towel after each pass.
  3. Repeat the process for each section, re‑wetting hair if it dries.
  4. Collect all lice and nits in a sealed bag for disposal.

Continue combing for at least 30 minutes, or until no live insects are observed on the comb. The process may need to be repeated after 8–12 hours if the chosen product does not contain a repeat‑dose recommendation.

Finally, implement post‑treatment measures:

  • Wash all bedding, hats, scarves, and hair accessories in hot water (≥60 °C) and dry on high heat.
  • Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture.
  • Instruct the child not to share combs, brushes, or headgear.
  • Perform a daily inspection of the hair for the next 7 days, repeating the combing procedure if any live lice appear.

By adhering to this protocol, the infestation can be eradicated in one day, even when the child’s hair is long.