How can you get rid of lice at home on long hair? - briefly
Apply a lice‑killing shampoo or a natural oil (e.g., olive or coconut), keep the hair wet, and comb it thoroughly with a fine‑tooth nit comb, repeating the treatment every 2–3 days for two weeks. Wash all bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water and vacuum the living areas to remove any remaining eggs.
How can you get rid of lice at home on long hair? - in detail
Treating a head‑lice infestation in long hair requires a systematic approach that combines chemical or natural treatment, thorough combing, and proper hygiene to prevent re‑infestation.
Begin with a suitable lice‑killing product. Over‑the‑counter shampoos or lotions containing 1 % permethrin, 0.5 % pyrethrin, or dimethicone are effective. Apply according to the label, ensuring the scalp and all strands are fully saturated. For families preferring non‑chemical options, a heated oil treatment (olive or coconut oil warmed to about 40 °C) can suffocate the insects; apply the oil, cover the head with a plastic cap, and leave for 30–45 minutes before washing.
After the treatment dries or is rinsed out, use a fine‑toothed nit comb (0.25 mm spacing) to remove live lice and nits. Follow these steps:
- Divide the hair into sections of 2–3 inches; secure each with a clip.
- Starting at the scalp, drag the comb down to the tips in a single, steady stroke.
- Wipe the comb on a paper towel after each pass to avoid re‑depositing eggs.
- Repeat the process for every section, then re‑comb the entire head at least once more after 7–10 days to capture any newly hatched lice.
Clean all personal items that have contacted the hair. Wash clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and tumble‑dry on high heat. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks or placed in a freezer at –20 °C for 24 hours.
Maintain a lice‑free environment by:
- Avoiding head‑to‑head contact and sharing of combs, hats, or hair accessories.
- Regularly inspecting family members, especially after school or camp, using a nit comb once a week for a month.
- Keeping hair trimmed short if infestations recur frequently; shorter hair reduces the surface area where lice can hide.
If live insects or eggs persist after two treatment cycles, consult a healthcare professional for prescription‑strength options such as malathion or ivermectin, and verify that the chosen method is safe for the individual's age and health status.
By applying an effective treatment, performing meticulous combing, and enforcing strict hygiene measures, long hair can be cleared of lice without professional intervention.