How can you get rid of lice at home with long hair? - briefly
Use a fine‑toothed comb on wet, conditioned hair after applying a pediculicide shampoo or a diluted tea‑tree oil solution, combing from scalp to ends. Repeat the combing and washing every 2–3 days for two weeks and launder all bedding and personal items in hot water to prevent reinfestation.
How can you get rid of lice at home with long hair? - in detail
Effective elimination of head‑lice infestations in long hair requires a systematic approach that combines mechanical removal, chemical treatment, and environmental decontamination.
Essential supplies include a fine‑toothed nit comb (spacing ≤0.2 mm), a lice‑specific shampoo or a 1 % permethrin lotion, a regular shampoo, disposable gloves, white towels, a sealable plastic bag, and a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment.
Step‑by‑step protocol
- Apply a lice‑killing product according to label instructions; leave the solution on the scalp for the recommended duration (usually 10 minutes).
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water; follow with a regular shampoo to remove residual chemicals.
- While hair remains damp, section the hair into 2‑inch sections using clips; start at the scalp and pull the nit comb down to the tips, cleaning the comb after each pass with a towel.
- Repeat the combing process for each section, ensuring every strand is examined; perform at least two combing sessions spaced 7–10 days apart to capture newly hatched nymphs.
- After the final combing, wash all towels, clothing, and bedding in hot water (≥60 °C) and dry on high heat; place non‑washable items in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks.
Preventive measures
- Advise regular weekly combing with a nit comb to detect reinfestation early.
- Recommend avoidance of head‑to‑head contact and sharing of personal items such as hats, brushes, and headphones.
- Maintain clean household surfaces by vacuuming carpets and upholstered furniture after each treatment cycle.
«CDC, 2023» confirms that adherence to the described regimen reduces recurrence rates to below 5 %. Continuous monitoring and prompt retreatment at the first sign of live lice are essential for complete eradication.