How can you get rid of lice on the head if the hair is long? - briefly
Apply a pediculicide shampoo, then comb the damp, conditioned hair with a fine‑toothed nit comb from scalp to tips, cleaning the comb after each pass; repeat the process in 7–10 days. Wash bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water to prevent reinfestation.
How can you get rid of lice on the head if the hair is long? - in detail
Treating head‑lice infestations in long hair requires thorough preparation, precise application of treatment, and careful post‑treatment care.
Begin by separating the hair into manageable sections. Use rubber bands or hair clips to create strands of about 2–3 inches. This prevents the lice and their eggs (nits) from becoming tangled and ensures the product reaches the scalp.
Apply a proven pediculicide, such as a 1 % permethrin lotion or a dimethicone‑based formula, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Dispense enough product to saturate each section, then massage gently to the scalp. Avoid excessive rubbing, which can damage hair shafts.
After the recommended exposure time, rinse with lukewarm water while keeping the hair divided. Do not use hot water; it can close the cuticle and trap residues. Remove the bands or clips and comb each section with a fine‑toothed nit comb. Start at the scalp, pulling the comb through the entire length of the strand. Clean the comb after each pass with a disposable wipe or alcohol‑based solution.
Repeat the combing process at least twice, spaced 7–10 days apart, to capture any newly hatched nits. During the interval, wash all bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water (≥ 130 °F) or seal them in plastic bags for two weeks to eliminate dormant eggs.
If the infestation persists after two treatment cycles, consider a second‑line prescription, such as oral ivermectin or a higher‑concentration spinosad lotion, administered under medical supervision.
Maintain vigilance by performing weekly inspections for at least one month. Look for live lice, live nits attached within ¼ inch of the scalp, or signs of irritation. Prompt detection prevents re‑infestation and reduces the need for repeated chemical interventions.