How can you get rid of lice with tea tree oil? - briefly
Apply 10–20 drops of tea tree oil diluted in a carrier oil to the scalp, cover with a shower cap for 30 minutes, then comb out nits with a fine‑toothed comb. Repeat the process every 4–5 days for two weeks to interrupt the lice life cycle.
How can you get rid of lice with tea tree oil? - in detail
Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) possesses insecticidal properties that can disrupt the life cycle of head‑lice (Pediculus humanus capitis). Effective application requires precise concentration, thorough coverage, and follow‑up treatments.
A typical protocol includes:
- Dilution: mix 10 ml of 100 % tea tree oil with 90 ml of a carrier such as coconut or olive oil, achieving a 10 % solution. Higher concentrations increase irritation risk without improving efficacy.
- Pre‑treatment: wash hair with a mild shampoo, rinse, and towel‑dry until damp.
- Application: apply the diluted oil to the scalp and hair, ensuring saturation of the nape, behind ears, and crown. Use a fine‑toothed comb to distribute the mixture evenly.
- Exposure: leave the oil on for 30–45 minutes. Covering the head with a shower cap prevents evaporation.
- Removal: rinse hair with warm water, followed by a gentle shampoo to eliminate residual oil.
- Repeat: perform a second treatment after 7–10 days to target newly hatched nymphs that survived the initial exposure.
Safety considerations:
- Conduct a patch test on a small skin area 24 hours before full application; discontinue if redness or itching occurs.
- Avoid use on children under two years, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, and persons with known tea tree oil sensitivity.
- Do not combine with other chemical pediculicides unless instructed by a healthcare professional, as interactions may increase dermal irritation.
Efficacy evidence:
- Clinical trials report lice mortality rates of 70–90 % after a single 10 % tea tree oil exposure, with enhanced results when paired with mechanical removal (combing).
- Studies indicate that the oil’s terpenes, particularly terpinen‑4‑ol, interfere with the insect’s respiratory system, leading to rapid paralysis.
Adjunct measures:
- Wash bedding, hats, and personal items in hot water (≥ 60 °C) or seal them in plastic bags for two weeks to prevent reinfestation.
- Maintain regular combing sessions every 2–3 days for three weeks to eliminate any surviving eggs.
When applied correctly, tea tree oil offers a natural alternative to conventional insecticides, provided that concentration limits, safety protocols, and repeat applications are observed.