How can you quickly get rid of lice on children's heads with long hair at home? - briefly
Use a 1 % permethrin rinse or a proven lice shampoo, then comb the damp, long hair with a fine-toothed lice comb, removing each nymph before it hatches; repeat the combing every 2–3 days for two weeks and wash all bedding, clothing, and toys in hot water (≥ 130 °F).
How can you quickly get rid of lice on children's heads with long hair at home? - in detail
Lice infestations on children with extensive hair require swift, thorough action. Begin by confirming the presence of live insects and viable nits close to the scalp; visual inspection under bright light with a fine‑tooth comb helps distinguish viable eggs from empty shells.
Prepare a safe work area: lay a clean towel on a flat surface, gather a fine‑tooth nit comb, a bowl of warm water, a mild conditioner, and a disposable glove. Apply a licensed pediculicide according to the product label, ensuring coverage from the scalp to the tips of the hair. For families preferring non‑chemical options, a saturated mixture of 1 % tea‑tree oil in a carrier (e.g., coconut oil) or a 10 % dimethicone lotion can be used; both act by suffocating the parasites.
After the treatment time expires, rinse the hair with warm water and a generous amount of conditioner. While the hair remains wet, run the nit comb from the scalp outward in 1‑inch sections, cleaning the comb after each pass. Repeat the combing process at least three times during the first session, then every 24 hours for the next two days.
Environmental decontamination reduces reinfestation risk. Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (minimum 130 °F/54 °C) and dry on high heat. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks. Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister afterward.
A follow‑up inspection 7‑10 days after the initial treatment confirms eradication. If live lice are still observed, repeat the entire protocol with a different pediculicide to avoid resistance. Maintaining regular weekly comb checks for an additional month helps catch any residual eggs before they hatch.