How can you quickly remove lice and nits from children's long hair at home? - briefly
Apply a 1 % permethrin shampoo to wet hair, then use a fine-toothed comb to remove lice and nits, rinsing the comb after each pass. Repeat the combing after 7–10 days to eliminate any newly hatched parasites.
How can you quickly remove lice and nits from children's long hair at home? - in detail
Removing lice and their eggs from a child's long hair can be accomplished swiftly with a systematic approach that combines chemical or natural treatment, precise combing, and thorough cleaning of the environment.
Begin with a suitable lice‑killing product. Choose a pediculicide that contains 1 % permethrin or a dimethicone‑based lotion, following the manufacturer’s instructions for dilution and application. Apply the solution to dry hair, ensuring coverage from scalp to tips. Leave the product on for the recommended period (usually 10 minutes), then rinse thoroughly with warm water.
While the hair remains damp, use a fine‑toothed nit comb (spacing 0.2 mm) designed for long strands. Divide the hair into sections of 2–3 inches, secure each with a clip, and comb from the scalp outward to the ends. After each pass, wipe the comb on a white tissue to reveal any captured lice or eggs. Repeat the combing process several times per section until no live insects are observed. A second combing session 7–10 days later eliminates newly hatched nits that survived the initial treatment.
If a chemical treatment is undesirable, a dimethicone or oily solution (olive oil, coconut oil, or a commercial silicone‑based spray) can suffocate the parasites. Apply the oil liberally, cover the head with a shower cap for 30 minutes, then comb as described above. The oil also facilitates removal of adhesive nits.
After treatment, wash all clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat. Seal non‑washable items in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks. Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats to capture any fallen lice or eggs.
Maintain regular checks for at least three weeks. Inspect the scalp every two days, using the nit comb to verify the absence of infestation. Promptly repeat the combing procedure if any live lice appear.
By adhering to this protocol—appropriate topical agent, meticulous combing, environmental sanitation, and ongoing monitoring—parents can efficiently eradicate lice and their eggs from long hair without professional intervention.