How can you quickly remove lice at home using folk remedies? - briefly
Apply hot olive or coconut oil to the scalp, cover with a shower cap for 30 minutes, then remove lice and nits using a fine-toothed comb; finish with a rinse of diluted vinegar or tea‑tree oil to loosen any remaining eggs and discourage reinfestation.
How can you quickly remove lice at home using folk remedies? - in detail
Lice infestations require immediate action to stop spreading. The following home‑based folk methods achieve rapid eradication when applied correctly.
Begin by gathering a fine‑toothed lice comb, a white towel, gloves, and the chosen natural agents. Wash the affected hair with warm water and a gentle shampoo, then towel‑dry until damp but not dripping.
Common folk treatments
- Apple cider vinegar – Mix equal parts vinegar and water. Saturate the scalp, cover with a shower cap for 15 minutes, then rinse. The acidic environment loosens the glue that attaches nits to hair shafts.
- Olive oil or mayonnaise – Apply a generous layer to the entire head, covering each strand. Leave for 30–45 minutes; the oil suffocates the insects. Comb out dead lice and nits before rinsing.
- Tea tree oil – Dilute 10 drops in 2 tablespoons carrier oil (olive or coconut). Massage into the scalp, let sit for 20 minutes, then wash. The oil’s antiseptic properties kill lice on contact.
- Neem oil – Use 1 teaspoon neem oil mixed with a tablespoon carrier oil. Apply similarly to tea tree oil; leave for 30 minutes before washing.
- Salt‑water rinse – Dissolve 2 tablespoons salt in warm water. Pour over the hair, let stand for 10 minutes, then comb. Salt dehydrates lice.
After any topical application, comb the hair with the fine‑toothed lice comb. Start at the scalp, pulling each strand through the teeth. Wipe the comb on a white towel after each pass to monitor captured insects. Perform combing at least twice daily for a week.
Sanitize personal items: wash bedding, towels, and clothing in hot water (≥ 60 °C) or place them in a sealed plastic bag for 48 hours. Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture. Keep hair tied back to reduce re‑infestation risk.
Avoid using undiluted essential oils directly on the scalp; they may cause irritation. Discontinue any remedy that produces redness, itching, or burning. If symptoms persist after a full treatment cycle, consult a medical professional.