How can you remove lice and nits from long hair using vinegar? - briefly
Apply warm diluted apple cider vinegar to the scalp, cover with a shower cap for 10‑15 minutes, then comb out lice and eggs using a fine‑tooth nit comb. Rinse the hair and repeat the process after 3‑4 days to eliminate any newly hatched nits.
How can you remove lice and nits from long hair using vinegar? - in detail
Vinegar’s acidic properties help dissolve the cement that attaches nits to hair shafts, making them easier to dislodge. To treat long hair effectively, follow a systematic approach.
- Gather supplies – white distilled vinegar (5 % acetic acid), a fine-toothed nit comb, a wide-tooth brush, a plastic shower cap, and a towel.
- Prepare the solution – mix equal parts vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle or bowl. The temperature should be comfortably warm, not scalding.
- Apply to hair – saturate the scalp and lengths thoroughly, ensuring the mixture reaches the roots where nits are most common.
- Cover and wait – place a plastic cap over the head and leave the solution on for 15–20 minutes. The extended exposure softens the adhesive.
- Comb out – while the hair remains damp, section it into manageable sections. Starting at the scalp, run the nit comb through each section from root to tip, wiping the comb on a paper towel after each pass. Repeat until no visible nits are retrieved.
- Rinse and wash – rinse the hair with lukewarm water, then shampoo with a regular detergent to remove residual vinegar and debris. Condition as usual.
- Repeat treatment – perform the entire process every 2–3 days for two weeks, as any newly hatched lice will emerge within this window.
Additional recommendations
- Use white vinegar rather than flavored varieties to avoid staining.
- Do not apply undiluted vinegar directly to the scalp; it may cause irritation.
- For very thick or extremely long hair, work in smaller sections and consider a second round of combing after the first pass.
- Inspect the comb and replace it if teeth become bent, which reduces effectiveness.
Consistent application of this protocol, combined with thorough combing, eliminates both adult insects and their eggs from lengthy hair without resorting to chemical pesticides.