How can you remove lice at home with vinegar and nits from long hair? - briefly
Mix one part white vinegar with three parts water, apply to the scalp and hair, leave for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. After rinsing, comb the wet hair with a fine‑tooth nit comb from root to tip, removing lice and nits, and repeat the treatment daily for a week.
How can you remove lice at home with vinegar and nits from long hair? - in detail
Vinegar can break down the glue that attaches lice eggs to hair shafts, making them easier to remove from long hair.
Begin by washing the scalp with a mild shampoo to eliminate surface debris. Rinse thoroughly and towel‑dry until damp but not wet.
Prepare a 1:1 mixture of distilled white vinegar and lukewarm water. Soak a wide‑tooth nit comb in the solution for one minute, then drain excess liquid.
Apply the vinegar blend to the hair, starting at the scalp and working toward the ends. Ensure the liquid saturates each section; the acidic environment softens the egg cement.
While the hair remains damp, use the soaked comb to slide through a small strand, starting at the root. Pull the comb slowly toward the tip, wiping the teeth with a paper towel after each pass. Repeat this process for every section, working from the crown outward.
Collect the combed material on a clean white cloth or disposable surface to verify removal. If live lice or nits are still visible, repeat the combing step after a 10‑minute pause, allowing the vinegar to act longer.
After thorough combing, rinse the hair with cool water to close cuticles and reduce scalp irritation. Dry with a clean towel or low‑heat blow dryer.
Repeat the entire procedure every 2–3 days for two weeks, as newly hatched lice emerge from any remaining eggs.
Additional recommendations:
- Use a fine‑toothed nit comb for the final pass to catch any residual eggs.
- Avoid applying undiluted vinegar directly to the scalp to prevent irritation.
- Keep hair tied in a loose braid or ponytail during treatment to maintain tension and improve comb efficiency.
- Wash bedding, hats, and personal items in hot water (≥130 °F) and dry on high heat to prevent re‑infestation.
Following this systematic approach eliminates both adult insects and their eggs from lengthy hair without prescription medication.