How can you remove lice from hair at home? - briefly
Apply a pediculicide shampoo and comb the hair with a fine‑toothed lice comb while the hair is wet, repeating the process every 2–3 days for two weeks. Wash all bedding, clothing and personal items in hot water to eliminate any remaining eggs.
How can you remove lice from hair at home? - in detail
Eliminating head‑lice infestations without professional assistance requires a systematic approach that combines direct treatment of the scalp, thorough cleaning of personal items, and repeated monitoring.
The first step is to confirm the presence of live lice or viable nits. Live insects move quickly and may be seen near the scalp; nits appear as oval, whitish‑brown shells attached firmly to the hair shaft within ¼ inch of the scalp. Use a fine‑toothed lice comb on dry hair to locate both stages.
Preparation includes gathering the following supplies: a dense comb designed for lice removal, a mild conditioner or petroleum‑based oil, a small bowl of warm water, a towel, and disposable gloves. Apply the conditioner or oil generously, covering the entire head from roots to tips. The medium creates a slippery surface that hampers the insects’ grip and eases combing.
The treatment procedure consists of these steps:
- Saturate hair with conditioner or oil; leave for 5–10 minutes.
- Starting at the scalp, run the lice comb through a small section of hair, moving slowly toward the ends.
- After each pass, wipe the comb on a tissue and re‑dip it in the conditioner or oil to prevent re‑attachment.
- Repeat the combing process for the entire head, ensuring that each strand is examined at least twice.
- Rinse hair thoroughly with warm water; avoid using regular shampoo immediately, as it can reduce the lubricant’s effectiveness.
Repeat the combing routine every 2–3 days for two weeks. This interval matches the life cycle of the parasite and eliminates newly hatched nits before they mature.
Environmental decontamination reduces reinfestation risk. Wash all bedding, towels, and clothing used within the previous 48 hours in water ≥ 60 °C, then tumble‑dry on high heat. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in a plastic bag for at least two weeks. Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister afterward.
After the treatment period, perform a final inspection using the lice comb. If no live insects or viable nits are found, consider the infestation resolved. Persistent detection after two weeks may indicate resistance or incomplete removal, warranting a repeat of the protocol or consultation with a healthcare professional.