How can you remove nits and lice without any products? - briefly
Use a fine‑toothed nit comb on damp hair, working in small sections to pull each louse and egg out, and repeat the process after 7–10 days to catch any newly hatched insects. Follow with washing of clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water to eliminate remaining stages.
How can you remove nits and lice without any products? - in detail
Eliminating head lice and their eggs without resorting to chemical treatments relies on thorough mechanical removal, environmental control, and repeated monitoring.
First, isolate the affected individual to prevent immediate re‑infestation. Use a fine‑toothed metal nit comb, preferably with teeth spaced 0.2 mm apart. Comb the hair while it is wet and conditioned with plain water; the moisture softens the lice and makes the eggs easier to grasp. Work from the scalp outward, sectioning the hair into manageable strips. After each pass, wipe the comb on a white towel or rinse it in hot water to expose any captured insects. Repeat the combing process at least once daily for ten days, because nits hatch in approximately seven to ten days.
Second, address personal items and surroundings. Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels used within the past 48 hours in water hotter than 130 °F (54 °C) for a minimum of 30 minutes. If washing is unavailable, seal these items in a plastic bag for two weeks, a period that exceeds the life cycle of the parasite. Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and vehicle seats thoroughly, then discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister to remove any residual insects.
Third, consider physical alterations to hair. For severely infested individuals, cutting the hair to a length of 1 cm (0.4 in) or less removes the majority of the habitat, reducing the need for extensive combing. This measure is especially useful for young children who may not tolerate prolonged combing sessions.
Fourth, implement regular inspection. Examine the scalp and hair at least twice a week using a magnifying glass. Look for live insects, which appear as grayish‑brown specks, and for nits, which are oval, firmly attached to the hair shaft near the scalp. Remove any detected items immediately with the nit comb.
Finally, educate all household members about avoiding head‑to‑head contact, sharing of personal grooming tools, and the importance of prompt treatment if symptoms appear. Consistent application of these non‑chemical strategies typically eradicates the infestation within two to three weeks without the need for commercial products.