How do I prepare a vinegar solution to fight lice and nits? - briefly
Mix one cup of white distilled vinegar with an equal amount of warm water, saturate the scalp and hair, leave for 10–15 minutes, then comb out lice and nits with a fine‑toothed nit comb. Rinse with plain water and repeat after 24 hours if any remain.
How do I prepare a vinegar solution to fight lice and nits? - in detail
To create an effective vinegar mixture for eliminating head‑lice and their eggs, follow these precise steps.
Select a white distilled vinegar with 5 % acetic acid. Measure one cup (240 ml) of vinegar and combine it with one cup of lukewarm water. Stir until the solution is uniform; the dilution reduces irritation while preserving the acidic properties that loosen the glue binding nits to hair shafts.
Transfer the blend into a clean spray bottle or a wide‑mouth jar. Before application, separate the hair into sections of about two inches using a fine‑tooth comb. Saturate each section thoroughly, ensuring the liquid reaches the scalp and covers all strands. Allow the solution to remain on the hair for five to ten minutes; the acidity softens the nit’s cement, making it easier to remove.
After the waiting period, use a fine‑tooth nit comb, moving from the scalp outward in small increments. Wipe the comb on a clean towel after each pass to prevent re‑depositing lice. Repeat the combing process until the hair is free of live insects and empty shells.
Rinse the hair with lukewarm water and a mild, sulfate‑free shampoo to eliminate residual vinegar and any loosened debris. Do not apply conditioner until the combing is complete, as it can create slip that hinders removal.
For complete eradication, repeat the entire procedure every 48 hours for a total of three treatments. This schedule covers the life cycle of lice, preventing newly hatched nymphs from maturing.
Store any remaining solution in a sealed container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. Discard the mixture after two weeks to avoid loss of potency.
Precautions: Conduct a patch test on a small skin area before full application to rule out sensitivity. Avoid use on children under six months, on open wounds, or on chemically treated hair that may react adversely to acidity. If irritation occurs, rinse immediately with water and discontinue use.