How do you comb lice for yourself? - briefly
Use a fine‑toothed nit comb on wet, conditioned hair, starting at the scalp and moving toward the ends, cleaning the comb after each pass. Repeat the process every few days until no live lice or nits are detected.
How do you comb lice for yourself? - in detail
Effective removal of head‑lice requires a systematic approach with a fine‑toothed nit comb. The process consists of preparation, combing, and post‑treatment care.
Preparation begins with washing the scalp using a regular shampoo. Rinse thoroughly, then apply a generous amount of conditioner to soften the hair and loosen egg casings. Allow the conditioner to sit for several minutes before detangling with a wide‑tooth comb to eliminate tangles that could hinder the nit comb.
The combing stage follows these steps:
- Section the hair into manageable strips, securing each with a clip.
- Starting at the scalp, draw the nit comb through the hair in a slow, steady motion toward the ends.
- After each pass, wipe the comb on a white tissue or rinse it under running water to remove captured lice and nits.
- Repeat the pass on the same section at least three times, rotating the comb to catch eggs attached at different angles.
- Move to the next section and repeat until the entire scalp has been treated.
Post‑treatment care includes rinsing the hair to remove residual conditioner, drying with a clean towel, and inspecting the scalp for remaining insects. Repeat the combing routine every 2–3 days for two weeks, as newly hatched lice emerge from surviving eggs. Wash all clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water (≥ 60 °C) or place them in a sealed bag for 48 hours to prevent re‑infestation.
Consistent application of this method eliminates both adult lice and their eggs without the need for chemical insecticides. «A thorough, repeated combing schedule is the most reliable strategy for eradication.»