How do you make a vinegar solution for treating lice? - briefly
Mix equal parts white distilled vinegar and warm water, optionally adding a few drops of tea‑tree oil; apply to the scalp and hair, cover with a shower cap for 15–20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Repeat the process after seven days to address any newly hatched nits.
How do you make a vinegar solution for treating lice? - in detail
Vinegar can act as a mild acidic agent that loosens the glue used by lice to attach their eggs to hair shafts. To create an effective solution, combine distilled white vinegar with warm water in a 1:1 ratio; for example, mix 250 ml of each. If a stronger concentration is desired, increase the vinegar portion to 2 parts vinegar to 1 part water, but keep the mixture tolerable for scalp contact.
- Measure the liquids accurately with a graduated container.
- Pour the vinegar into a clean bowl, then add the warm water.
- Stir gently until the temperature is comfortable (approximately 35–37 °C).
- Transfer the mixture to a spray bottle or a wide‑mouth applicator for even distribution.
Apply the solution to clean, towel‑dry hair. Saturate the scalp and hair from roots to tips, ensuring the liquid reaches the base of each strand where nits are attached. Allow the mixture to sit for 5–10 minutes; the acidity will soften the cement-like substance. After the waiting period, use a fine‑toothed nit comb to systematically remove lice and eggs, working in sections from the crown to the nape. Rinse the hair with lukewarm water to eliminate residual vinegar, then dry.
Repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to address any newly hatched lice. Throughout the process, avoid using heat styling tools on the scalp, and keep the child’s scalp moisturized with a mild, fragrance‑free conditioner if irritation occurs.