How long should charcoal water be left on when treating lice? - briefly
Apply the charcoal rinse and keep it on the scalp for about 30–45 minutes before washing it out; extending treatment beyond one hour may cause irritation.
How long should charcoal water be left on when treating lice? - in detail
Charcoal-infused water is applied to the scalp as a non‑chemical lice remedy. The solution should remain on the hair and skin for a period sufficient to allow the charcoal particles to bind to the insects and their eggs. Clinical observations and expert guidelines suggest a minimum of 30 minutes, with many practitioners extending the exposure to 45–60 minutes for optimal results.
- Prepare a dilute charcoal solution (approximately 1 % activated charcoal in warm water).
- Apply evenly, ensuring coverage of the entire scalp and hair shaft.
- Allow the mixture to sit for at least half an hour; extending to one hour improves coverage of nits.
- After the allotted time, rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and comb with a fine-toothed lice comb to remove dead insects and debris.
Repeated applications are recommended every 2–3 days for a total of three treatments to eradicate newly hatched lice that may emerge after the initial exposure.
Safety considerations: do not exceed 90 minutes of contact, as prolonged moisture may cause scalp irritation. Use a mild, fragrance‑free shampoo if irritation occurs.
In summary, maintain the charcoal solution on the scalp for 30–60 minutes per session, repeat the process three times at 2–3‑day intervals, and complete each session with thorough rinsing and combing.