How long should vinegar be left on the head to treat lice? - briefly
Apply undiluted apple cider vinegar to the scalp and leave for 15‑30 minutes before rinsing. This period is sufficient to loosen nits without causing irritation.
How long should vinegar be left on the head to treat lice? - in detail
Vinegar, typically white distilled or apple cider, functions as a lice‑removing agent by dissolving the protective coating of nits and facilitating their detachment from hair shafts. The exposure period determines effectiveness; insufficient contact leaves eggs intact, while excessive duration may cause scalp irritation.
Clinical recommendations and anecdotal evidence converge on a contact time of 15–30 minutes. Apply the liquid generously to dry hair, ensuring saturation of the entire scalp and each strand. After the allotted interval, rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water, then comb the hair with a fine‑toothed lice comb to extract loosened nits. The combing step should be repeated at least twice, covering the entire length of the hair.
For optimal results, repeat the treatment after 7 days, coinciding with the hatching cycle of any surviving eggs. A second application follows the same 15–30 minute protocol, followed by combing and washing. If irritation occurs, reduce the exposure to 10 minutes and monitor skin response before subsequent sessions.
Safety considerations include avoiding application to broken skin, open wounds, or irritated scalp. Children under 2 years of age should not receive vinegar treatments without pediatric guidance. Individuals with known sensitivities to acidic substances should perform a patch test on a small scalp area before full application.
In summary, a 15–30 minute dwell time, combined with thorough rinsing, meticulous combing, and a repeat session after one week, constitutes a comprehensive regimen for using vinegar as a lice‑control measure.