How long should vinegar be left when treating lice? - briefly
Apply undiluted white vinegar to the hair and scalp, leave it for 10–15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. This duration is enough to loosen nits while minimizing irritation.
How long should vinegar be left when treating lice? - in detail
Vinegar works by loosening the glue that attaches nits to hair shafts. For optimal effect, apply a generous amount of undiluted apple cider or white vinegar to the scalp and hair, ensuring every strand is saturated. Leave the liquid on for 10 – 15 minutes; this period allows the acid to penetrate the egg coating without causing irritation. After the waiting time, rinse with lukewarm water, then use a fine‑toothed nit comb to remove loosened nits and adult lice.
If the infestation is heavy, repeat the process after 7 days, because any eggs that survived the first treatment will have hatched. A second application of the same duration is sufficient.
Key points for safe and effective use:
- Apply vinegar to dry hair; avoid mixing with shampoo before the waiting period.
- Keep the scalp covered with a shower cap or towel during the 10‑15 minute interval to prevent evaporation.
- Do not exceed 20 minutes, as prolonged exposure may dry the skin.
- Conduct a patch test on a small scalp area 30 minutes prior to the full treatment to rule out sensitivity.
Consistent combing and repeat applications are essential; vinegar alone does not guarantee eradication but facilitates nit removal when combined with mechanical extraction.