How often should lice be combed out? - briefly
Comb the hair daily until two consecutive inspections reveal no live lice or viable nits, typically for at least 14 days. Continue daily combing for an additional week to eliminate any newly hatched insects.
How often should lice be combed out? - in detail
Effective removal of head‑lice requires a systematic combing routine. The process begins with an initial thorough pass through damp, conditioned hair using a fine‑toothed nit comb. This first session eliminates the majority of live insects and nymphs that are directly attached to the scalp.
A typical schedule follows a pattern of repeated combings at specific intervals:
- Day 0: initial combing after any chemical treatment or as a standalone method.
- Day 1: second combing to capture lice that hatched from eggs laid before the first session.
- Day 3: third combing to address newly emerged nymphs.
- Day 7: fourth combing, targeting any survivors and newly hatched lice.
- Day 14: final combing to confirm eradication; no lice should be found at this point.
The frequency may be adjusted based on several variables. Heavy infestations or dense, curly hair often demand more frequent sessions, sometimes adding a Day 5 combing. Use of pediculicidal shampoos or lotions shortens the needed timeline because many products kill eggs; however, a post‑treatment comb on Day 1 remains essential to remove dead nymphs and prevent re‑infestation.
Each combing session should include these steps:
- Wet hair with a conditioner to reduce slip and make lice easier to grasp.
- Section hair into manageable strands, typically 1‑inch wide.
- Run the nit comb from the scalp outward, covering the entire length of each strand.
- Wipe the comb on a white paper towel after each pass to inspect for captured lice.
- Clean the comb with hot, soapy water after the session to prevent cross‑contamination.
Continue the routine until two consecutive combings, spaced at least 48 hours apart, reveal no live lice or viable eggs. At that stage, normal hair care can resume. If live insects persist after the Day 14 session, repeat the entire schedule, beginning again at Day 0.