How should charcoal water be applied to hair to treat lice?

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How should charcoal water be applied to hair to treat lice? - briefly
Apply a charcoal‑infused solution generously to dry scalp and hair, covering roots and shafts, leave it for 10–15 minutes, then rinse with warm water and comb out any remaining nits.

How should charcoal water be applied to hair to treat lice? - in detail
Applying a charcoal‑based liquid to the scalp requires a systematic approach to ensure the solution reaches the hair shaft and the environment where lice and nits reside.

Preparation of the solution

Mix activated charcoal powder with warm distilled water at a ratio of 1 g to 100 ml.
Stir until the suspension is uniform; a slight cloudiness indicates proper dispersion.
Allow the mixture to cool to a comfortable temperature (≈37 °C) before use.

Pre‑treatment steps

Comb the hair with a fine‑toothed lice comb to remove loose nits and adult insects.
Section the hair into manageable strands (approximately 2‑inch sections) using hair clips.

Application procedure

Saturate each section with the charcoal suspension, ensuring the scalp and the entire length of the hair are thoroughly wet.
Massage gently for 30 seconds to promote contact with the cuticle and the nits attached to hair shafts.
After covering all sections, cover the head with a plastic shower cap to prevent evaporation and maintain moisture for 20‑30 minutes.

Post‑treatment process

Remove the cap and rinse the hair with lukewarm water, followed by a mild, sulfate‑free shampoo to clear residual charcoal particles.
Rinse thoroughly; avoid conditioner on the scalp for the first rinse to prevent slipping of any remaining particles.
Dry the hair with a clean towel and repeat the entire routine after 7 days to target any newly hatched lice.

Safety and efficacy considerations

Conduct a patch test on a small skin area 24 hours before full application to rule out allergic reactions.
Do not use the solution on broken or inflamed scalp skin.
Store the unused mixture in a sealed container at room temperature; discard after 48 hours to preserve potency.

Following this protocol maximizes the contact time of charcoal particles with lice and nits, leveraging the adsorptive properties of activated charcoal to immobilize and suffocate the parasites while minimizing irritation to the host.