How should combs and hair ties be treated to eliminate lice? - briefly
Wash combs and hair elastics in water at least 130 °F for 10 minutes or soak them in a 1 % sodium hypochlorite solution for 5 minutes, then rinse and dry completely. Alternatively, seal the items in a plastic bag and run a dryer on high heat for 30 minutes to eradicate any remaining lice or nits.
How should combs and hair ties be treated to eliminate lice? - in detail
Combs and hair elastics that have contacted an infested scalp must be decontaminated before reuse. Failure to treat these items allows nits and adult lice to survive and re‑infest the host.
For metal or plastic combs, immerse them in hot water (minimum 130 °F/54 °C) for at least 10 minutes. Follow with a rinse in a solution of 0.5 % sodium hypochlorite (approximately one tablespoon of household bleach per quart of water) for 5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with clean water and allow to air‑dry. Alternatively, place the comb in a sealed bag and expose it to a dryer on high heat for 15 minutes; the temperature must reach at least 140 °F (60 °C) to guarantee mortality of all stages.
Hair ties, bands, and clips should be laundered in the hottest cycle the fabric permits, using detergent and an added 0.5 % bleach solution when the material tolerates it. If the ties are synthetic and cannot withstand high temperatures, soak them in the same bleach solution for 10 minutes, rinse, and dry under direct sunlight for a minimum of 30 minutes, as ultraviolet exposure contributes to lice death. Disposable ties can be discarded after a single use to eliminate any risk of residual infestation.
After decontamination, store combs in a sealed container and keep hair accessories in a clean, dry drawer. Repeat the cleaning process after each treatment cycle, typically every 7 days, because newly hatched lice may emerge from eggs that survived the initial round. Consistent application of these procedures removes all viable parasites from grooming tools, preventing re‑colonization.