How should I properly comb lice out of children’s hair? - briefly
Use a fine‑toothed nit comb on wet, conditioned hair, working from the scalp outward in small sections and cleaning the comb after each pass. Repeat the combing every 2–3 days for two weeks to eliminate all nits.
How should I properly comb lice out of children’s hair? - in detail
Effective removal of head‑lice requires a systematic approach that combines proper tools, meticulous technique, and follow‑up actions. The process begins with preparation, continues with the combing procedure, and ends with post‑treatment care.
Preparation involves selecting a fine‑toothed lice comb, preferably metal, and a suitable conditioner or detangling spray that does not kill the insects but eases sliding of the comb. The child’s hair should be washed with a mild shampoo, rinsed, and towel‑dried until damp. The room should be well‑lit, and a clean surface prepared for discarded lice and nits.
The combing technique proceeds as follows:
- Apply a generous amount of conditioner to the entire scalp and hair, ensuring even coverage.
- Section the hair into manageable strands using clips or small rubber bands; work from the crown toward the hairline.
- Starting at the scalp, run the fine‑toothed comb through each section in a slow, deliberate motion, pulling the comb straight down to the ends.
- After each pass, wipe the comb on a white paper towel or rinse it in a bowl of hot water to remove captured lice and nits.
- Continue the process until every section has been combed at least three times, revisiting any area where live insects were observed.
- Inspect the combed hair with a magnifying lens; any remaining nits should be removed manually with fine tweezers.
Post‑treatment care includes washing all clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water (minimum 130 °F/54 °C) and vacuuming furniture and floors. The combing routine must be repeated every 2–3 days for two weeks, as newly hatched lice emerge from eggs that survived the initial session. Regular inspection of the scalp should continue for an additional week to confirm elimination.
Common errors to avoid are: using a wide‑toothed comb, skipping conditioner, combing only once, and neglecting the repeat schedule. Adhering strictly to the described steps maximizes the likelihood of complete eradication.