How should one properly wash the hair to remove lice? - briefly
Apply a medicated lice shampoo, lather thoroughly, rinse with water hotter than 130 °F, then comb the hair with a fine-toothed nit comb to remove nits; repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to eliminate any survivors.
How should one properly wash the hair to remove lice? - in detail
Effective elimination of head‑lice requires a systematic washing routine combined with thorough combing. Follow these steps:
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Select an appropriate shampoo – use a medicated lice treatment shampoo containing 1 % permethrin, pyrethrin, or a non‑chemical option such as dimethicone. Verify that the product is approved for use on children of the target age.
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Prepare the hair – detangle with a wide‑tooth comb while the hair is dry. Removing knots reduces the chance of lice hiding in tangled sections.
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Apply the shampoo – wet hair completely, then apply the prescribed amount of product, ensuring coverage from scalp to tips. Massage gently for the duration specified on the label (usually 5–10 minutes) to allow the active ingredient to penetrate the exoskeleton of the insects.
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Rinse thoroughly – use lukewarm water, running it over the scalp for at least one minute to wash away the solution and any dead lice.
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Comb while wet – while the hair remains damp, run a fine‑toothed nit comb through each section, starting at the scalp and moving toward the ends. Repeat the combing process at least three times per section, cleaning the comb after each pass.
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Dry the hair – towel‑dry gently, then use a hair dryer on a low‑heat setting to reduce moisture that could support surviving nits.
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Repeat treatment – perform a second wash 7–10 days after the first, following the same procedure. This targets any newly hatched lice that escaped the initial application.
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Inspect and clean surroundings – after each wash, examine the hair under bright light for remaining nits. Wash bedding, hats, scarves, and hair accessories in hot water (≥ 55 °C) or seal them in a plastic bag for two weeks. Vacuum upholstered furniture and car seats to remove stray insects.
By adhering to this protocol, the likelihood of complete eradication increases dramatically, while minimizing the risk of reinfestation. Regular checks for an additional 2–3 weeks ensure that any residual eggs are detected and removed promptly.