How should the head be rinsed after a lice treatment? - briefly
Rinse the scalp thoroughly with lukewarm water, gently massaging to clear any remaining product, then pat dry with a clean towel. Avoid hot water and vigorous scrubbing, which can irritate the skin and diminish treatment effectiveness.
How should the head be rinsed after a lice treatment? - in detail
Rinse the scalp thoroughly after applying any lice‑killing product. Use lukewarm water—neither hot enough to cause scalp irritation nor cold enough to impede product removal. Apply a mild, sulfate‑free shampoo, working it into a rich lather. Massage gently for 30–45 seconds to loosen dead nits and residual medication.
- Initial wash – Rinse the shampoo completely; ensure no suds remain in the hairline, behind the ears, and at the nape.
- Comb out – While the hair is still wet, run a fine‑toothed nit comb from root to tip. Remove each visible egg or fragment before the next rinse.
- Second rinse – Rinse again with a steady stream of water, allowing it to flow from the crown to the shoulders to carry away detached debris.
- Optional repeat – If the treatment label advises a second application (commonly 7–10 days later), repeat the entire washing and combing process at that time.
- Drying – Pat the hair dry with a clean towel; avoid vigorous rubbing that could irritate the scalp. Allow the hair to air‑dry or use a low‑heat setting on a hair dryer.
For treatments containing oil‑based agents (e.g., dimethicone), follow the product’s specific instructions: apply a cleansing oil or a clarifying shampoo before the final rinse to break down the oily residue. After the rinse, inspect the hair under bright light to confirm that no live lice or nits remain. Maintain the routine for the recommended period to prevent re‑infestation.