How should the head be treated with vinegar for lice and nits? - briefly
Apply a 5‑10 % vinegar solution to the scalp, let it sit for 10 minutes, then rinse and use a fine‑toothed nit comb to remove lice and nits; repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to catch any newly hatched insects.«»
How should the head be treated with vinegar for lice and nits? - in detail
Vinegar, typically white distilled or apple cider, creates an acidic environment that weakens the cement bonding nits to hair shafts and facilitates removal. The solution also helps to loosen live lice, making mechanical extraction more effective.
Materials needed
- 1 cup (240 ml) of vinegar (5 % acetic acid)
- 1 cup (240 ml) of warm water
- Fine‑toothed nit comb
- Towels or disposable capes
- Protective gloves (optional)
Procedure
- Mix equal parts vinegar and warm water in a clean container; avoid undiluted vinegar to reduce scalp irritation.
- Saturate the hair, ensuring the solution reaches the scalp. Massage gently for 5 minutes to allow the acid to act on the adhesive.
- Cover the hair with a plastic shower cap for an additional 10 minutes; this maintains moisture and enhances the loosening effect.
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water; do not use hot water, which may close the hair cuticle and trap residues.
- While hair remains damp, run a nit comb from the scalp outward in sections of 2–3 cm. Wipe the comb after each pass to remove detached nits and lice.
- After combing, wash the hair with a regular shampoo to eliminate remaining vinegar odor and residual debris.
- Repeat the entire process after 7 days, then again after 14 days, to address any newly hatched lice before they mature.
Precautions
- Perform a patch test on a small skin area 24 hours before full application; discontinue if redness or burning occurs.
- Avoid use on broken skin, open wounds, or on children younger than 2 years without medical advice.
- Do not combine vinegar treatment with harsh chemical lice products simultaneously; allow a 24‑hour interval to prevent scalp irritation.
- Store any leftover mixture in a sealed container for up to 48 hours; discard after this period to prevent bacterial growth.
Consistent application of the diluted acidic solution, coupled with meticulous combing, significantly reduces the presence of both live insects and their eggs.