How should vinegar be diluted for rinsing hair to remove lice and nits? - briefly
Mix one part white vinegar with two to three parts lukewarm water (approximately 1 %–2 % acetic acid solution) and apply to the hair, allowing it to sit for 5–10 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. This dilution effectively loosens lice and nits without causing scalp irritation.
How should vinegar be diluted for rinsing hair to remove lice and nits? - in detail
Use a white distilled vinegar with 5 % acetic acid. Mix it with lukewarm water in a 1 : 4 proportion (one part vinegar to four parts water) to achieve approximately 1 % acidity, which is strong enough to loosen nits without irritating the scalp. For children under two years old, reduce the ratio to 1 : 6 or use a milder solution of ½ % acidity.
Apply the solution after shampooing while the hair is still wet. Saturate the strands, focusing on the scalp and behind the ears. Allow the mixture to remain for 5–10 minutes; the acid softens the cement that attaches nits to hair shafts. After the waiting period, rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove any residue.
Repeat the treatment every 24 hours for three consecutive days, as newly hatched lice may emerge after the initial application. Follow each rinse with a fine-toothed nit comb, moving from the scalp outward in sections of 1–2 cm. Comb each section at least 10 times, cleaning the comb after each pass.
If irritation occurs, lower the concentration to ½ % (1 : 8 ratio) and limit exposure to 3 minutes. Do not use undiluted vinegar, as it may cause burns or severe discomfort. Store the prepared solution in a sealed container at room temperature; discard after one week to prevent bacterial growth.
Key points for effective use:
- 1 : 4 vinegar‑to‑water ratio (≈1 % acidity) for most users
- 5–10 minute contact time before rinsing
- Daily application for three days
- Immediate combing with a nit comb after each rinse
- Adjust concentration for infants or sensitive scalps.