How should you properly wash the head with tar soap to treat lice?

How should you properly wash the head with tar soap to treat lice? - briefly

Wet the scalp with warm water, apply a generous amount of tar soap, massage it into a thorough lather covering the hair and roots for several minutes, then rinse completely with warm water. Repeat the treatment after 24–48 hours to ensure any newly hatched lice are eliminated.

How should you properly wash the head with tar soap to treat lice? - in detail

To eliminate head‑lice with a coal‑tar cleansing product, follow a strict protocol that maximizes efficacy and minimizes irritation.

Begin by gathering all necessary items: coal‑tar soap or shampoo, a wide‑tooth lice comb, warm water (37‑38 °C), a clean towel, and a timer. Verify that the soap is intended for scalp use and that the user is not allergic to tar derivatives.

1. Pre‑treatment preparation

   • Wet the hair thoroughly with warm water.
   • Remove excess oil or styling products by applying a mild, non‑medicated cleanser and rinsing completely.

2. Application of the tar preparation

   • Dispense a generous amount of the soap into the palm.
   • Distribute evenly over the scalp, ensuring full coverage from the hairline to the nape.
   • Massage gently for 2–3 minutes to promote penetration of the active ingredients into the hair shafts and skin.

3. Incubation period

   • Keep the soap on the scalp for the duration specified by the manufacturer, typically 10–15 minutes.
   • Use a timer; do not exceed the recommended time to avoid excessive dryness or irritation.

4. Rinsing

   • Rinse with warm water until all residue is removed.
   • Pat the hair dry with a clean towel; avoid vigorous rubbing that could damage fragile hair or scalp.

5. Mechanical removal

   • While the hair is still damp, run a fine‑tooth lice comb from the root to the tip, section by section.
   • After each pass, wipe the comb on a white paper towel to check for live insects or nits.

6. Post‑treatment care

   • Repeat the combing process daily for the next 7 days to capture any newly hatched lice.
   • Wash bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water (≥60 °C) and dry on high heat.
   • Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture to eliminate stray nits.

7. Follow‑up

   • Re‑evaluate the scalp after the final combing session. If any live lice persist, repeat the entire washing cycle after a 48‑hour interval.

Adhering to this sequence ensures thorough eradication of lice while preserving scalp health.