How to comb lice out with a comb? - briefly
Use a fine-toothed nit comb on wet, conditioned hair, starting at the scalp and moving toward the ends, cleaning the comb after each pass. Repeat the process every few days until no live lice or nits remain.
How to comb lice out with a comb? - in detail
Removing head‑lice with a fine‑toothed comb requires preparation, systematic brushing, and post‑treatment care.
Begin by selecting a metal or plastic nit comb with teeth spaced 0.2–0.3 mm apart. Soak the comb in hot water (at least 50 °C) for one minute, then dry it with a clean towel. Prepare a bowl of warm water mixed with a few drops of mild shampoo; this will keep the comb lubricated and reduce friction.
Apply a generous amount of a lice‑killing conditioner or a neutral detergent to damp hair. Separate the hair into sections of 2–3 cm using hair clips. Starting at the scalp, draw the comb through each section in a slow, steady motion, moving from the root toward the tip. After each pass, rinse the comb in the water bowl, wipe away captured insects, and repeat until the entire head has been processed. Perform at least three passes per section to ensure that both adult lice and nymphs are captured.
Repeat the entire procedure every 2–3 days for a total of seven days, as newly hatched nits may emerge after the initial treatment. Between sessions, wash all personal items (combs, brushes, hats, pillowcases) in hot water (≥60 °C) or place them in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks to prevent re‑infestation.
Key points for success:
- Use a fine‑toothed nit comb; spacing larger than 0.3 mm allows nits to slip through.
- Keep hair damp; dry hair increases the likelihood of missing lice.
- Perform multiple passes per section; a single stroke is insufficient.
- Maintain a strict schedule of re‑treatment to cover the lice life cycle.
- Decontaminate all surrounding objects to avoid reinfestation.
Following this systematic approach eliminates lice efficiently without reliance on chemical sprays.