How to comb out lice without a comb? - briefly
Use a fine-toothed metal brush or a stiff, narrow hairbrush to separate strands and drag out the insects, working from the scalp outward in sections. Follow with a thorough rinse in hot water and repeat the process daily until no lice or nits remain.
How to comb out lice without a comb? - in detail
Removing head‑lice without a specialized lice comb requires a systematic approach that combines physical extraction, chemical or suffocating agents, and environmental decontamination.
Begin with a thorough wet‑treatment. Apply a generous amount of a petroleum‑based product—olive oil, coconut oil, or petroleum jelly—to the scalp and hair. The substance immobilizes insects, making them easier to grasp. Leave the coating for 15–30 minutes, then use a fine‑tipped toothbrush, a small paintbrush, or a clean, stiff‐bristled hairbrush to pull individual lice and nits from the strands. Work section by section, holding the hair taut with one hand while the other slides the tool from the scalp outward, wiping the instrument on a paper towel after each pass to prevent re‑transfer.
If a brush is unavailable, finger‑picking can be effective. After the oil treatment, part the hair into narrow sections. Pinch the hair between thumb and forefinger, then slide the fingers along the shaft toward the tip, feeling for attached insects. Remove each specimen by pinching it between the thumb and forefinger and discarding it in a sealed container.
For households lacking any brush, a fine‑tooth plastic fork or a clean, unused toothbrush can substitute. Ensure the tool’s teeth are spaced no more than 0.5 mm apart; this spacing is sufficient to catch most nits.
Supplementary methods increase success rates:
- Heat application: Use a hair dryer on a low‑heat setting to warm the scalp for 5 minutes after oil treatment. Heat weakens lice grip, facilitating removal.
- Chemical lice sprays: Apply an over‑the‑counter preparation containing permethrin or dimethicone according to label directions. Follow with manual extraction to eliminate surviving eggs.
- Suffocation blankets: Cover the hair with a thick layer of petroleum jelly, then wrap the head in a plastic cap for 30 minutes. The lack of oxygen kills lice and nits, after which the hair is washed and manually inspected.
Environmental control prevents reinfestation. Wash all bedding, clothing, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥60 °C) and dry on high heat. Seal non‑washable items in airtight bags for two weeks. Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and car seats, discarding the vacuum bag or cleaning the canister afterward.
Repeat the entire process every 2–3 days for two weeks, as newly hatched lice emerge from eggs. Consistent inspection and removal will eradicate the infestation without relying on a dedicated lice comb.