How to eliminate lice using folk methods? - briefly
Apply a diluted apple cider vinegar rinse, let it sit for 30 minutes, then comb out nits with a fine-toothed comb, repeating the process daily for a week. Follow with a diluted tea‑tree‑oil or neem‑based treatment to prevent re‑infestation.
How to eliminate lice using folk methods? - in detail
Traditional home remedies for lice removal rely on physical removal, suffocation, or chemical disruption using readily available substances.
A typical protocol begins with a thorough wet combing session. Apply a generous amount of warm water mixed with a few drops of olive oil or coconut oil to the scalp. The oil coats the insects, reducing their grip and easing extraction. Use a fine‑toothed lice comb, starting at the hair roots and moving slowly toward the ends. After each pass, wipe the comb on a paper towel and repeat until no live insects are seen. Perform this process daily for at least one week, as newly hatched nits may emerge after the initial treatment.
If oil alone proves insufficient, incorporate a suffocating agent. Common options include:
- Vinegar solution: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, spray onto the hair, leave for 15 minutes, then comb. The acidic environment loosens the glue that secures nits to the shaft.
- Petroleum jelly: Apply a thick layer to the scalp, cover with a shower cap for 8–12 hours, then wash thoroughly and comb. The jelly blocks the lice’s breathing pores.
- Mayonnaise: Coat the hair, cover with a plastic cap for 2–3 hours, then rinse and comb. The high fat content creates an inhospitable environment for the parasites.
For chemical disruption, use natural insecticidal extracts:
- Tea tree oil: Dilute 5–10 drops in a tablespoon of carrier oil, massage into the scalp, leave for 30 minutes, then rinse. The oil’s terpinen‑4‑ol component interferes with lice nervous systems.
- Neem oil: Mix two teaspoons of neem oil with a cup of water, spray onto hair, let sit for 20 minutes, and comb. Neem’s azadirachtin compounds impair lice development.
- Lemon juice: Combine fresh lemon juice with water (1:1), apply to hair, expose to sunlight for 30 minutes, then comb. The acidic mixture destabilizes the exoskeleton.
After each treatment, wash the hair with a mild shampoo to remove residue. Launder all bedding, clothing, and hair accessories in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat. Vacuum carpets and upholstery to eliminate fallen insects and nits.
Monitor the scalp for signs of irritation; discontinue any remedy that causes redness or itching. If infestations persist after three consecutive cycles of the described methods, consider professional medical intervention.