How to eradicate lice in long hair? - briefly
Apply a pediculicide shampoo, then comb the wet, conditioned hair with a fine-toothed lice comb, repeating the process every 4–7 days for two weeks; wash bedding and clothing in hot water and vacuum the environment.
How to eradicate lice in long hair? - in detail
Detecting an infestation early saves time and reduces the need for repeated applications. Examine the scalp and hair under bright light, pulling sections from the roots to the tips. Live insects appear as gray‑brown insects about 2–3 mm long; nits are oval, cemented to the shaft within ¼ inch of the scalp.
Preparation
- Wash hair with a mild shampoo to remove oils that can shield insects.
- Towel‑dry until damp but not soaking; excess moisture interferes with most treatments.
- Comb the hair with a fine‑toothed lice comb on a white surface to collect visible nits for disposal.
Chemical treatments
- Apply a pediculicide containing 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrin according to the label.
- Saturate the scalp and hair, ensuring the solution reaches the tips.
- Leave for the recommended exposure time (usually 10 minutes).
- Rinse with lukewarm water, then immediately run a fine comb through the entire length to extract dead insects and remaining eggs.
- Repeat the application after 7–10 days to target any newly hatched nits that survived the first round.
Non‑chemical alternatives
- Dimethicone: Apply a silicone‑based lotion that suffocates lice; leave for 30 minutes before combing.
- Hot oil: Heat a small amount of olive or coconut oil to 120 °F, coat the hair, cover with a plastic cap for 20 minutes, then comb thoroughly.
- Essential oil blends: Use a mixture of tea‑tree (5 %), neem (5 %), and lavender (2 %) oils diluted in a carrier; apply for 30 minutes, then comb. These require a second treatment 7 days later.
Mechanical removal
- Use a metal lice comb with teeth spaced 0.2 mm apart.
- Section hair into 1‑inch strands; comb from scalp outward, wiping the comb after each pass.
- Perform this process daily for 10 days to eliminate any eggs that hatch during the life cycle.
Post‑treatment care
- Wash bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water (≥130 °F) and dry on high heat.
- Seal non‑washable items in a sealed bag for two weeks.
- Vacuum carpets and upholstery to capture stray nits.
- Avoid sharing combs, hats, or hair accessories for at least two weeks.
Prevention
- Encourage regular hair inspections, especially after group activities.
- Maintain short hair where practical; if long hair is preferred, keep it clean and tied back to reduce contact with others’ hair.
- Apply a prophylactic lice‑repellent spray containing dimethicone weekly during peak seasons.
Following this systematic approach—early detection, appropriate treatment, diligent removal, and thorough sanitation—eliminates head lice from long hair and minimizes the risk of recurrence.