How to eradicate lice with oil? - briefly
Apply a generous amount of a thick natural oil—such as coconut, olive, or tea‑tree—to the scalp and hair, saturating each strand, then cover with a shower cap for 30–60 minutes before combing out nits with a fine‑toothed lice comb. Repeat the process every 3–4 days for two weeks to interrupt the lice life cycle.
How to eradicate lice with oil? - in detail
Eliminating head‑lice infestations with oil relies on suffocating the insects and loosening their eggs from hair shafts. The method works because most oils create a barrier that blocks the insects’ breathing pores and reduces the adhesive strength of the cement that secures nits.
Recommended oils include:
- Coconut oil (medium‑chain triglycerides, low viscosity)
- Olive oil (rich in phenolic compounds)
- Tea‑tree oil (antimicrobial, used in low concentrations)
- Mineral oil (inert, non‑comedogenic)
Preparation:
- Warm the chosen oil to body temperature (≈37 °C) to improve spreadability; avoid overheating, which can cause burns.
- Mix a few drops of tea‑tree oil with a carrier oil such as coconut or olive oil if additional antimicrobial action is desired; keep the concentration below 2 % to prevent scalp irritation.
- Transfer the mixture to a clean applicator bottle or a small bowl for manual application.
Application procedure:
- Section the hair into 1‑2 cm sections using a fine‑toothed comb.
- Saturate each section with oil, ensuring coverage from scalp to hair tips.
- Massage gently for 5 minutes to allow oil to penetrate the cuticle and coat the insects.
- Cover the head with a shower cap or plastic wrap, leave the oil in place for 30‑60 minutes. Extended exposure enhances suffocation.
Nits removal:
- After the waiting period, rinse hair with lukewarm water and a mild shampoo to eliminate excess oil.
- While hair remains damp, use a fine‑toothed nit comb, moving from scalp outward. Clean the comb after each pass to prevent re‑depositing lice.
- Repeat combing for three consecutive days, as newly hatched nymphs may emerge after the initial treatment.
Safety and follow‑up:
- Perform a patch test on a small skin area 24 hours before full application to detect possible allergic reactions.
- Avoid oil use on infants under three months, or on individuals with known oil sensitivities.
- Conduct a second oil treatment after seven days to address any surviving eggs that may have survived the first cycle.
- Maintain regular hair inspections for at least four weeks to confirm eradication.