How to get rid of fleas in hair on the head?

How to get rid of fleas in hair on the head? - briefly

Apply a medicated shampoo with pyrethrin or permethrin, fully coat the scalp, leave it on for the specified duration, rinse, and repeat the treatment after a week; then comb the hair with a fine‑toothed flea comb and treat bedding and living areas with a suitable insecticide to prevent re‑infestation.

How to get rid of fleas in hair on the head? - in detail

Fleas in scalp hair require swift removal to prevent skin irritation and secondary infection. Begin with a visual inspection; adult fleas are dark, 2–4 mm, and move quickly through the hair. Use a fine‑toothed flea comb on wet hair to trap insects. After each pass, wipe the comb on a white cloth to confirm capture.

Immediate actions

  • Wet the hair with lukewarm water.
  • Apply a veterinary‑approved flea shampoo containing pyrethrins, permethrin, or a novel insecticide labeled safe for human use.
  • Massage the shampoo into the scalp, ensuring coverage of the entire hair length.
  • Leave the product on for the manufacturer‑specified duration (usually 5–10 minutes).
  • Rinse thoroughly with clean water.

Follow‑up measures

  • Comb the hair again with a clean flea comb while still damp; dispose of captured fleas in sealed plastic.
  • Apply a topical repellent (e.g., 0.5 % permethrin lotion) to the scalp if recommended by a dermatologist.
  • Wash all personal items—pillows, hats, hairbrushes, and clothing—in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat.
  • Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture; discard vacuum bags or clean canisters immediately.

Monitoring and repeat treatment

  • Re‑inspect the scalp daily for 2 weeks.
  • Repeat the shampooing and combing process every 3–4 days until no fleas are observed.

Professional intervention

  • Consult a dermatologist or a pest‑control specialist if infestations persist after two full treatment cycles.
  • Prescription‑strength topical agents or oral medications may be required for resistant cases.

Consistent application of these steps eliminates the parasites, reduces the risk of reinfestation, and restores scalp health.