How to get rid of lice and nits using home remedies? - briefly
Apply a hot oil treatment (e.g., warmed olive or coconut oil) to the scalp, cover with a shower cap for 30 minutes, then wash and comb out lice and nits with a fine-tooth nit comb; follow with a diluted vinegar rinse to loosen remaining eggs and repeat the process every 2–3 days until no insects are detected.
How to get rid of lice and nits using home remedies? - in detail
Lice infestations require prompt removal of both the insects and their attached eggs. The life cycle of head lice lasts about three weeks, during which a female can lay up to eight eggs per day. Effective home-based treatment must break this cycle by eliminating live lice and preventing hatching of nits.
The most reliable at‑home approach combines a physical removal technique with a chemical or natural agent that suffocates or dislodges the parasites. Begin with a thorough wash of the hair using a regular shampoo, then follow the steps below.
- Wet combing: Apply a generous amount of conditioner to damp hair, separate the scalp into sections, and run a fine‑toothed lice comb from the scalp outward. After each pass, wipe the comb on a white cloth to check for insects. Repeat the process every 2–3 days for at least two weeks.
- Vinegar rinse: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, apply to the scalp, and leave for five minutes before rinsing. The acidic solution loosens the glue that secures nits to hair shafts, making them easier to comb out.
- Essential‑oil blend: Combine 10 drops of tea‑tree oil, 10 drops of lavender oil, and 2 tablespoons of carrier oil (e.g., olive or coconut). Apply to the scalp, cover with a shower cap for 30 minutes, then wash out. Both tea‑tree and lavender possess insecticidal properties that reduce live lice counts.
- Mayonnaise or petroleum jelly: Coat the scalp and hair with a thick layer, cover with a plastic cap, and leave for eight hours or overnight. The occlusive barrier deprives lice of oxygen, leading to death. After removal, wash thoroughly and repeat wet combing.
- Baking‑soda paste: Mix baking soda with enough water to form a paste, apply to the scalp, allow to dry, then brush out. The abrasive texture helps detach nits.
Each remedy should be followed by a secondary combing session to capture any remaining insects. Use a clean comb for each pass to avoid re‑contamination.
Safety considerations include performing a patch test for essential oils, avoiding excessive heat from hair dryers, and ensuring that children under two years do not receive oil‑based treatments without medical advice. All bedding, hats, scarves, and personal items must be washed in hot water (≥ 130 °F) or sealed in plastic bags for two weeks to eradicate dormant nits.
Preventive measures reinforce treatment success. Regularly inspect the scalp, especially after school or group activities, and discourage sharing of combs, hats, or headphones. Maintaining short hair reduces the surface area for lice attachment, simplifying future detection.
Consistent application of the described steps, combined with diligent hygiene, eliminates infestations without prescription medication.