How to get rid of lice in long hair? - briefly
Use a medicated lice shampoo followed by thorough wet combing with a fine-toothed nit comb from scalp to tips, and repeat the treatment every 3–4 days for two weeks to ensure all nits are eliminated.
How to get rid of lice in long hair? - in detail
Dealing with head‑lice infestations in long hair requires a systematic approach that combines mechanical removal, chemical treatment, and preventive measures.
Begin with a thorough wet combing session. Apply a generous amount of a fine‑toothed lice comb to damp, conditioned hair. Start at the scalp, pulling the comb through to the ends in slow, steady strokes. After each pass, wipe the comb on a paper towel or rinse it in hot water to eliminate any attached nits. Repeat the process every 2‑3 days for at least two weeks, ensuring that every section of the hair is treated.
If wet combing alone is insufficient, introduce an approved pediculicide. Choose a product containing 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % malathion, following the manufacturer’s instructions precisely. Apply the lotion or shampoo to the scalp and hair, ensuring complete coverage from roots to tips. Leave the preparation on for the recommended duration, then rinse thoroughly. A second application after 7‑10 days targets any newly hatched lice that survived the first treatment.
Complement chemical therapy with a cleansing routine for personal items. Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in water hotter than 130 °F (54 °C) for at least 10 minutes. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks, depriving lice of a host. Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and car seats to remove stray hairs that may harbor nits.
Maintain hair hygiene to discourage reinfestation. Use a regular shampoo and condition the hair to keep it manageable, reducing the likelihood of nits becoming entangled. Avoid sharing combs, brushes, hats, or hair accessories with others.
For resistant cases, consider prescription‑strength options such as benzyl alcohol lotion or ivermectin oral tablets, administered under medical supervision.
A concise checklist for eradication:
- Wet‑comb hair with a fine‑toothed lice comb every 2–3 days (minimum 14 days).
- Apply a 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % malathion product as directed; repeat after 7–10 days.
- Wash all recent clothing, bedding, and towels at ≥130 °F; seal non‑washable items for two weeks.
- Vacuum environments where the infested person has been.
- Preserve hair cleanliness; avoid sharing personal grooming tools.
- Seek medical advice for persistent infestations; consider prescription treatments.
Following these steps systematically eliminates lice from long hair and minimizes the risk of recurrence.