How to get rid of lice in your own hair? - briefly
Apply a permethrin‑ or pyrethrin‑based lice treatment shampoo, leave it on for the recommended time, then comb out nits with a fine‑toothed lice comb after each wash for seven days. Wash all bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water and vacuum the environment to eliminate any remaining eggs.
How to get rid of lice in your own hair? - in detail
Eliminating head lice from personal hair requires a systematic approach that combines chemical or natural treatment, meticulous combing, and thorough cleaning of the surrounding environment.
Begin by confirming the presence of live insects or viable eggs (nits) attached to the hair shaft within a half‑centimeter of the scalp. Use a bright light and a fine‑toothed lice comb to separate any suspect particles from normal hair debris.
Select a treatment method:
- Over‑the‑counter pediculicide: Apply a shampoo, lotion, or spray containing permethrin (1 %) or pyrethrin as directed. Follow the manufacturer’s timing guidelines precisely, then rinse thoroughly.
- Prescription medication: If resistance is suspected, obtain a doctor‑prescribed product such as malathion (0.5 %) or ivermectin lotion. Apply according to the prescription label.
- Non‑chemical alternative: Soak hair in a solution of 20 % dimethicone or 0.5 % benzyl alcohol for the recommended duration. These agents suffocate lice without insecticidal compounds.
After the primary application, perform the following steps:
- Wet‑comb: While hair remains damp, run a fine‑toothed comb from the scalp to the ends, segment by segment. Remove each louse or nit before it dries. Rinse the comb after each pass.
- Repeat combing: Conduct the wet‑comb procedure every 4–6 hours for the first 24 hours, then twice daily for the next two days to capture any newly hatched insects.
- Second treatment: Apply a repeat dose 7–10 days after the initial treatment to eliminate any survivors that emerged after the first cycle.
- Launder textiles: Wash clothing, bedding, towels, and hats used within the previous 48 hours in water ≥ 60 °C or seal them in a plastic bag for two weeks if washing is unavailable.
- Sanitize personal items: Soak brushes, combs, and hair accessories in hot water (≥ 50 °C) for at least 10 minutes, then dry on high heat.
- Vacuum: Thoroughly vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats to remove stray hairs that may contain viable eggs.
Maintain vigilance for at least three weeks after the final treatment. Inspect hair every two days; any recurrence warrants immediate retreatment and a repeat of environmental decontamination. Prevent future infestations by avoiding head-to-head contact, not sharing personal hair items, and performing routine checks in settings where lice are common.