How to get rid of lice on the head at home? - briefly
Apply a medicated lice shampoo, comb the damp hair thoroughly with a fine‑tooth nit comb, then wash all clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water; repeat the process after 7‑10 days to eliminate any newly hatched nits.
How to get rid of lice on the head at home? - in detail
Eliminating head‑lice infestations without professional assistance requires a systematic approach that combines direct removal, targeted products, and thorough environmental cleaning.
First, confirm the presence of live insects and nits. Use a magnifying lens and a fine‑tooth comb to separate hair strands; live lice move quickly, while nits appear as tiny, oval, firmly attached shells near the scalp. Identification guides the choice of treatment and helps gauge progress.
Prepare the affected person by washing hair with a regular shampoo, then towel‑dry. Apply a suitable pediculicide—either a permethrin‑based lotion (1 %) or a dimethicone‑based preparation—according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Leave the product on the scalp for the recommended duration, then rinse thoroughly. For households preferring non‑chemical options, coat hair with a thick layer of mineral oil, olive oil, or petroleum jelly; cover with a shower cap for 30–60 minutes, then comb out lice and nits with a fine‑tooth comb.
The combing step is critical. After the product has acted, use a metal nit comb on damp hair, starting at the scalp and moving outward. Perform the following routine:
- Section hair into manageable portions.
- Comb each section from root to tip, wiping the comb on a white tissue after each pass.
- Repeat the process every 2–3 days for two weeks to capture any newly hatched lice.
Environmental decontamination prevents re‑infestation. Follow these measures:
- Wash all bedding, towels, and clothing worn within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat.
- Place items that cannot be washed in sealed plastic bags for at least 14 days.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and car seats; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister afterward.
- Soak hair accessories (combs, brushes, hats) in hot water for 10 minutes or replace them.
Finally, monitor the situation. Examine the scalp daily for live insects and nits. If, after two weeks, no lice are observed, the infestation can be considered resolved. Persistent cases may require a second application of the pediculicide or consultation with a healthcare professional.