How to kill lice using vinegar? - briefly
Apply undiluted white vinegar directly to the hair and scalp, leave it for 30–45 minutes, then rinse and comb thoroughly with a fine-tooth lice comb to extract dead insects and nits. Repeat the procedure after 7–10 days to eradicate any newly hatched lice.
How to kill lice using vinegar? - in detail
Vinegar can be an effective agent against head‑lice when applied correctly. The acetic acid in the solution penetrates the insect’s exoskeleton, causing dehydration and death, while also loosening the cement that attaches nits to hair shafts.
Materials
- White distilled vinegar (5 % acidity) or apple‑cider vinegar
- Spray bottle or plastic bowl
- Fine‑tooth comb (nit comb)
- Old towels or disposable caps
- Gloves (optional)
Preparation
- Warm the vinegar to body temperature (≈37 °C). Heat beyond this point reduces acidity and may irritate the scalp.
- Transfer the liquid to a clean spray bottle or a shallow bowl for immersion.
Application
- For spray: saturate the scalp and hair, ensuring every strand is drenched. For immersion: submerge the head for 10 minutes, then lift and allow excess liquid to drip.
- Cover the hair with a plastic cap for 30 minutes to maintain moisture and prevent evaporation.
- After the waiting period, rinse with lukewarm water, avoiding harsh shampoos that could strip the vinegar residue prematurely.
Nit removal
- While hair remains damp, run a nit comb from scalp outward in 1‑inch sections.
- Clean the comb after each pass with a vinegar‑soaked wipe to prevent re‑infestation.
- Repeat combing three times over a 2‑hour interval.
Follow‑up schedule
- Repeat the entire procedure every 3 days for two weeks. This timing aligns with the lice life cycle, eliminating newly hatched nits before they mature.
- Conduct a final combing session one week after the last treatment to confirm eradication.
Precautions
- Do not use undiluted vinegar on broken skin; it may cause irritation.
- Test a small scalp area 24 hours before full application to detect allergic reactions.
- Avoid contact with eyes; rinse immediately if exposure occurs.
- Do not combine with gasoline, bleach, or other harsh chemicals.
Complementary measures
- Wash bedding, hats, and hair accessories in hot water (≥60 °C) or seal them in a plastic bag for two weeks.
- Vacuum carpets and upholstery to remove stray insects.
- Inform close contacts to inspect and treat concurrently, preventing re‑infestation.
When executed with consistent timing and thorough nit removal, vinegar‑based treatment can eradicate head‑lice without resorting to prescription pediculicides.