How to quickly get rid of lice and nits on long hair? - briefly
Treat the hair with an approved lice‑killing shampoo, then comb it thoroughly with a fine‑toothed nit comb soaked in hot water, repeating the combing every 2–3 days for two weeks. Clean bedding, clothing, and surrounding surfaces in hot water or with a high‑heat dryer to eliminate any remaining eggs.
How to quickly get rid of lice and nits on long hair? - in detail
Eliminating head‑lice infestations from long hair requires a systematic approach that addresses both live insects and their attached eggs. Begin with a thorough wet‑combing session. Apply a generous amount of a fine‑toothed lice comb to hair that has been saturated with a conditioner or a dedicated lice‑removal spray. Starting at the scalp, pull the comb through each section, moving toward the ends, and rinse the comb after every pass. Repeat the process for the entire head, then again after 24 hours to capture newly hatched nymphs.
If chemical treatment is preferred, select a pediculicide approved by health authorities that contains either permethrin (1 %) or dimethicone (4 %). Follow the manufacturer’s instructions precisely: apply the product to dry hair, massage into the scalp, leave for the recommended exposure time, then rinse thoroughly. After treatment, perform the wet‑combing routine to remove residual nits.
For households seeking non‑chemical alternatives, a mixture of 1 part white vinegar to 3 parts water can be sprayed onto the hair, left for 15 minutes, then combed out as described above. The acidic environment loosens the glue that secures eggs to the shaft, facilitating removal.
Environmental decontamination prevents reinfestation. Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in water ≥ 60 °C or place them in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks. Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture, focusing on areas where the head rested. Non‑washable items can be treated with a steam cleaner set to ≥ 100 °C.
Maintain vigilance for the next week. Inspect the scalp daily using a bright light and the lice comb. Any detection of live insects or intact eggs warrants an immediate repeat of the combing protocol. Consistent execution of these steps eliminates the infestation rapidly and minimizes the risk of recurrence.