How to quickly get rid of lice from long hair? - briefly
Apply a lice‑killing shampoo or lotion approved for use on long hair, then thoroughly comb the wet strands with a fine‑tooth nit comb, removing all visible nits. Repeat the treatment after seven days and wash all bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water to prevent reinfestation.
How to quickly get rid of lice from long hair? - in detail
Removing head‑lice infestations from lengthy hair requires a systematic approach that combines chemical treatment, mechanical removal, and environmental control.
First, assemble the necessary items: a pediculicide shampoo or lotion approved for use on children, a fine‑tooth nit comb, a disposable towel, gloves, and a bowl of warm water with a few drops of conditioner to keep strands slippery during combing.
Apply the medicated shampoo according to the product label, ensuring the scalp and all hair shafts are thoroughly saturated. Allow the recommended contact time—typically 10 minutes—then rinse with warm water. Do not skip the waiting period, as it is essential for the active ingredients to penetrate the lice exoskeleton.
Immediately after rinsing, divide the hair into manageable sections (approximately 2‑inch strands). Using the wet nit comb, start at the scalp and pull each tooth through to the tip, wiping the comb on the disposable towel after every pass. Repeat the combing process for each section until no live insects or nits are visible. This mechanical step eliminates survivors that the shampoo may have missed.
Schedule a second combing session 7–10 days later, without re‑applying the chemical product, to capture any newly hatched lice that escaped the initial treatment. Continue weekly checks for an additional two weeks to confirm eradication.
Finally, decontaminate the environment: wash all bedding, towels, and clothing worn within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and tumble‑dry on high heat; seal non‑washable items in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks; vacuum carpets, upholstery, and car seats, then discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister.
Following this regimen eliminates the infestation rapidly and minimizes the risk of recurrence.