How to quickly get rid of lice on long hair? - briefly
Apply a 1 % permethrin (or pyrethrin) lotion to the scalp, then comb the entire length of the hair with a fine‑tooth nit comb every few minutes for at least 30 minutes, rinsing with hot water afterward. Repeat the treatment after seven days and wash all bedding and clothing in hot water to prevent re‑infestation.
How to quickly get rid of lice on long hair? - in detail
Lice infestations in lengthy hair require a systematic approach that combines chemical treatment, mechanical removal, and environmental control.
Begin with a thorough wet combing session. Apply a lice‑killing shampoo containing 1 % permethrin or a dimethicone‑based product, following the label’s timing instructions. After rinsing, keep hair damp and use a fine‑toothed nit comb, working from the scalp to the tips. Divide the hair into sections no wider than two inches; comb each section several times, wiping the comb on a white tissue after each pass to detect live insects.
If the infestation persists, repeat the chemical application after seven days. This interval targets newly hatched nymphs that survived the first treatment, preventing reinfestation. For individuals sensitive to pesticides, a non‑chemical option involves soaking the hair in a mixture of warm water and 10 % coconut oil for 30 minutes, then performing the same meticulous combing routine.
Supplementary measures enhance efficacy:
- Wash all bedding, towels, and clothing used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 130 °F) and dry on high heat.
- Seal non‑washable items in airtight bags for two weeks to starve remaining lice.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and vehicle seats; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister afterward.
For very thick or curly hair, consider a professional lice‑removal service that uses a combination of calibrated combs and magnification, ensuring no nits remain hidden near the scalp.
Monitor the hair daily for two weeks, repeating the combing process each night for the first three days after treatment, then every other night. Persistent detection of live lice after two treatment cycles warrants consultation with a healthcare provider for prescription‑strength options.
By adhering to this layered protocol—chemical or oil‑based treatment, systematic wet combing, repeat application, and strict environmental sanitation—infestations in long hair can be eliminated rapidly and reliably.