How to quickly remove lice and nits from long hair at home? - briefly
Use a fine-toothed nit comb on damp, conditioner‑treated hair, combing from scalp to tips in sections while wiping the comb after each pass; repeat daily for a week and wash all bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water to eliminate any remaining insects.Use a fine-toothed nit comb on damp, conditioner‑treated hair, combing from scalp to tips in sections while wiping the comb after each pass; repeat daily for a week and wash all bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water to eliminate any remaining insects.
How to quickly remove lice and nits from long hair at home? - in detail
Eliminating head‑lice infestations in long hair requires a systematic approach that combines chemical or natural treatment, thorough combing, and repeated checks.
Begin by selecting an appropriate product. Over‑the‑counter shampoos containing 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrin are proven to kill live insects within minutes. For families preferring non‑chemical options, a mixture of 20 % vinegar and 80 % water or a tea‑tree‑oil solution (5 % concentration) can loosen eggs from shafts. Apply the chosen liquid to fully saturated hair, following the label’s timing instructions (usually 10 – 15 minutes). Rinse with warm water, avoiding hot water that may damage the scalp.
After treatment, use a fine‑toothed nit comb (spacing ≤0.2 mm). Follow these steps:
- Divide hair into 2‑inch sections; secure each with a clip.
- Starting at the scalp, pull the comb through the length of the strand in a single, steady motion.
- After each pass, wipe the comb on a paper towel or rinse under running water to remove captured insects.
- Repeat the combing process 5–7 times per section, ensuring no visible lice or nits remain.
Once combing is complete, wash all clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water (≥60 °C) or place them in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks to prevent re‑infestation.
Schedule a second treatment 7–10 days later, coinciding with the hatching cycle of any surviving eggs. Perform the same combing routine after the repeat application.
Maintain vigilance for the next three weeks: inspect the hair every 2–3 days, focusing on the occipital region and behind the ears. If any live lice are discovered, repeat the full protocol immediately.
Consistent application of these steps eliminates the problem quickly, even in hair exceeding shoulder length.