How to remove fleas from the head? - briefly
Apply a veterinary‑grade flea shampoo to the scalp, let it work as directed, then rinse with hot water and comb the hair with a fine‑toothed flea comb to extract any remaining insects. Launder all bedding and clothing in hot water and repeat the treatment after seven days to interrupt the life cycle.
How to remove fleas from the head? - in detail
Fleas can infest the scalp when a person or a pet brings them into close contact with hair. Immediate action prevents skin irritation, secondary infection, and further spread.
First, confirm the presence of insects. Look for tiny, dark moving specks, bite marks, or a gritty feeling when running fingers through hair. Use a fine-tooth comb on damp hair to catch adult fleas and their eggs.
Mechanical removal
- Wet hair with warm water; add a mild conditioner to reduce friction.
- Starting at the crown, pull the comb through a 2‑inch section from scalp outward.
- After each pass, wipe the comb on a paper towel and rinse it in hot water.
- Repeat until no insects appear in the comb.
Chemical treatment
- Apply a topical insecticide formulated for scalp use, following the product label precisely. Typical active ingredients include pyrethrins or permethrin at concentrations approved for human skin.
- Leave the medication on the scalp for the recommended duration, usually 10–15 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water; avoid hot water that can increase skin irritation.
Natural alternatives
- Mix equal parts apple‑cider vinegar and water; spray onto hair and scalp, let sit for 5 minutes, then rinse. The acidity deters fleas without harming hair.
- Diluted neem oil (1 % solution) can be massaged into the scalp; leave for 10 minutes before washing.
Environmental control
- Wash all bedding, towels, and clothing used during the infestation in water ≥60 °C; dry on high heat.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and pet bedding; discard the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed bag.
- Treat pets with a veterinarian‑approved flea control product to eliminate the source.
Follow‑up
- Re‑inspect the scalp after 24 hours; repeat mechanical removal if any insects remain.
- Continue using a preventive shampoo or topical treatment for at least two weeks, covering the full life cycle of fleas.
- Monitor for signs of allergic reaction or secondary infection; seek medical attention if redness, swelling, or pus develops.