How to remove lice and nits at home? - briefly
Apply a pediculicide shampoo, rinse, then comb wet, conditioned hair with a fine-toothed lice comb, repeating the process daily for seven days while washing bedding and clothing in hot water. Use a nit‑removal spray to dissolve any remaining eggs and keep personal items isolated for 48 hours.
How to remove lice and nits at home? - in detail
Removing head lice and their eggs at home requires a systematic approach that combines mechanical removal, chemical treatment, and environmental control.
Begin with a thorough inspection. Use a fine‑toothed comb on dry hair, separating sections from the scalp to the ends. Examine each strand for live insects and attached ova; repeat the process every 24 hours for at least seven days to catch newly hatched nits.
Select a treatment method. Two reliable options are:
- Wet combing – Apply a generous amount of a conditioner or a specially formulated lice‑removal lotion to damp hair. After a five‑minute soak, run a metal nit comb from the scalp outward, wiping the comb after each pass. Perform this routine twice daily for ten days.
- Over‑the‑counter pediculicide – Follow the product label precisely: apply the solution to dry hair, leave it for the specified exposure time, then rinse. A second application after seven to ten days eliminates any surviving nymphs.
After the primary treatment, address residual nits. Use a fine‑toothed comb without conditioner for a final pass; any remaining ovum will appear as tiny, oval, brownish structures firmly attached to the hair shaft. Remove each visible nit manually.
Sanitize personal items to prevent reinfestation. Wash all bedding, towels, and clothing used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (minimum 130 °F / 54 °C) and tumble‑dry on high heat for at least 20 minutes. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in plastic bags for two weeks or subjected to a dry‑heat cycle in a commercial dryer.
Clean the environment. Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and vehicle seats thoroughly. Discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister immediately after use.
Monitor for recurrence. Conduct a follow‑up inspection every two days for two weeks. If live lice reappear despite adherence to the protocol, consider a prescription medication or consult a healthcare professional.
Maintain preventive habits. Advise regular hair checks, discourage head‑to‑head contact, and avoid sharing personal items such as combs, hats, or hair accessories. Consistent vigilance minimizes the risk of future outbreaks.