How to remove lice and nits from hair using folk remedies? - briefly
Apply warm olive or coconut oil to the scalp, cover with a shower cap for 30 minutes, then comb out lice and eggs with a fine-toothed nit comb; rinse afterward with a diluted apple cider vinegar solution to loosen any remaining nits. Repeat the process after seven days to ensure complete eradication.
How to remove lice and nits from hair using folk remedies? - in detail
Lice infestations require prompt action to eliminate both the insects and their eggs. Traditional home treatments can be effective when applied correctly and combined with thorough combing.
A common approach uses a mixture of olive oil and vinegar. Apply a generous amount of olive oil to dry hair, then add equal parts white vinegar. Leave the blend on for 30 minutes, covering the scalp with a plastic cap to prevent dripping. After the waiting period, rinse with warm water and use a fine‑toothed nit comb to remove lice and nits. Repeat the process every 48 hours for three cycles.
Another remedy employs tea tree oil. Dilute five drops of pure oil in a tablespoon of carrier oil (such as coconut or almond oil). Massage the solution into the scalp, ensuring coverage of all hair sections. Allow it to sit for 20 minutes before washing with regular shampoo. The antiseptic properties help suffocate insects, while the oil facilitates combing. Perform this treatment daily for a week.
A third option uses a paste of crushed neem leaves. Grind fresh leaves into a fine paste, add a small amount of water if needed, and apply directly to the scalp. Leave for 45 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Neem contains natural insecticidal compounds that disrupt lice metabolism. Use the paste twice a week for ten days.
For those preferring a simple kitchen ingredient, a hot water soak can be useful. Boil water, let it cool to a temperature safe for skin (approximately 40 °C), and pour over a saturated towel. Place the towel over the hair for 10 minutes, then comb out the insects. This method relies on heat to weaken lice, making removal easier.
Key steps common to all methods:
- Apply the chosen treatment to dry hair, ensuring full scalp coverage.
- Allow the preparation to remain for the specified time; do not rinse prematurely.
- Use a nit comb with fine teeth, moving from the scalp outward in small sections.
- Clean the comb after each pass with hot, soapy water to prevent re‑infestation.
- Repeat the chosen regimen according to the schedule indicated for each remedy.
Preventive measures include washing bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water (≥ 60 °C), vacuuming upholstered furniture, and avoiding sharing hair accessories. Consistent application of these folk techniques, combined with diligent combing, can eradicate lice and their eggs without resorting to chemical products.