How to remove lice and nits with vinegar? - briefly
Apply undiluted white vinegar to the scalp, cover with a shower cap for 10‑15 minutes, then remove lice and nits using a fine‑toothed comb. Repeat daily for one week to eliminate any remaining specimens.
How to remove lice and nits with vinegar? - in detail
Vinegar can be an effective component of a lice‑removal regimen when applied correctly. The acetic acid in the solution softens the cement that attaches nits to hair shafts, allowing them to be dislodged more easily.
Begin by selecting a clear, distilled white vinegar with at least 5 % acidity. Mix equal parts vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle; the temperature should be comfortably warm to the touch but not scalding. Saturate the scalp and hair, ensuring full coverage from roots to tips. Allow the mixture to sit for 10–15 minutes; this period permits the acid to penetrate the adhesive layer.
After the waiting time, use a fine‑toothed nit comb on damp hair. Start at the scalp and work outward, pulling each strand taut to avoid hair breakage. Comb each section several times, rinsing the comb with hot water between passes to remove captured lice and nits. Repeat the combing process for the entire head, then rinse the hair with lukewarm water to eliminate residual vinegar.
A second treatment is advisable 24–48 hours later, because newly hatched nymphs may emerge after the first application. Repeat the same soaking and combing steps, ensuring no live insects remain. For severe infestations, combine the vinegar protocol with a proven pediculicide, following the product’s instructions and consulting a healthcare professional if needed.
Maintain a clean environment to prevent re‑infestation: wash bedding, hats, and hair accessories in hot water (≥60 °C) and dry on high heat; vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture; store untreated items in sealed plastic bags for at least two weeks. Consistent application of the vinegar soak and thorough combing, coupled with proper hygiene, will eradicate both adult lice and their eggs.