How to remove lice at home with vinegar? - briefly
Apply undiluted white vinegar to the affected hair, cover with a shower cap for 30 minutes, then use a fine-tooth lice comb to remove nits and insects; repeat the treatment after 24 hours to ensure any newly hatched lice are eliminated.
How to remove lice at home with vinegar? - in detail
Vinegar, typically white or apple‑cider, can break down the glue that secures nits to hair shafts, making them easier to detach. Begin by washing the scalp with a mild shampoo, then rinse thoroughly. While the hair is still damp, soak a clean cloth or spray bottle in undiluted vinegar and apply it generously, ensuring the liquid reaches the scalp and covers each strand. Let the solution sit for 5–10 minutes; the acidity softens the cement that holds the eggs.
After the soaking period, use a fine‑toothed nit comb. Start at the roots and work toward the tips, cleaning the comb after each pass with a bowl of hot, soapy water. Continue combing until the hair feels free of visible nits. Repeat the combing process three times over the next 48 hours, as any surviving eggs will hatch within that window.
To maximize effectiveness, repeat the entire treatment after 7 days, addressing any newly emerged lice. Follow each session with a thorough rinse of the hair to remove residual vinegar, then dry completely. Clean personal items—combs, brushes, hats, pillowcases, and bedding—by washing in hot water (≥ 60 °C) or sealing in a plastic bag for two weeks to prevent re‑infestation.
Key precautions: avoid applying vinegar to irritated or broken skin; test a small area first to rule out allergic reaction. Do not combine vinegar with bleach or other strong chemicals, as the mixture can produce harmful fumes. If symptoms persist after two full treatment cycles, seek professional medical advice.