How to remove lice at home without using shampoos? - briefly
Apply a fine‑toothed comb to hair that’s been saturated with a natural oil such as olive or coconut, working from scalp to tips to detach nits, then rinse with warm water and repeat daily for seven days. Clean bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water or seal them in a plastic bag for two weeks to eliminate any remaining lice.
How to remove lice at home without using shampoos? - in detail
Removing head lice without relying on commercial shampoos requires a combination of mechanical removal, natural agents, and thorough environmental cleaning.
Begin with a wet combing session. Apply a generous amount of warm water to the hair, then use a fine‑toothed nit comb. Starting at the scalp, pull the comb through each section slowly, wiping the teeth after every pass. Continue until the entire head has been processed, repeating the procedure every two days for at least two weeks.
Introduce a natural suffocant to weaken the insects. Options include:
- Olive oil or coconut oil applied liberally to the scalp, left for 30–60 minutes, then combed out.
- A mixture of equal parts vinegar and water, sprayed onto damp hair, left for 10 minutes before combing.
- A paste of neem powder and water, applied to the scalp and covered with a shower cap for 30 minutes, then rinsed.
After each treatment, wash all bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat. Non‑washable items should be sealed in a plastic bag for at least 48 hours to deprive lice of a host. Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and car seats thoroughly; discard the vacuum bag or clean the container afterward.
Maintain a strict schedule: wet combing and oil or vinegar treatment on day 0, repeat on day 2, day 4, day 7, day 10, and day 14. This timeline addresses both live lice and newly hatched nymphs, ensuring complete eradication.
If infestations persist after three weeks of consistent effort, consider consulting a medical professional for alternative therapies.