How to remove lice by hand?

How to remove lice by hand? - briefly

Wet the hair, apply a fine‑tooth comb from the scalp outward, and pull out each louse and its attached nit; repeat the process every 24 hours until none remain. Clean the comb in hot, soapy water after each use and discard any captured insects.

How to remove lice by hand? - in detail

Removing head‑lice without chemicals requires preparation, proper tools, and systematic technique.

Begin by gathering a fine‑toothed lice comb (metal or high‑quality plastic), a bright light source, a clean towel, and a bowl of warm water with a few drops of mild shampoo. Wear disposable gloves if desired to reduce tactile discomfort.

  1. Prepare the hair

    • Wash the scalp with the shampoo‑water mixture, rinsing thoroughly.
    • Towel‑dry until damp, not wet; moisture makes the comb glide more easily.
  2. Section the hair

    • Divide the scalp into four quadrants using clips or hair ties.
    • Work on one section at a time, keeping the rest secured to avoid tangles.
  3. Comb through each strand

    • Starting at the scalp, place the comb’s base as close to the skin as possible.
    • Pull the comb forward slowly, covering the entire length of the hair.
    • After each pass, wipe the comb on a white tissue or rinse it in the water bowl to reveal any captured nits or insects.
  4. Repeat the process

    • Perform three to four passes per section, alternating directions (toward the scalp, then away).
    • Re‑wet the hair if it begins to dry, which can cause the comb to skip eggs.
  5. Collect and dispose of findings

    • Place all removed lice and nits into a sealed bag or container.
    • Dispose of the material in a trash bin outside the home to prevent re‑infestation.
  6. Post‑treatment care

    • Wash all combs, brushes, and hair accessories in hot, soapy water for at least five minutes.
    • Launder clothing, bedding, and hats used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat.
    • Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture to eliminate stray eggs.
  7. Follow‑up checks

    • Inspect the scalp daily for the next ten days, repeating the combing routine if any live lice are observed.

Adhering to this systematic, manual approach eliminates parasites without resorting to insecticidal products, reduces the risk of chemical irritation, and ensures thorough removal of both insects and their eggs.