How to remove lice from a person's hair? - briefly
Use a permethrin‑ or dimethicone‑based shampoo or lotion, follow the label timing, then comb the damp hair with a fine‑toothed nit comb to extract lice and nits, repeating the process after 7–10 days. Clean bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water and vacuum the environment to eliminate remaining eggs.
How to remove lice from a person's hair? - in detail
Effective elimination of head‑lice infestations requires a systematic approach that combines chemical or physical treatment, thorough combing, and environmental sanitation.
First, confirm the presence of live lice and nits by parting the hair close to the scalp and inspecting for small, grayish insects and oval, attached eggs.
Select a treatment method. Options include:
- Pediculicide shampoo or lotion containing permethrin (1 %) or pyrethrin; apply according to the product label, leave on the scalp for the specified time, then rinse thoroughly.
- Dimethicone‑based lotion that suffocates insects; apply to dry hair, massage into the scalp, leave for 10 minutes, then wash out.
- Heat treatment using a specialized hair dryer set to 130 °F (54 °C) for 10 minutes, which kills lice without chemicals.
After the primary treatment, perform meticulous nit removal:
- Apply a fine‑toothed nit comb to damp, conditioned hair.
- Starting at the scalp, draw the comb through each strand to the ends, wiping the teeth with a tissue after each pass.
- Repeat the combing process at least twice a day for seven days, covering the entire head each time.
Clean personal items and the surrounding environment to prevent reinfestation:
- Wash clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥130 °F) and dry on high heat.
- Seal unused items in sealed plastic bags for two weeks.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and car seats; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister afterward.
Schedule a follow‑up inspection seven days after the initial treatment. If live lice are still detected, repeat the chosen treatment or switch to an alternative method.
Maintain preventive measures: avoid sharing hats, hairbrushes, or headphones; discourage head‑to‑head contact during play; and perform periodic scalp checks, especially in settings where infestations are common.