How to remove lice from hair on the head? - briefly
Apply a pediculicide or a suffocating oil, then comb the damp, conditioned hair with a fine-toothed lice comb, repeating the process every 2–3 days for two weeks while laundering bedding and clothing. Manually remove any remaining nits and treat close contacts to prevent re‑infestation.
How to remove lice from hair on the head? - in detail
Head lice infestations require prompt, thorough action to eradicate the parasites and their eggs from scalp hair. Begin by confirming the presence of live insects or nits attached to hair shafts near the scalp. Use a fine-tooth comb on a well‑lit surface; live lice move quickly, while nits appear as tiny, oval, whitish structures cemented at a ¼‑inch angle from the scalp.
Preparation
- Wash hair with a regular shampoo to remove excess oils and debris.
- Towel‑dry until damp, not soaking, to allow treatment products to contact the scalp effectively.
- Gather a fine‑tooth nit comb, disposable gloves, and a clean container for collected lice.
Mechanical removal
- Apply a generous amount of conditioner to the hair; it loosens nits and eases combing.
- Starting at the scalp, run the nit comb through a ¼‑inch section, moving slowly to capture each louse and nit.
- After each pass, wipe the comb on a paper towel and rinse it in hot water.
- Repeat the process for the entire head, then repeat the whole routine every 2–3 days for two weeks to catch newly hatched insects.
Chemical treatments
- Use an FDA‑approved pediculicide containing 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrin.
- Apply according to the product label: saturate hair, leave for the specified time (usually 10 minutes), then rinse thoroughly.
- Avoid excessive use; follow the recommended number of applications (generally one repeat after 7–10 days).
Alternative options
- Dimethicone‑based lotions coat lice, blocking respiration; apply to dry hair, leave for 8–12 hours, then comb out.
- Essential‑oil mixtures (e.g., tea tree, lavender) may provide supplemental effect but should be diluted and tested for skin sensitivity before use.
Environmental control
- Wash clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 130 °F) and dry on high heat.
- Seal non‑washable items in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks.
- Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture to remove stray nits.
Post‑treatment monitoring
- Inspect the scalp every 2–3 days for live insects; continue mechanical combing until no lice or nits are detected for at least one week.
- Educate all household members about avoidance of head‑to‑head contact and sharing of personal items to prevent re‑infestation.
By combining meticulous combing, appropriate medicated products, and strict hygiene measures, complete eradication of head lice can be achieved without recurrence.