How to remove lice with a hot iron? - briefly
Set a flat iron to a minimum of 150 °C (300 °F) and glide it slowly along each hair strand for 2–3 seconds, which kills lice and nits without scorching the scalp when heat protection is observed. Immediately comb the hair with a fine-tooth nit comb to remove the dead insects and any remaining debris.
How to remove lice with a hot iron? - in detail
Eliminating head lice with a heated flat iron requires precise technique and strict safety measures. The method works by applying enough heat to destroy the insects and their eggs without damaging the scalp or hair.
First, gather the necessary tools: a ceramic or titanium flat iron capable of reaching at least 180 °C (356 °F), a fine-toothed comb, a spray bottle with water, a towel, and a protective heat‑resistant cap for the person being treated. Verify that the iron’s temperature gauge is functional; a thermometer can be used for confirmation.
Prepare the hair by dampening it lightly. Moisture improves heat conduction and reduces the risk of burns. Distribute the water evenly, then towel‑dry to a slightly wet state. Separate the hair into small sections, securing each with a clip to maintain order.
Proceed with the following sequence for each section:
- Place the flat iron at the root, close to the scalp, ensuring the plates are fully closed.
- Slide the iron down the strand in a slow, continuous motion, covering the entire length.
- Immediately after the pass, run the fine-toothed comb through the same section to remove any dead insects or nits.
- Repeat the sliding motion two more times, allowing a few seconds between passes for the hair to cool slightly.
- Move to the next section and repeat steps 1‑4 until the whole head is treated.
After completing all sections, inspect the scalp with a magnifying lens. Any remaining nits should be removed manually with the comb. Wash the hair with a mild shampoo to eliminate residue, then rinse thoroughly.
Safety considerations are critical. Do not exceed 200 °C (392 °F) to avoid scalp burns. Perform a test on a small patch of hair before full treatment. Children under two years of age should not undergo this procedure due to their sensitive skin. If discomfort, redness, or blistering occurs, discontinue immediately and seek medical advice.
Follow‑up checks should be scheduled every two days for one week. Re‑treat any newly detected lice promptly, using the same protocol. Consistent application of the described technique, combined with thorough combing, effectively eradicates the infestation while preserving hair integrity.