How to remove lice with vinegar? - briefly
«Apple cider vinegar» diluted with water applied to the scalp for 15‑20 minutes, then hair combed with a fine‑toothed nit comb to extract nits and insects. Rinse and repeat the process after three days to eliminate newly hatched lice.
How to remove lice with vinegar? - in detail
Vinegar, when applied correctly, can serve as an effective agent for eliminating head‑lice infestations. The acidity of the liquid helps to dissolve the glue that secures nits to hair shafts, facilitating their removal.
The procedure begins with selection of a suitable type of vinegar. White distilled vinegar with a concentration of 5 % acetic acid is preferred for its availability and low cost. Apple‑cider vinegar may be used, but its lower acidity reduces efficiency.
Materials required
- White distilled vinegar (5 % acetic acid)
- Spray bottle or bowl
- Fine‑toothed nit comb (metal)
- Old towels or disposable capes
- Protective gloves (optional)
Step‑by‑step protocol
- Preparation – Wash hair with a mild shampoo, rinse thoroughly, and towel‑dry until damp but not wet.
- Application – Fill a spray bottle with undiluted vinegar and saturate the scalp and hair, ensuring complete coverage from roots to tips. For thick hair, pour vinegar into a bowl and dip sections individually.
- Soaking period – Allow the liquid to remain on the hair for 15–20 minutes. The prolonged exposure loosens the adhesive that holds nits to the strands.
- Mechanical removal – Using a metal nit comb, start at the scalp and comb through small sections, wiping the comb on a towel after each pass. Repeat until no visible nits are detected.
- Rinsing – Rinse hair with lukewarm water to remove residual vinegar. A mild conditioner may be applied to counteract any dryness.
- Re‑treatment – Perform the entire process again after 7–10 days to address any newly hatched lice that escaped the first round.
Precautions
- Do not apply vinegar to irritated or broken skin; a patch test on a small area is advisable.
- Avoid prolonged exposure (>30 minutes) to prevent scalp irritation.
- Do not combine vinegar with strong chemicals such as permethrin; interactions may increase toxicity.
Additional tips
- Separate and wash clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water (≥60 °C) to eliminate dormant lice.
- Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture to remove stray insects.
- Maintain regular combing sessions for at least two weeks to confirm eradication.
When executed with diligence, the described regimen eliminates lice and nits without resorting to pharmaceutical insecticides, offering a low‑cost, low‑toxicity solution for affected individuals.