How to treat hair with vinegar to get rid of lice? - briefly
Dilute 5 % apple cider vinegar with equal parts water, soak the scalp for 30 minutes, then use a fine-toothed nit comb to remove lice and nits. Repeat the process every three to four days for two weeks to eliminate any remaining insects.
How to treat hair with vinegar to get rid of lice? - in detail
Vinegar’s acidity helps dissolve the glue that secures nits to hair shafts, making them easier to remove. The acetic acid also creates an environment that is unfavorable for lice survival.
Materials
- White distilled vinegar or apple cider vinegar (5 % acetic acid)
- Warm water for dilution (optional)
- Fine‑toothed nit comb
- Plastic bowl or spray bottle
- Old towel or cape to protect clothing
Preparation
- Mix equal parts vinegar and warm water if the pure solution feels too strong for the scalp.
- Fill a bowl or spray bottle with the mixture.
- Perform a small patch test on a few strands of hair; wait 5 minutes for any irritation.
Application procedure
- Shampoo hair with a mild, non‑conditioner soap to remove excess oil. Rinse thoroughly.
- While hair remains damp, saturate it with the vinegar blend, ensuring that the scalp and all strands are fully covered.
- Cover the head with a plastic cap or towel and let the solution act for 30–45 minutes. The prolonged exposure loosens the nit attachment.
- Remove the covering and use a nit comb, starting at the roots and moving toward the tips. Comb each section multiple times, wiping the comb on a paper towel after each pass.
- Rinse hair with lukewarm water; avoid conditioner, which can re‑seal the glue.
Safety considerations
- Do not apply undiluted vinegar directly to irritated or broken skin.
- Keep the solution away from eyes; rinse immediately if contact occurs.
- Children under two years should not receive this treatment without medical supervision.
Post‑treatment actions
- Repeat the entire process after 7–10 days to eliminate any newly hatched lice.
- Wash bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water (≥ 60 °C) or seal them in a plastic bag for 48 hours.
- Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture to remove stray insects.
When performed correctly, vinegar treatment reduces the need for chemical insecticides while effectively disrupting the life cycle of head lice.