How to treat lice on long hair? - briefly
Apply a medicated lice shampoo (e.g., 1% permethrin) to the scalp, keep the hair wet, and meticulously comb the entire length with a fine-tooth nit comb, repeating the process every 7–10 days until no live lice or nits are detected. Afterwards, launder bedding, clothing, and hair accessories in hot water and avoid sharing personal items to prevent recurrence.
How to treat lice on long hair? - in detail
Treating head‑lice infestations in long hair demands a systematic approach that combines chemical or physical agents with thorough combing. The process can be divided into preparation, application, removal, and follow‑up.
Begin by washing the hair with a regular shampoo to eliminate excess oils and debris. Rinse thoroughly and towel‑dry until damp but not wet. Apply a lice‑specific treatment—either a pediculicide lotion containing 1 % permethrin, 0 .5 % pyrethrin, or a dimethicone‑based product that suffocates insects. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for contact time; typically, 10 minutes for permethrin and 5 minutes for dimethoxide formulations. Rinse with lukewarm water and avoid using hot water, which can close the cuticle and trap residues.
After the chemical step, use a fine‑toothed nit comb (0.2 mm spacing) on the damp hair. Section the hair into 2‑inch strands, starting at the scalp and moving toward the ends. Comb each section multiple times, wiping the comb on a white paper towel after each pass to detect live nits. Continue until the entire head has been processed. For long hair, a wide‑toothed detangler may be applied before combing to reduce breakage.
If a chemical treatment is not preferred, a purely mechanical method is viable. Saturate the hair with a silicone‑based oil (e.g., baby oil or mineral oil) for 30 minutes, then repeat the combing routine described above. The oil immobilizes lice, allowing easier removal.
Post‑treatment measures are essential to prevent re‑infestation:
- Wash all bedding, towels, and clothing used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat.
- Seal non‑washable items in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats.
- Perform a second combing session 7–10 days after the first to eliminate any newly hatched lice.
- Inspect all household members; treat any additional cases simultaneously.
Document the dates of treatment and follow‑up combing to ensure the full life cycle of the parasite has been addressed. Consistent adherence to these steps eliminates infestations while preserving the health of long hair.