How to use a lice and nits comb?

How to use a lice and nits comb? - briefly

Begin with clean, slightly damp hair and pull the fine-toothed nit comb from the scalp outward, wiping the teeth after each pass. Repeat the process every few days for two weeks, washing the comb in hot, soapy water after each use.

How to use a lice and nits comb? - in detail

A lice comb features tightly spaced metal or plastic teeth designed to grip and pull out both adult insects and their eggs. The tool works only when the hair is sufficiently lubricated and the teeth can move smoothly through each strand.

Begin by washing the scalp with a regular shampoo, then rinse thoroughly. Apply a generous amount of conditioner or a dedicated detangling spray; this reduces friction and helps the teeth slide without breaking hair. Comb the hair with a wide-tooth brush first to eliminate tangles, then section the hair into manageable portions using clips or hair ties.

Proceed with the following steps:

  1. Hold a small section of hair between thumb and forefinger, keeping it taut.
  2. Place the comb at the scalp, positioning the teeth perpendicular to the hair shaft.
  3. Pull the comb slowly toward the ends of the hair, using steady, even pressure.
  4. After each pass, wipe the teeth on a tissue or rinse them under running water to remove captured lice and nits.
  5. Repeat the process on the same section 2‑3 times, shifting the starting point slightly each time to ensure thorough coverage.
  6. Move to the next section and repeat until the entire scalp has been treated.

After completing the session, rinse the comb with hot water and soap, then soak it in a solution of 70 % isopropyl alcohol for at least five minutes to disinfect. Dry the comb completely before storage. Schedule repeat sessions every three to four days for two weeks, as newly hatched nits may emerge after the initial treatment. Maintain the same preparation and combing routine each time to achieve complete eradication.