How to use shampoo against lice? - briefly
Apply a medicated lice shampoo to dry hair, massage into the scalp, leave for the recommended 5‑10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and repeat the treatment after 7‑10 days. Follow each application with fine‑tooth combing to eliminate remaining nits.
How to use shampoo against lice? - in detail
Using a lice‑removing shampoo effectively requires a systematic approach that maximizes contact time, ensures thorough coverage, and follows up with proper hair care.
First, select a product that contains an FDA‑approved active ingredient such as pyrethrin, permethrin (1 %), or dimethicone. Verify that the label states it is intended for head lice treatment.
Next, prepare the scalp and hair. Wash the hair with a regular shampoo to remove excess oil and styling products, then rinse completely. This step reduces barriers that could impede the lice‑killing agent.
Apply the lice‑specific shampoo while the hair is still wet. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the amount—typically enough to saturate the entire scalp and hair length. Massage gently with fingertips, not nails, to distribute the solution evenly. Avoid vigorous scrubbing, which can cause scalp irritation.
Leave the shampoo on for the prescribed duration, commonly 5–10 minutes. Use a timer to ensure accuracy. During this period, the active ingredient penetrates the lice exoskeleton and disrupts neural function, leading to rapid death.
After the contact time expires, rinse the hair thoroughly with warm water. Do not use conditioner, as it may dilute the residual effect.
To eliminate any remaining nits, comb the hair with a fine‑toothed nit comb while it is still damp. Start at the scalp and work outward, cleaning the comb after each pass. Repeat the combing process at least three times over the next week, spacing sessions 2–3 days apart, because newly hatched lice may emerge after the initial treatment.
Finally, launder bedding, clothing, and personal items that have contacted the head. Use hot water (≥ 130 °F/54 °C) and a high‑heat dryer cycle, or seal items in a plastic bag for two weeks if washing is not feasible.
If live lice are observed 24 hours after the first application, repeat the shampoo treatment according to the product’s guidelines, typically after 7–10 days. Persistent infestation after two full cycles warrants consultation with a healthcare professional for alternative therapies.