How to use vinegar against lice? - briefly
Mix equal parts of white distilled vinegar and water, saturate the hair, and let it sit for 15–20 minutes before combing with a fine‑tooth lice comb. Repeat the treatment after 48 hours to eliminate newly hatched nymphs.
How to use vinegar against lice? - in detail
Vinegar, containing acetic acid, creates an environment that weakens lice exoskeletons and loosens egg attachments. The acidity also helps to dissolve the protein glue that secures nits to hair shafts.
To prepare a treatment solution, mix one part of household white vinegar (5 % acetic acid) with two parts of warm water. Ensure the mixture reaches a temperature comfortable for the scalp, typically around 37 °C. Transfer the solution to a spray bottle or a clean cup for easy application.
Application procedure:
- Wash hair with a regular shampoo, rinse thoroughly, and towel‑dry until damp but not dripping.
- Saturate the scalp and hair with the vinegar‑water mixture, ensuring full coverage from roots to tips.
- Allow the solution to remain for 10–15 minutes; during this period, the acid penetrates the cuticle and disrupts the lice’s grip.
- Rinse hair with lukewarm water, avoiding the use of additional conditioners that could mask remaining insects.
- Using a fine‑toothed nit comb, systematically remove dead lice and loosened eggs, working section by section from the scalp outward.
- Repeat the entire process every 2–3 days for a total of three applications, covering the typical life cycle of the parasite.
Safety notes:
- Concentrations higher than 5 % may cause scalp irritation; do not apply undiluted vinegar to open cuts or irritated skin.
- Children under six months should not receive this treatment without medical advice.
- Perform a patch test on a small scalp area 30 minutes before full application to detect possible allergic reactions.
Environmental control:
- Wash all bedding, clothing, and towels used during treatment in hot water (minimum 60 °C) and dry on high heat.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister afterward.
- Store unused solution in a sealed container for up to one week; discard after this period to prevent bacterial growth.
When combined with diligent combing and thorough cleaning of personal items, the described vinegar protocol offers an effective, low‑cost method for eliminating head‑lice infestations.