How to wash the head to remove nits and lice? - briefly
Use a 1 % permethrin shampoo, massage it into the scalp, leave for the recommended 10 minutes, then rinse with hot water while combing each strand with a fine‑tooth nit comb. Repeat the treatment in 7‑10 days to ensure any newly hatched lice are eliminated.
How to wash the head to remove nits and lice? - in detail
Cleaning the scalp to eliminate nits and lice requires a systematic approach that combines thorough wetting, appropriate shampoo, meticulous combing, and proper rinsing.
Begin by gathering the necessary tools: a fine‑toothed nit comb, a lice‑specific shampoo or a medicated shampoo containing pyrethrin or permethrin, a regular conditioner, a bowl of warm water, and clean towels. Remove any hair accessories that could trap insects.
- Wet the hair completely with warm water; the temperature should be comfortable but not scalding, as heat opens the cuticle and facilitates product penetration.
- Apply the lice‑targeted shampoo, following the label’s dosage instructions. Massage the scalp gently to ensure the solution reaches the roots where eggs are attached.
- Allow the shampoo to remain on the hair for the recommended time, typically 5–10 minutes, without rinsing. This period deactivates both adult insects and developing nits.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water, ensuring no residue remains. Residual shampoo can interfere with the combing step.
- While the hair is still damp, apply a regular conditioner to soften the strands, making it easier to slide the nit comb through.
Using the nit comb, start at the scalp and work outward, section by section. Hold a small portion of hair taut, then run the comb down to the tips, wiping the teeth after each pass to remove captured eggs. Repeat the process until the entire head has been examined; a single session may require multiple passes. Dispose of collected debris in a sealed bag and wash the comb in hot, soapy water.
After combing, rinse the hair again to eliminate any remaining particles. Dry the scalp with a clean towel; avoid using a hair dryer on high heat, which can cause scalp irritation.
For maximum effectiveness, repeat the entire procedure after 7–10 days, targeting any newly hatched lice before they reproduce. Continue weekly checks for at least one month to confirm eradication.
Maintain a lice‑free environment by washing bedding, hats, and clothing used during treatment in hot water (minimum 130 °F/54 °C) and drying them on high heat. Vacuum upholstered furniture and carpets, and store unused personal items in sealed containers.
Following these steps systematically removes both adult insects and their eggs, restoring a clean, insect‑free scalp.