How to wash the head with tar soap for lice? - briefly
Wet the hair, apply warm tar soap to the scalp, massage for 5–10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with warm water. Repeat the process after 24 hours to eliminate any remaining lice or nits.
How to wash the head with tar soap for lice? - in detail
Tar‑based soap can be an effective remedy against head lice when applied correctly. Follow these precise steps to ensure maximum efficacy and safety.
First, gather the necessary items: a bar of medicinal tar soap, a wide‑tooth comb, a bowl of warm water, a mild conditioner, disposable gloves, and clean towels. Verify that the soap is intended for scalp use and free of added fragrances that may irritate the skin.
Prepare the scalp by dampening the hair with lukewarm water. The water should be warm enough to open the cuticle but not scalding. Apply a thin, even layer of the tar soap, working it into the roots and all hair strands. Use gloved hands to distribute the product thoroughly, avoiding contact with eyes or broken skin.
Allow the soap to remain on the hair for the recommended contact time, typically 10–15 minutes. During this period, the tar’s insecticidal compounds penetrate the louse exoskeleton and disrupt breathing. Do not cover the head with a plastic cap; a breathable towel can be draped to prevent runoff while still permitting air flow.
After the exposure interval, rinse the scalp completely with warm water until no residue remains. Follow with a mild conditioner to restore moisture, as tar can be drying. Rinse again, ensuring all soap is removed.
While the hair is still wet, comb through each section with a fine‑tooth lice comb. Start at the scalp and pull the comb slowly toward the ends, cleaning the comb after each pass. This mechanical step eliminates dead lice and nits that survived chemical action.
Dry the hair with a clean towel or low‑heat dryer. Do not use high‑temperature heat, which can cause scalp irritation. Dispose of the used soap, gloves, and comb in a sealed bag to prevent re‑infestation.
Repeat the entire procedure after seven days, as any newly hatched lice will emerge from remaining eggs. Maintain regular inspections for at least three weeks to confirm eradication.
Precautions: Do not use tar soap on children under two years, on inflamed or broken scalp, or if the individual has a known allergy to coal tar. Consult a healthcare professional before treatment if pregnancy, chronic skin conditions, or other medical concerns are present.