How to wash the head with vinegar to remove lice? - briefly
Combine equal parts of white distilled vinegar and warm water, saturate the hair, and massage the scalp for several minutes before rinsing thoroughly; use a fine‑toothed lice comb to remove dead insects. Repeat the process every 2–3 days for two weeks to ensure complete eradication.
How to wash the head with vinegar to remove lice? - in detail
Vinegar, typically white distilled or apple‑cider, acts as an acidic solution that loosens the glue that attaches nits to hair shafts. Applying the liquid correctly can reduce the lice population when combined with thorough combing.
Materials required
- 1 cup of vinegar (5 % acidity)
- Warm water (enough to dilute if desired)
- Fine‑toothed lice comb
- Old towel
- Plastic cap or shower cap
- Mild shampoo
- Conditioner (optional)
Preparation
- Mix vinegar with an equal part of warm water to lessen the sharp odor while preserving acidity.
- Warm the solution to body temperature; excessive heat may irritate scalp skin.
- Place the towel on the shoulders to absorb runoff.
Application procedure
- Dampen hair with the diluted vinegar, ensuring saturation from roots to tips.
- Cover hair with the plastic cap, securing it for 30 minutes. The cap maintains moisture and prevents evaporation.
- After the waiting period, remove the cap and rinse hair with lukewarm water.
- Apply a mild shampoo to cleanse residual vinegar, then rinse thoroughly.
- While hair remains damp, use the lice comb, starting at the scalp and moving toward the ends. After each pass, wipe the comb on a paper towel to remove captured insects. Repeat combing every 2–3 days for two weeks.
Precautions
- Test the solution on a small skin area before full application to detect possible irritation.
- Avoid use on children younger than six months; pediatric guidance is recommended.
- Do not combine vinegar with bleach or other strong chemicals, as dangerous fumes may develop.
- Ensure the cap does not create excessive heat that could cause scalp burns.
Follow‑up care
- Wash bedding, hats, and hair accessories in hot water (≥ 60 °C) after the first treatment.
- Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture to eliminate fallen lice.
- Maintain regular combing sessions until no live lice are observed for three consecutive days.
When executed precisely, the described regimen can significantly lower lice infestation without resorting to synthetic insecticides.