Lice: how to get rid of them from long hair at home? - briefly
Use a fine‑toothed nit comb on wet, conditioned hair, combing from scalp to tips and repeating the process every 2–3 days for two weeks. If lice remain, apply an over‑the‑counter pediculicide shampoo according to the product instructions.
Lice: how to get rid of them from long hair at home? - in detail
Removing head‑lice from long hair at home requires a systematic approach that combines chemical or natural treatment, meticulous combing, and thorough cleaning of the surrounding environment.
First, confirm the infestation. Adult lice are about 2–4 mm, brownish, and cling to the scalp. Nits appear as tiny, oval, yellow‑white shells attached to the base of each hair shaft, within 1 cm of the scalp. Use a bright light and a fine‑toothed comb to separate hair strands and examine the roots.
Prepare the hair. Wash with a regular shampoo, rinse, and towel‑dry until damp but not wet. Apply a lice‑killing product—either a pediculicide containing 1 % permethrin, a dimethicone‑based lotion, or a natural alternative such as 100 % tea‑tree oil diluted with a carrier. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for contact time, typically 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
After treatment, perform a wet‑combing session:
- Divide hair into sections of 2–3 inches.
- Apply a generous amount of conditioner to each section to reduce friction.
- Use a fine‑toothed nit comb, starting at the scalp and pulling each strand toward the tip.
- Wipe the comb on a white paper after every pass to collect lice and nits.
- Repeat the process for the entire head, ensuring no strand is missed.
Dispose of collected insects by sealing them in a plastic bag and discarding in an outdoor trash bin. Wash the comb in hot, soapy water and sterilize with boiling water for 5 minutes.
Environmental decontamination is essential. Wash all bedding, towels, and clothing worn within the previous 48 hours in water hotter than 130 °F (54 °C) or dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks. Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister afterward.
Repeat the entire treatment cycle after 7–10 days to eliminate any newly hatched lice that survived the first round. A second combing session on this day removes any remaining nits before they mature.
Prevent recurrence by advising regular checks, avoiding head‑to‑head contact, and not sharing combs, hats, or pillows. Maintaining these practices reduces the likelihood of future infestations.