What can be used to comb lice out of a child’s hair? - briefly
A metal nit comb with 0.2 mm spaced teeth, applied to damp hair after a conditioner, efficiently removes lice and nits. A plastic fine‑toothed lice comb can also work, though metal combs are generally more reliable.
What can be used to comb lice out of a child’s hair? - in detail
Effective removal of head‑lice requires a fine‑toothed comb specifically designed for this purpose, combined with appropriate preparation and technique. The essential components are:
- Lice combs – metal or plastic combs with teeth spaced 0.2–0.3 mm apart. Metal variants retain heat, improving lice mortality; plastic models are lighter and safer for prolonged use.
- Conditioning product – a silicone‑based conditioner or a dedicated lice‑removal spray reduces hair friction, allowing the comb to glide without tearing strands.
- Magnifying aid – a handheld magnifier or a well‑lit environment helps identify live insects and nits attached to the hair shaft.
- Collection container – a small bowl or disposable bag for depositing extracted lice, facilitating verification of treatment success.
Procedure
- Apply a generous amount of conditioner to damp hair, ensuring even coverage from scalp to tips. Leave for 5–10 minutes to soften the exoskeleton of any attached insects.
- Separate hair into manageable sections using clips or hair ties.
- Starting at the scalp, draw the fine‑toothed comb through each section in a slow, deliberate motion. After each pass, wipe the comb on a tissue or rinse in a container of water to remove captured lice and nits.
- Repeat the combing process three times per section, rotating the hair to expose different angles.
- After completing all sections, re‑wet the hair, repeat conditioning, and perform a second combing session 7–10 days later to capture any newly hatched nits.
- Dispose of the collected material and clean the comb with hot, soapy water or a disinfectant solution.
Additional tools
- Wet‑comb kits: pre‑filled with conditioner and a lice‑comb, packaged for single‑use treatments.
- Electric lice‑removal devices: battery‑powered combs that vibrate to dislodge insects, useful for thick or curly hair.
- Fine‑tooth brush: in emergencies, a brush with similar tooth spacing can serve temporarily, though it may be less effective than a dedicated comb.
Choosing a metal comb with heat‑conductive properties, paired with a silicone conditioner, provides the highest removal rate while minimizing scalp irritation. Repeating the process after a week addresses the life cycle of the parasite and ensures complete eradication.