What can be used to remove lice and nits from long hair at home? - briefly
A fine‑toothed nit comb applied after a conditioning oil or a FDA‑approved lice treatment (e.g., permethrin lotion) removes lice and nits from long hair effectively at home. Follow with washing of bedding, clothing, and personal items to prevent re‑infestation.
What can be used to remove lice and nits from long hair at home? - in detail
Effective home management of lice and nits in long hair combines chemical, mechanical and oil‑based strategies. A systematic approach reduces reinfestation and minimizes damage to hair shafts.
• Over‑the‑counter shampoos containing 1 % permethrin or pyrethrin provide neurotoxic action against lice. Apply to saturated hair, leave for the manufacturer‑specified time (usually 10 minutes), rinse thoroughly, then proceed to combing.
• Dimethicone lotions create a coating that immobilizes insects. Spread evenly, allow to dry, and repeat after seven days to target newly hatched nits.
• Benzyl alcohol 5 % lotion offers a non‑neurotoxic alternative; follow the same application schedule as permethrin products.
Mechanical removal relies on a fine‑tooth nit comb. After washing, detangle hair with a wide‑tooth comb, then use the nit comb on sections no wider than 1 inch. Comb from scalp outward, wiping the comb after each pass. Perform this process twice daily for ten days.
Oil‑based methods suffocate insects and loosen adhesive shells. Apply a generous amount of olive oil, coconut oil or a blend containing 2 % tea‑tree oil to dry hair. Cover with a shower cap for 30 minutes, then comb through with a nit comb. Rinse and shampoo to remove residual oil. Repeat after four days.
Acidic rinses disrupt the glue binding nits to hair shafts. Mix one part white vinegar with three parts water, pour over hair after shampooing, and leave for five minutes before combing. Vinegar can be combined with a light oil coating for enhanced effect.
Post‑treatment protocol includes: washing bedding, clothing and personal items in hot water (≥ 60 °C); vacuuming upholstered furniture; avoiding head‑to‑head contact; and scheduling a follow‑up combing session seven days after the initial treatment. Consistent execution of these steps eliminates active lice and prevents hatching of surviving nits.