What can be used to remove lice from long hair at home? - briefly
Use a 1 % permethrin or dimethicone lice treatment, then comb the wet hair with a fine‑toothed nit comb, and finish with a diluted apple‑cider‑vinegar rinse to loosen any remaining nits.
What can be used to remove lice from long hair at home? - in detail
Effective home treatment for head‑lice infestations in lengthy hair requires a combination of mechanical removal, topical agents, and thorough cleaning of personal items.
A fine‑toothed nit comb, preferably stainless steel, is the primary tool. Wet the hair with a conditioner or a specialized lice‑removing spray to reduce slip, then comb from the scalp outward in sections no wider than two inches. After each pass, wipe the comb on a tissue and rinse it in hot, soapy water. Repeat the process every 2–3 days for two weeks to capture newly hatched nits.
Topical preparations complement the combing action. Options include:
- Over‑the‑counter pediculicides containing 1% permethrin or 0.5% pyrethrin. Apply according to the label, leave for the recommended duration, then rinse and comb.
- Dimethicone‑based lotions that suffocate lice without neurotoxic chemicals. Apply to dry hair, cover with a plastic cap for 10 minutes, then wash out and comb.
- Home‑made solutions such as a 10% white vinegar rinse or a mixture of equal parts olive oil and coconut oil. These agents loosen the glue that attaches nits to the hair shaft, facilitating removal with the comb.
Environmental decontamination limits re‑infestation. Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in water ≥130 °F (54 °C) or place them in a sealed bag for two weeks. Non‑washable items, such as hairbrushes and combs, should be soaked in hot water for at least 10 minutes or sprayed with an insecticidal spray and left to dry.
Precautions: avoid using hair dryers on high heat directly on the scalp, as this can cause burns. Do not combine chemical pediculicides with dimethicone products in the same application, which may reduce efficacy. Perform a patch test for any new topical to rule out allergic reactions.
Monitoring: after the final combing session, inspect the hair under a bright light. Absence of live lice and empty nits confirms successful eradication. If live insects persist, repeat the treatment cycle with the same or an alternative topical agent.