What folk remedy can quickly remove lice and nits at home? - briefly
Applying warm olive or coconut oil to the scalp, covering the head for 30–45 minutes, then combing with a fine‑tooth nit comb eliminates both insects and their eggs. Repeat the treatment after seven days to eradicate any newly hatched lice.
What folk remedy can quickly remove lice and nits at home? - in detail
A widely used traditional solution for eliminating head‑lice infestations relies on a concentrated vinegar mixture combined with a fine‑toothed nit comb. The protocol is as follows:
- Mix equal parts of white distilled vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Add a tablespoon of liquid dish soap per liter of solution to reduce surface tension and improve penetration of the louse exoskeleton.
- Saturate the hair and scalp with the spray, ensuring every strand is coated.
- Cover the head with a shower cap for 10–15 minutes to allow the acidic environment to loosen the adhesive that holds nits to hair shafts.
- While the cap remains on, work a metal nit comb through the damp hair from the scalp outward, removing dead insects and detached eggs.
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and repeat the combing process every 2–3 days for two weeks to catch any newly hatched lice.
The acidic pH of the vinegar disrupts the chitin of the insect’s outer shell, causing rapid immobilization. The soap component enhances the solution’s ability to infiltrate the protective coating of the eggs, facilitating their detachment. This method requires no prescription medication, making it accessible for families seeking an immediate, low‑cost approach.
Safety considerations include performing a patch test on a small skin area to rule out allergic reactions, avoiding the remedy on broken or irritated scalp, and keeping the solution away from eyes. For children under two years, consult a pediatrician before use. Combining the vinegar‑soap rinse with regular combing yields the highest success rate, typically eradicating an active infestation within 5–7 days when applied consistently.