What is a fast way to remove lice at home from long hair? - briefly
Use a hot‑water‑dipped fine‑tooth comb to remove lice and nits immediately after applying a fast‑acting treatment such as 1 % permethrin or dimethicone lotion. Repeat the combing every 4–6 days for two weeks to ensure all survivors are eliminated.
What is a fast way to remove lice at home from long hair? - in detail
A rapid home solution for eliminating lice from long hair begins with thorough preparation. Gather a fine‑toothed nit comb, a high‑quality conditioner or a silicone‑based hair oil, a lice‑killing product approved for scalp use (e.g., permethrin 1 % or dimethicone), disposable gloves, and a clean towel. Wash the hair with a regular shampoo to remove excess oil and debris, then rinse completely.
Apply the pediculicide according to the label: saturate the scalp and hair, ensuring coverage from roots to tips. For a non‑chemical alternative, warm a small amount of hair oil (olive or coconut) until it is comfortably hot, then massage it through the entire length of the hair. Allow the product to remain for the recommended period, typically 10‑15 minutes for chemicals and 30‑45 minutes for oil treatments. The heat and viscosity help suffocate both adult lice and nits.
After the waiting time, rinse the hair with warm water while keeping the conditioner or oil in place. Using the nit comb, work from the scalp outward in 1‑inch sections. Separate each section, pull the comb through the hair slowly, wiping the teeth after each pass. Repeat the combing process until no live insects or eggs are visible. This step often requires 10‑15 minutes for long hair.
A second application is essential. Repeat the entire treatment 7‑10 days later, when any surviving eggs have hatched. During the interval, wash all bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water (≥ 130 °F) or place them in sealed plastic bags for two weeks. Disinfect combs, brushes, and hair accessories with boiling water or a 10 % bleach solution.
Maintain vigilance for at least four weeks. Inspect the hair every two days, combing with the nit comb to catch any reinfestation early. If live lice persist after two treatment cycles, consider switching to a different active ingredient or consulting a healthcare professional.