What is the fastest way to remove lice and nits from long hair? - briefly
Apply a fast‑acting pediculicide to the scalp, then comb the wet, conditioned hair with a fine‑toothed nit comb to loosen and remove eggs, repeating the treatment every 24 hours for three days to ensure complete eradication.
What is the fastest way to remove lice and nits from long hair? - in detail
The quickest method for eliminating head‑lice and their eggs in lengthy hair combines a high‑efficacy pediculicide with systematic wet‑combing.
Begin by selecting a lotion or shampoo containing 1 % permethrin, 0.5 % pyrethrins, or dimethicone. Apply according to the product label, ensuring the scalp and all strands are saturated. Leave the preparation on for the specified duration—typically 10 minutes—then rinse thoroughly with warm water.
Immediately after rinsing, use a fine‑toothed nit comb (metal, 0.2 mm spacing) while the hair remains damp. Section the hair into 2‑inch portions, start at the scalp, and pull the comb through each section to the ends. After each pass, wipe the comb on a tissue and re‑wet the hair if it begins to dry. Repeat the combing process until no live insects or eggs are visible; this usually requires 3–5 passes per section.
Apply a second pediculicide treatment 7–9 days later, targeting any newly hatched nits that survived the initial application. Do not skip this repeat dose, as it prevents reinfestation.
Throughout the treatment period, wash all bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water (≥ 60 °C) or seal them in plastic bags for two weeks. Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture to remove stray lice.
A concise schedule:
- First pediculicide application + wet combing (3–5 passes per section).
- Repeat combing daily for 3 days to capture any missed eggs.
- Second pediculicide dose on day 7–9.
- Final combing after the second dose to verify eradication.
Following this protocol typically clears an infestation within 10 days, even in hair exceeding shoulder length.