What is the lice comb called? - briefly
The tool used to remove lice and nits is called a nit comb. It has tightly spaced metal or plastic teeth designed to trap and extract eggs from hair.
What is the lice comb called? - in detail
The instrument designed to extract head‑lice and their eggs is commonly identified as a nit comb. It is a specialized fine‑tooth comb used in pediculosis treatment and prevention.
The comb features a row of densely spaced, uniformly shaped teeth. Teeth are typically made of stainless steel or rigid plastic, allowing them to grip the louse’s exoskeleton and the cement that attaches nits to hair shafts. The handle may be ergonomic, often coated for grip, and the comb length varies from 2 inches for infants to 5 inches for adults.
Key variations include:
- Tooth spacing – ultra‑fine (0.2 mm) for nits, medium (0.5 mm) for live lice, coarse (1 mm) for detangling.
- Material – stainless steel (durable, easy to sterilize), polypropylene (lightweight, disposable), carbon fiber (high strength, low weight).
- Design – single‑row combs for precise nit removal, double‑row combs for faster lice extraction, combs with a built‑in magnifier for visual assistance.
Prominent commercial models:
- NitFree Terminator – stainless‑steel, 0.2 mm spacing, recommended by health agencies for clinical use.
- LiceMeister – plastic, dual‑row, includes a storage case.
- Nix Lice Comb – carbon‑fiber, ergonomic grip, marketed for home treatment.
Effective use follows a consistent protocol: start at the scalp, draw the comb through a small section of hair from root to tip, wipe the teeth on a white surface after each pass, repeat until the entire head is covered, and repeat the process every 2–3 days for two weeks. After each session, wash the comb with hot, soapy water or sterilize stainless‑steel versions in boiling water for 5 minutes.
Medical guidelines classify the nit comb as a non‑chemical pediculicide. Health organizations such as the CDC and WHO list it as a first‑line tool, often combined with topical treatments to increase eradication rates. Its mechanical action removes both live insects and attached eggs, reducing the need for repeated chemical applications.