What to comb for lice? - briefly
Use a fine-toothed nit comb—ideally metal with teeth spaced about 0.2 mm—after applying a lice‑killing treatment to damp hair. Run the comb from scalp to tip repeatedly, cleaning the teeth after each pass.
What to comb for lice? - in detail
A fine‑toothed nit comb, typically made of stainless steel or rigid plastic, provides the necessary spacing to capture lice and their eggs while allowing hair to pass through. The ideal tooth spacing ranges from 0.2 mm (for louse eggs) to 0.5 mm (for adult insects). Metal combs retain heat, which can be leveraged by running them through warm water before each pass to increase effectiveness.
The combing process should be performed on dry hair. Begin at the scalp, pulling the comb through a small section of hair from root to tip in a single, steady motion. After each pass, rinse the comb in a bowl of hot, soapy water, then wipe it dry before returning to the next section. Repeat the procedure on the entire head, working from front to back and top to bottom, ensuring no area is missed.
A typical session includes:
- 3–4 passes per section, alternating direction (forward and backward) to dislodge hidden insects.
- Immediate removal of any captured lice or nits with tweezers.
- Re‑inspection after 24 hours; a second combing round eliminates newly hatched nymphs.
- Follow‑up sessions at 7‑day intervals for a total of three treatments, covering the full life cycle.
For children with thick or tangled hair, a detangling spray or conditioner applied before combing reduces breakage and improves visibility. Adults with fine hair may prefer a lightweight plastic comb to avoid scalp irritation.
Cleaning the comb after each use prevents reinfestation. Soak the device in a 10% bleach solution for 10 minutes, rinse thoroughly, and air‑dry. Store it in a sealed container when not in use.
Choosing the correct comb, adhering to the described technique, and maintaining strict hygiene eliminate lice infestations without resorting to chemical treatments.