What to use to remove lice and nits from long hair? - briefly
«A 1 % permethrin shampoo applied as directed, combined with meticulous use of a fine‑toothed nit comb, eliminates lice and nits from long hair.» Repeat the treatment after 7‑10 days to eradicate any newly hatched insects.
What to use to remove lice and nits from long hair? - in detail
Effective options for eliminating lice and their eggs in long hair require a combination of chemical agents and mechanical tools.
Chemical agents
- Permethrin 1 % lotion applied to damp hair, left for 10 minutes, then rinsed.
- Pyrethrin‑based shampoo with piperonyl‑butoxide, used according to label instructions; repeat after 7 days.
- Benzyl‑alcohol 5 % lotion, safe for children over 6 months, applied for 10 minutes before washing.
- Spinosad 0.9 % lotion, effective against resistant strains; leave on hair for 10 minutes, then rinse.
- Malathion 0.5 % liquid, reserved for severe infestations; follow safety guidelines, avoid contact with skin and eyes.
Mechanical removal
- Fine‑toothed nit comb, preferably metal, used on wet, conditioned hair.
- Section hair into 2‑inch strands; comb from scalp outward, cleaning the comb after each pass.
- Repeat combing daily for 10 days to capture newly hatched nymphs.
Adjunctive measures
- Apply a thin layer of mineral oil or coconut oil to hair before combing; oil suffocates lice and eases nit extraction.
- Use a high‑temperature steam device for 5 minutes, ensuring hair is not scorched; steam kills lice on contact.
- Wash bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water (≥ 60 °C) or seal them in plastic bags for 2 weeks to prevent re‑infestation.
Safety considerations
- Verify age restrictions on each product; avoid permethrin and malathion in infants under 2 months.
- Perform a patch test for allergic reactions before full application.
- Use gloves and protective eyewear when handling liquid treatments.
Treatment protocol
- Apply chosen chemical agent to thoroughly saturated hair.
- Follow recommended exposure time, then rinse with lukewarm water.
- Immediately comb wet hair with a nit comb, removing all visible lice and nits.
- Dry hair, then repeat combing at 24‑hour intervals for a full week.
- Re‑apply chemical treatment after 7 days to eliminate any surviving eggs.
Combining a proven insecticide with diligent nit combing and proper environmental sanitation provides the highest likelihood of complete eradication in long hair.