How to Get Rid of Lices at Home

How to Get Rid of Lices at Home

Hair lice, also known as head lice, are small, parasitic insects that live on the scalp and feed on blood. They are most common in children, but anyone can get them. Lice are highly contagious and can be easily spread through close personal contact or by sharing personal items such as combs, hats, and bedding.

The symptoms of head lice include intense itching, especially behind the ears and at the nape of the neck. Nits (lice eggs) may also be visible on the hair shafts, appearing as small, white or yellowish, oval-shaped specks that are firmly attached to the hair.

How To Get rid of Lices

There are several home remedies that may help get rid of head lice. Here are a few:

How to Get Rid of Lices by Regularly Inspect and Comb Hair

Regularly inspecting and combing hair is an important step in preventing and treating lice infestations. Lice lay their eggs (nits) close to the scalp, so using a fine-toothed lice comb to remove them can help to prevent the eggs from hatching and the lice from spreading.

To inspect the hair for lice and nits, use a bright light and a magnifying glass if necessary to see them clearly. Look for small, brownish-gray insects that move quickly and can be hard to spot, as well as tiny, yellowish-white nits attached to individual hairs near the scalp.

To comb out lice and nits, start by washing the hair and applying a specialized lice treatment shampoo according to the instructions. Then, use a fine-toothed lice comb to carefully comb through the hair, working in sections from the roots to the ends. Wipe the comb on a tissue or paper towel after each pass to remove any lice or nits. Repeat this process every two to three days until all lice and nits are removed.

How to Get Rid of Lices by Specialized Lice Treatment Shampoo 

Using a specialized lice treatment shampoo or medicated shampoo is one of the most effective ways to remove lice from hair. These shampoos contain chemicals that are toxic to lice and can kill both the adult lice and their eggs (nits).

To use a lice treatment shampoo, start by reading and following the instructions carefully. Most shampoos require the hair to be wet, and the shampoo should be applied to the scalp and hair. The shampoo should be left on the hair for the recommended amount of time, typically 10-15 minutes, before being rinsed off thoroughly.

After using the shampoo, use a fine-toothed lice comb to carefully comb out any dead lice and nits. It's important to comb the hair from the roots to the ends, working in sections. Wipe the comb on a tissue or paper towel after each pass to remove any lice or nits.

How to Get Rid of Lices by Using Salt and Vinegar Solution

To use salt and vinegar to get rid of head lice, you can follow these steps:

• Mix equal parts of salt and vinegar to create a solution.

• Apply the solution to your scalp and hair, making sure to saturate the hair completely.

• Cover your hair with a shower cap or plastic wrap, and leave the solution on for at least two hours.
• After the two hours have passed, rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water.

• Use a fine-toothed lice comb to comb through your hair, removing any dead lice and nits.

• Repeat this process every three days for at least two weeks to ensure that all lice and nits have been eliminated.

It's important to note that while salt and vinegar may help to suffocate or repel lice, they may not be effective in killing all lice and nits. It's also important to be cautious when using vinegar, as it can cause skin irritation and may be uncomfortable if it gets into your eyes.

How to Get Rid of Lices by Using Neem Oil

Neem oil is a natural oil that is derived from the neem tree. It has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for its antibacterial, antifungal, and insecticidal properties. Neem oil may be effective in treating head lice because it can suffocate and kill the lice, as well as disrupt their reproductive cycle.

To use neem oil for removing lice, you can follow these steps:

• Mix neem oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut or olive oil. The ratio should be 1:10, with one part neem oil to 10 parts carrier oil.

• Apply the mixture to the hair and scalp, making sure to cover all areas.

• Cover the hair with a shower cap or plastic wrap, and leave the mixture on for several hours.

• Use a fine-toothed lice comb to comb through the hair, removing any dead lice and nits.

• Wash the hair thoroughly with shampoo and warm water.

• Repeat the treatment every three to four days for at least two weeks to ensure that all lice and nits have been eliminated.

How to Get Rid of Lices by Using Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is a natural oil that has been used for its antifungal, antibacterial, and insecticidal properties. It is believed to be effective in treating head lice because it can suffocate and kill the lice, as well as disrupt their reproductive cycle.

To use tea tree oil for removing lice, you can follow these steps:

• Several drops of tea tree oil should be combined with a carrier oil, like coconut or olive oil. The ratio should be 1:10, with one part tea tree oil to 10 parts carrier oil.

• Apply the mixture to the hair and scalp, making sure to cover all areas.

• Cover the hair with a shower cap or plastic wrap, and leave the mixture on for at least two hours.

• Use a fine-toothed lice comb to comb through the hair, removing any dead lice and nits.

• Wash the hair thoroughly with shampoo and warm water.

• Repeat the treatment every three to four days for at least two weeks to ensure that all lice and nits have been eliminated.

How to Get Rid of Lices by Using Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise is one home remedy that some people use to try to get rid of head lice. Here's how to do it:

• Apply a thick layer of mayonnaise to your hair and scalp. Make sure your hair is completely covered, from the roots to the ends.

• Put a shower cap or piece of plastic wrap over your head. This will help to keep the mayonnaise in place and prevent it from dripping onto your clothes or furniture.

• Leave the mayonnaise in your hair for at least 8 hours, or overnight if possible. This will suffocate the lice and kill them.

• After the allotted time, use a fine-toothed comb to comb through your hair, removing the dead lice and any remaining nits (lice eggs).

• Shampoo your hair to remove the mayonnaise and any remaining lice or nits.

How to Get Rid of Lices by Washing Bedding and Clothing Regularly

Washing bedding and clothing regularly is an important step in preventing and treating lice infestations. Lice can survive for up to two days on clothing, bedding, and other fabrics, so washing these items in hot water can help to kill any lice or nits that may be present.

To wash bedding and clothing, use hot water and a high-heat dryer cycle to ensure that all lice and nits are killed. If an item cannot be washed, such as a stuffed animal or pillow, it can be placed in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks to suffocate any lice or nits that may be present.

It's important to wash all clothing, bedding, and other items that may have come into contact with lice or nits, including towels, hats, scarves, and hair accessories. This can help to prevent re-infestation and ensure that all lice and nits are eliminated from the environment.