Lice are tiny parasitic insects that take up residence in human hair and suck blood from the scalp. KidsHealth states that it is more common to see lice eggs, called nits, than the insects themselves. Lice lay nits close to the scalp, and the nits, which look a bit like dandruff, hatch in one to two weeks. It is important to get rid of head lice immediately, as they are highly transmissible and scratching the bites can cause bacterial infection. There are both herbal and chemical shampoos to destroy lice.
Step 1
Read the label to determine whether your lice treatment shampoo should be used on wet or dry hair. If the product is for dry hair, try combing the nits out first with a fine-toothed lice treatment comb.
Step 2
Lather the shampoo on your head, keeping it out of your eyes.
Step 3
Leave the shampoo on your head for 10 minutes or the length of time indicated on the package directions.
Step 4
Rinse the shampoo thoroughly from your hair with hot water and allow your hair to air dry.
Step 5
Comb through the hair with a lice treatment comb, which is often included in the box with the shampoo. Remove all the nits you see.
Step 6
Repeat the lice shampoo treatment in seven to 10 days if you still see signs of lice infestation.
Things You'll Need
- Fine-toothed lice treatment comb
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