Head lice is an extremely common problem, especially in children between ages 3 and 12. Most treatment options are chemically based. If you prefer to go the all-natural route, products in your home such as petroleum jelly and mayonnaise may be just as effective. If you find they aren't effective, seek the advice of your doctor.
Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise smothers lice and the developed eggs. However, it's also toxic when not refrigerated, so don't leave it on your child's head overnight. According to lacetoleather.com, use mayonnaise and not salad dressing. It's also more effective when used straight from the shelf at room temperature, rather than out of your refrigerator. Apply it generously over your child's head, making sure to cover behind her ears and neck. Cover her head with a shower cap for approximately two hours before washing out the mayonnaise, which may require more than one shampooing.
Petroleum Jelly (Vaseline)
Petroleum jelly can suffocate the lice and eggs. Begin by applying the petroleum jelly just as you would the mayonnaise. Proceed with the shower cap, securing it with a twist tie. Unlike the mayonnaise, you can leave this treatment on overnight because petroleum jelly is not toxic. However, it's more difficult to wash out of the hair. To make it easier, generously apply baby oil to your child's hair first and then wash with dish soap. Certain brands are better with grease.
After washing her hair at least three times with dish soap, use your regular shampoo. This may require another two to three washes. According to fatfreekitchen.com, rubbing a handful of corn flour or plain flour into your child's hair before washing may help remove the petroleum jelly.
Natural Oils
You can make your own solution using natural and essential oils. Start with a small amount of your own shampoo and add to it 5 tsp. Pure Olive Carrier Oil, followed by five drops each of Rosemary Essential oil, Peppermint Essential Oil, Tea Tree Essential Oil, Lavender Essential Oil and Eucalyptus Essential Oil. Apply this mixture as you would the mayonnaise or petroleum jelly, followed again by the shower cap. Leave it on for one hour before rinsing and washing. You'll find this mixture washes easier and that your child's hair will comb through easily.
Vinegar
Nits are the eggs that are preparing to hatch, so it's of utmost importance to tackle these next. After shampooing your child's hair, rinse it with vinegar to help loosen the grip the nits have on the hair shafts.
Once rinsed thoroughly, use a nit comb to comb through your child's hair. This removes the nits and prevents them from hatching. These combs can be bought from a pharmacy. In some cases, a flea comb is just as effective, if not more so. Check your child's hair each day to ensure all nits are gone. If any are left behind, they can re-hatch and the process will begin again.
Preventing Re-Infestation Natually
Treating your child's hair is only part of the battle; you must treat your home as well. Begin by checking everyone's hair who lives in the house and treat accordingly. Then move on to bedding, linen and clothing. KidsHealth.org recommends a washing temperature of 130 degrees F, followed by a cycle in the dryer on the highest heat setting.
Soak all of your hair brushes, combs and hair ties in rubbing alcohol or hot water for one hour. Your furniture can be vacuumed to absorb any eggs or lice that may have fallen, and finally, package all stuffed animals that cannot be washed into an air-tight plastic bag for two weeks.
