Head lice and their eggs, also called nits, attach to the hair shaft close to the scalp, causing itching and redness. They are spread through direct and indirect contact such as with hats, pillows and brushes. Lice can live up to 48 hours without human blood to live on, making louse treatment spread beyond the head to inanimate objects that have come in contact with the head of an infected person. Instead of using pesticide shampoos, you can try home treatments to get rid of lice.
Step 1
Apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly or mayonnaise to your hair, massaging into the scalp. The amount of petroleum jelly or mayonnaise will depend on the length and thickness of your hair. This will coat the lice, clogging their breathing pores and suffocating them.
Step 2
Place a shower cap over treated hair. Make sure that all hair is tucked tightly underneath the cap and the the elastic rests at the hairline.
Step 3
Allow the petroleum jelly or mayonnaise to set in your hair for up to 8 hours. You may sleep while your hair is being treated; using hairpins to secure the shower cap will keep the cap from sliding off of your head during sleep and causing sheets and pillows to become stained by the petroleum jelly or mayonnaise.
Step 4
Wash the hair with dishwashing liquid. Dishwashing liquid contains ingredients to break down grease and oils, making it effective in removing petroleum jelly or mayonnaise. It may take a few latherings to completely remove these items.
Step 5
Section wet hair and comb with a metal nit comb. Start combing close to the scalp with the comb at a slight angle. Once you make a pass with the comb, rinse with hot water in order to free any trapped nits and avoid redistributing them into your hair.
Tips and Warnings
- White vinegar loosens the natural glue that holds nits to the hair shaft before combing.
Things You'll Need
- Petroleum jelly or mayonnaise
- Dish-washing liquid
- Shower cap
- Metal nit comb
Member Comments