Lice are tiny insects that typically live on and breed the scalp, eyebrows, and eyelashes and feed on blood. They spread via direct, person-to-person contact and can cause a lot of itching and discomfort. In some cases, they can also cause allergic reactions such as sores, tender lymph nodes, and red, swollen, or raw skin. That is why it is essential to take precautions to get rid of lice instantly.

1. Try wet combing
This is one of the oldest ways of getting rid of lice. While wet combing can be time-consuming, it is affordable and rather effective when done right.

Start by spraying some shampoo onto wet hair. Then, use a fine-toothed comb to pull small strands of hair from the root to the tip. The conditioner will cause the lice to slip, helping one remove them. A magnifying glass can also be used to improve the view and get a clearer picture of every strand of hair.

Depending on the growth stage, lice may appear in three different forms. The lice firmly attach to the hair during the nit (or egg) stage. They look quite similar to dandruff. That being said, a unique point of difference can be seen with a magnifying glass: nits are oval-shaped, while dandruff is flat. A nymph hatches out of the egg and is grayish-white in color. It goes through three stages before reaching adulthood. In the last stage, adult head lice appear tan and can easily be seen moving quickly across the scalp.

Keep ample time between sessions when trying the wet combing method for children. Allow them to take breaks and arrange for entertainment to prevent restlessness and keep them occupied.

2. Apply dimethicone
A common skincare ingredient, dimethicone can also remedy lice. It works by dehydrating and suffocating the lice, which eventually kills them. According to multiple studies, dimethicone can be a better remedy for lice than products that contain pesticides.

3. Use a base oil
Stunning or smothering the lice with a base oil, such as olive or almond oil, can be a useful way of slowing them down. Then, the combing method can be used to remove the lice easily.

Some recommend coating the comb with a base oil instead of the hair and reapplying the oil as needed, while others suggest massaging the scalp with oil and then combing. Individuals can try these methods to find what works best for them. In between swipes, rinse the comb in hot water to kill any eggs that may have collected on it.

After removing the lice, soak the comb in bleach or cleaning solution. Alternatively, one can soak the comb in white vinegar for 30 minutes to eliminate any lice, nymphs, or eggs.

Repeat this process every day for a week or until itching subsides. Monitor the scalp closely for the next few weeks to ensure there is no new lice growth.

4. Try a delousing shampoo
Delousing shampoos can easily be purchased at the store. These are what help kill lice instantly. That being said, it is important to understand that head lice shampoos do not kill nits, so it may be necessary to reapply the solution after a few days.

One must also check their scalp around 8–12 hours after the first application. This can be done by parting the hair in the middle. The parting in the hair will allow individuals to look directly at their scalp. Look in the mirror to see if lice or nits are in this area. Additionally, use a magnifying glass to spot lice easily.

Adult lice should not be actively moving around at this time. If the lice remains active on the head, consult a doctor for expert advice.

5. Shave the head
While this may feel like an extreme solution, shaving the head can be one of the quickest ways to get rid of head lice. Once the hair is gone, the lice no longer have a place to thrive.

It is important to note that this method is not foolproof. If any nits or lice are left behind in the hair or on one’s clothing, bedding, and other accessories, it can lead to a reinfestation quickly. Furthermore, it can be distressing for some people, particularly children. So, use this method only in dire circumstances or if the child already gets short haircuts.

Tips for lice treatment at home

1. Use heat
Lice and nits cannot handle exposure to temperatures over 130°F for over five minutes. When attempting to get rid of lice, make it a practice to wash any items or clothes, including jackets, quilts, pillowcases, and headbands, in hot water and dry them on high heat. One can also iron their clothes once washed to kill the lice and prevent them from spreading.

2. Seal and secure clothing
If the above-mentioned items cannot be washed immediately, place them in a plastic bag and seal it tightly for up to two weeks.

3. Clean the house
Vacuum the home regularly. Pay special attention to couches and rugs that may have any hair with active lice eggs attached. Additionally, regularly clean all the hair tools in hot, soapy water.

4. Avoid using certain products
Avoid using insecticide fogs or sprays, as they may contain toxic substances. Additionally, when it comes to hair care, avoid using hair conditioner, as it may not allow other remedies to stick to the hair properly, slowing down the lice removal process.