9 Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Head Lice

Written by Dayle Pereira17th Jul 2017
9 Home Remedies to Get Rid of Head Lice

If you ever thought frizzy locks and dull tresses were terrible hair problems to have, you definitely haven’t encountered head lice. It’s possibly the worst hair care worry that exists because lice infest the hair shaft, feast on the scalp and make one’s head unbearably itchy. However, with persistence and the right hair care treatment, you can do away with this nuisance.

 

How to get rid of lice

FAQs to get rid of head lice

If you are wondering how to get rid of lice, these effective home remedies will tell you everything you need to know.

FAQs to get rid of head lice

Out of all the essential oils, tea tree is the one that boasts anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties which fight lice and bacteria. Tea tree oil’s insecticidal properties help to kill both, lice and their eggs i.e. nits.

How to use:

  • To use it, apply a few drops of tea tree oil directly on the scalp and massage it in.
  • Then tie the hair tightly, leave it for 2 – 3 hours and wash it off with hot water.

 

How often to use: Repeat this weekly for a month.

FAQs to get rid of head lice

A potent combination of sodium chloride and acetic acid combats lice from hatching on the scalp. Both vinegar and salt have desiccating properties which strip the moisture from the hair and put an end to the lice and nits.

How to use:

  • To try it, mix ¼ cup of salt with ¼ cup of vinegar and store it in a spray bottle.
  • Spray this solution all over your scalp and hair length, let it dry for 2 hours and wash it off with warm water.

 

How often to use: Repeat this treatment thrice weekly for a month.

FAQs to get rid of head lice

Whoever knew a blow dryer could be used for a whole lot more than hair styling!

How to use:

  • To use it for lice removal, place your blow dryer close to your head and direct its nozzle at your scalp.
  • Switch it on the hottest setting and move it over your scalp.
  • The heat of the blow dryer zaps the lice and nits which reside in the hair shaft so make sure you brush your hair with a nit comb after.

FAQs to get rid of head lice

A sure way to kill lice is by suffocating them. However, the tricky guys can go without breathing for hours at a stretch so do this treatment overnight.

How to use:

  • Start by applying a thick layer of olive oil over your scalp and hair length.
  • Then tie your hair tightly and cover it with a shower cap when you sleep.
  • In the morning, use a nit comb to carefully brush your oiled hair from scalp to tip.
  • The overnight oiling suffocates the lice while the combing removes their debris from the scalp.

 

How often to use: Repeat weekly for a month to get rid of the lice and their nits.

FAQs to get rid of head lice

When lice attack, trust the power of anti-bacterial and antiseptic neem. Neem contains azadirachtin, an insecticide that prevents lice from breeding on the scalp—it’s the ideal home remedy to get rid of lice naturally!

How to use:

  • Boil a cup of neem leaves and blend its juice and leaves into a paste.
  • Apply this over your hair and leave it for 2 hours.
  • Then wash it off thoroughly with warm water.

 

How often to use: Use this remedy once every week.

FAQs to get rid of head lice

The potent combination of apple cider vinegar and coconut oil can also curb the spread of lice. The acidity of vinegar stops lice from breeding and thick, viscous coconut oil suffocates them.

How to use:

  • To try it, apply a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar all over your scalp and lengths.
  • Once it has dried, coat the hair with coconut oil.
  • Wear a shower cap over your head and leave the solution overnight.
  • In the morning, wash your hair thoroughly with warm water.

 

How often to use: Repeat this twice every week for a month.

FAQs to get rid of head lice

One of the most aromatic essential oils, lavender oil is a safe and effective method for lice treatment at home. A study has found that lice are less likely to feed on skin that has been treated with lavender or tea tree essential oil.

How to use:

  • Add a few drops of lavender oil to a carrier oil such as almond or coconut oil and massage it well on your scalp.
  • Let it sit for 20 minutes before washing your hair.

 

How often to use: Use this remedy once every week.

FAQs to get rid of head lice

This pungent kitchen favourite is an unusual remedy to get rid of nits and lice fast. It’s a must-try remedy as garlic is believed to suffocate and kill lice.

How to use:

  • To use garlic, grind 10 cloves of garlic and mix some lime juice with it.
  • Apply the paste on your scalp and let it sit for half an hour.
  • Wash your hair with warm water and use a comb to remove dead lice.

 

How often to use: Use it once a week.

FAQs to get rid of head lice

Everyone knows that onions are great for hair growth! You might have even used onion oil for longer tresses. However, did you know that the antibacterial and antifungal properties of onion are helpful for removing lice eggs from hair as well? Besides, it nourishes the hair and also aids in growth, so using it is even better!

How to use:

  • Make some onion juice at home by blending chopped onions in a mixer.
  • Apply the juice on your scalp evenly and leave it for about 3 to 4 hours.
  • Using a nit comb, remove the dead lice and nits and rinse the hair thoroughly with shampoo.

 

How often to use: Repeat this every 3-4 days for best results.

 

What to avoid to prevent lice

FAQs to get rid of head lice

When one family member has a lice infestation, it can be frustrating to deal with it since lice are difficult to get rid of. That’s why, you need to make sure that other family members don’t get the infestation.

  • Avoid sharing towels, combs, bedsheets, and pillows.
  • Avoid keeping your hair wet for a long time.
  • Avoid sharing hair accessories such as hair bands and scarves.
  • Don’t keep your hair dirty, wash it at least once a week.

 

FAQs to get rid of head lice

FAQs to get rid of head lice

Q. Can rubbing alcohol get rid of head lice?

A. No, rubbing alcohol on your head does not help you get rid of lice.

Q. How do you get rid of lice when you’ve tried everything?

A. If none of the home remedies work for you, you must see a skin doctor who can help you by prescribing topical treatment or oral medication.

Q. How do you know you have head lice?

A. Some of the most common symptoms of head lice include an itchy scalp and a mild feeling of something crawling on your head.

Q. How do you know lice is gone?

A. If you no longer have an itchy scalp, don’t have lice on your head, and see the number of nits decreasing, it’s a sign that your head is free of infestation.

Dayle Pereira

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Dayle Pereira has a penchant for personal style and pop culture while the interests of her heart belong solely to all things beauty and lifestyle.
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