Remove Lice from Hair Permanently: Best Remedies for Complete Removal

Regardless of age or hygiene, lice infestations can be an unpleasant and frustrating experience for anyone. These small persistent parasites are a frequent problem in homes communities and schools because they can spread swiftly through close contact. Although there are many ways to remove lice from hair, people with regular infestations frequently want to find a permanent solution. To help you get rid of lice, this article explores effective natural and home remedies, over-the-counter lice treatments, and prevention strategies so that your hair and scalp stay healthy and parasite-free.

13 Best Treatments to Remove Lice from Your Hair

Natural and Home Remedies

Natural remedies are better because they are gentle on the scalp, nontoxic, and can be used multiple times without harming. Also, natural remedies are more affordable and are available in most households.

1. Coconut Oil Treatment

Coconut oil is a multipurpose natural ingredient known for its moisturizing and antimicrobial properties. It’s also a good tool in fighting lice.

How It Works

• Suffocation: Coconut oil covers the lice and nits, deprives them of oxygen and they will suffocate.
• Lubrication: The oil makes it difficult for lice to grip onto the hair shaft, making it easier to comb out.
• Antimicrobial Properties: Coconut oil has lauric acid which has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help prevent secondary infection from lice bites.

How to Apply

1. Wash Your Hair: Start by washing your hair with a gentle shampoo to remove any dirt or product build up.
2. Apply Coconut Oil: Once your hair is dry, apply a generous amount of coconut oil to your scalp and hair. Use a tooth comb to spread the oil evenly and focus on the areas around the ears and back of the neck where lice tend to congregate.
3. Cover Your Hair: Cover your hair with a shower cap or a towel to keep the oil in place. This will also prevent the oil from dripping onto your clothes or bedding.
4. Leave It On: Leave the coconut oil in your hair for at least 8 hours or overnight if possible. This will ensure the lice and nits are well coated and suffocated.
5. Comb Out the Lice: After the treatment, use a lice comb to comb through your hair starting from the roots and moving down to the ends. This will remove the dead lice and nits.
6. Wash Your Hair: Wash your hair with shampoo to remove the coconut oil. You may need to wash it a few times to get all the oil out.

Read More: The 7 Very Best Hair Serums

Frequency and Duration of Treatment

To remove lice permanently you need to follow a consistent treatment plan.

• Follow Up Treatments: Repeat the treatment every 3-4 days for at least 2 weeks. This is important because lice eggs can take 7-10 days to hatch and you need to catch any newly hatched lice before they can lay more eggs.
• Final Check: After 2 weeks do a final comb out to check if all lice and nits are gone.

Read More: 15 Best Home Remedies for Dandruff to Get Rid of Flakes Naturally

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

One easy and natural way to get rid of lice is the apple cider vinegar rinse. This method soothes your scalp and gets rid of lice and nits.

Benefits and Effectiveness of Apple Cider Vinegar

• Breaks Down Nits: ACV dissolves the nit glue so lice can’t attach to hair shafts.
• Kills Lice: Dehydrates and suffocates lice.
• Soothes Itching: Anti-inflammatory properties soothes itching and irritation.
• Balances pH: Balances scalp pH so lice can’t live there.

How to Prepare and Use the Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse

Gather Your Stuff:

• 1 cup of apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup of water
• Fine-tooth comb
• Shower cap
• Towel

Mix: Combine 1 cup of apple cider vinegar with 1 cup of water in a bowl or container. This dilution will reduce the acidity and prevent skin irritation.

Apply: After shampooing your hair, pour the apple cider vinegar solution over your scalp and hair. Make sure to saturate your hair especially the root area where lice lay their eggs.

Comb Through: Use fine-tooth comb to comb through your hair starting from the roots and down to the tips. This will remove any loose lice and nits.

Cover: Put on a shower cap to keep the solution in place. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes or overnight for better results.

Rinse: Remove the shower cap and rinse your hair with cold water. Don’t use hot water as it will make the vinegar smell more obvious.

Shampoo and Condition: Shampoo your hair as usual to remove any vinegar residue. Follow with conditioner to keep your hair moisturized and manageable.

Read More: Stop Hair Fall & Hair Thinning: Best Proven Tips for Healthy Hair

3. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil from the Melaleuca alternifolia tree has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s great for skin and hair conditions including lice infestations. Tea tree oil can suffocate lice and make it hard for them to lay eggs which can lead to a permanent solution if used correctly.

How to Use Tea Tree Oil Shampoo

Choose the Right Shampoo

• Look for a shampoo with at least 1% tea tree oil. This concentration is effective for lice treatment without being too harsh on your scalp.
• If you can’t find a commercial tea tree oil shampoo, you can make your own by adding 5-6 drops of tea tree oil to your regular shampoo.

Prepare for the Treatment

• Wash your hair with the tea tree oil shampoo as you would with any regular shampoo.
• Massage the shampoo into your scalp and hair, and make sure it covers all areas where lice and nits (lice eggs) might be present.

Leave It On

• Leave the shampoo on your hair for at least 10 minutes. This gives the tea tree oil time to work.
• For best results, you can leave it on for up to 30 minutes.

Rinse and Comb

• Rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water to remove the shampoo.
• Use a fine-toothed comb to remove any dead lice and nits. This step is crucial to prevent reinfestation.

Repeat the Process

• Use the tea tree oil shampoo daily for the first week to make sure all lice and nits are gone.
• After the first week, you can reduce the frequency to every other day until you’re sure the infestation is gone.

Precautions and Side Effects

• Patch Test: Before using tea tree oil shampoo on your entire scalp, do a patch test on a small area of your skin to check for any allergic reactions. Apply a small amount of the oil to your wrist and wait a few hours to see if any redness or irritation occurs.
• Dilution: Always dilute tea tree oil if you’re making your own shampoo. Pure tea tree oil can be too strong and may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.
• Children: Use caution when applying tea tree oil on children. Their skin is more sensitive and may be more prone to irritation. Always dilute the oil and do a patch test before use.
• Sun Sensitivity: Tea tree oil can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Avoid direct sun for at least a few hours after shampooing.
• Consult a Doctor: If you have sensitive skin or allergies, consult a dermatologist before using tea tree oil products.

Read More: Best Hair Growth Tips to Grow Long Hair Fast

4. Lemon Juice and Olive Oil Combination Treatment

This treatment uses the natural properties of both to kill lice and prevent future infestations.

Why Lemon Juice and Olive Oil

Lemon Juice

• Acidity: Lemon juice has high acidity that will suffocate and kill lice.
• Antiseptic: The citric acid in lemon juice is a natural antiseptic to prevent secondary infections.

Olive Oil

• Suffocation: Olive oil coats the lice and their eggs (nits) and suffocates them and prevent them from laying more eggs.
• Moisturizing: Olive oil moisturizes the scalp and reduces irritation and itching.

Combination Method and Steps

Gather Your Stuff

• Fresh lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Fine tooth comb
• Shower cap
• Warm water
• Washcloth
• Shampoo

Prepare the Lemon Juice

• Squeeze 2-3 lemons into a bowl.
• If you don’t have fresh lemons, you can use bottled lemon juice but fresh is better for potency.

Apply the Lemon Juice

• Before applying, comb through your hair to remove tangles.
• Pour the lemon juice over your hair, focus on the roots and scalp where lice are most likely to be found.
• Massage the lemon juice into your scalp and hair thoroughly, make sure it reaches every strand.

Add Olive Oil

• After the lemon juice has been applied, pour olive oil over your hair.
• Massage the olive oil into your hair again, focus on the scalp and roots. The combination of lemon juice and olive oil will be a treatment that kills lice and soothes your scalp.

Cover Your Hair:

• Once applied, cover your hair with a shower cap.
• Leave the treatment on for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best results.

Shampoo and Rinse:

• After the treatment time is up, remove the shower cap.
• Shampoo your hair with a gentle shampoo to remove the lemon juice and olive oil.
• Rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water until clean.

Comb Out Lice and Nits:

• Wet a fine tooth comb and comb through your hair section by section to remove dead lice and nits.
• Start from the roots and work your way down to the ends, make sure to remove all debris.
• Rinse the comb with warm water after each section to prevent re-infestation.

Repeat as Needed:

• This treatment can be repeated every few days until all lice and nits are gone.
• Continue to check for lice regularly to make sure the infestation is completely gone.

Read More: Natural Conditioner for Hair: 11 Best DIY Recipes for Healthy Locks

Over-the-counter (OTC) Treatments

5. Pyrethrin Shampoos

Pyrethrins are natural extracts from chrysanthemum flowers and are found in many over-the-counter lice treatments. They work on live lice but not nits (lice eggs).

1. Apply: Apply to dry hair. Follow the instructions on the package which usually say to leave it on for 10 minutes.
2. Rinse: Rinse out with water.
3. Comb: Use a fine tooth comb to remove dead lice and nits. Since pyrethrins don’t kill eggs you must do this step.
4. Follow-up: Repeat 7-10 days to catch any newly hatched lice.
5. Precautions: Pyrethrin shampoos should not be used on individuals with known allergies to chrysanthemums or ragweed. Not to be used on children under 2 years old without a healthcare provider.

Read More: Top 16 Best Foods for Hair Growth That Nourish Your Strands

6. Permethrin Lotions

Permethrin is a synthetic version of pyrethrin and another over the counter lice treatment. It’s more effective at killing both live lice and nits.

1. Application: Apply to dry hair, and cover the entire scalp and hair. Leave it on for 10 minutes.
2. Rinse: Rinse out with water.
3. Comb: Use a fine tooth comb to remove dead lice and nits. This step is still important even though permethrin is more effective at killing nits.
4. Follow Up: Repeat in 7-10 days if live lice are still present. This will catch any surviving nits or newly hatched lice.
5. Precautions: Permethrin lotions should not be used on children under 2 months old.

7. Lice Combs

One of the most reliable methods for eliminating lice is the use of lice combs. Lice combs are key to the fight against head lice. They are designed to remove lice and their eggs (nits) from your hair.

Types of Lice Combs

There are several types of lice combs out there, each with its own features and benefits. Knowing the options will help you choose the right comb for you which makes the process more effective and efficient.

Metal-Toothed Lice Combs

• These are the most popular choice because they’re durable and effective. The teeth are close together so they can catch even the smallest lice and nits (lice eggs).
• Good for people with thicker hair since the metal teeth can glide through knots easier than plastic version.

Plastic Lice Combs

• Lightweight and cheap these combs work well for shorter or thinner hair but are less durable.
• Use as a backup or for maintenance after initial lice removal.

Electric Lice Combs

• These high tech combs use mild electric currents to kill lice on contact. Great for aggressive removal when manual combing isn’t enough.
• But pricier and not recommended for very young children due to electric nature.

How to Use Lice Combs Effectively

Consistency and a methodical approach is key to permanent lice removal. Here’s how to use a lice comb effectively:

1. Wash the hair with regular shampoo and towel dry until damp. Apply generous amount of conditioner so the comb can glide easier.
2. Divide the hair into small sections. This will help you focus on one area at a time and not miss any strand.
3. Start combing from the roots to the tips as lice lay their eggs close to the scalp.
4. After every stroke wipe the comb with a tissue or rinse in warm, soapy water to remove trapped lice or nits.
5. Repeat this process for all sections of the hair. Be patient and thorough – it can take time.

Read More: Top 14 Tips for Glowing Skin: Get Radiant Complexion Naturally

8. Lice Repellent Sprays

These sprays can keep lice at bay and reduce the likelihood of future outbreaks.

Active Ingredients in Lice Repellent Sprays

Lice-repellent sprays contain natural and synthetic ingredients that repel lice and make the hair less appealing to them. Some of the common active ingredients include:

• Essential Oils: Essential oils like tea tree, eucalyptus, lavender, and neem are known for their insect-repellent properties. These oils create an environment that lice don’t like and are less likely to cling to.
• Silicones: Silicone based ingredients coat the hair shaft making it slippery and hard for lice to grab onto. This can also suffocate lice that are already present.
• Pyrethrin and Permethrin: These are synthetic compounds derived from chrysanthemum flowers. They are neurotoxins that kill lice on contact. But due to their potency they are often used in treatment products rather than repellents.
• Dimethicone: This is a type of silicone that is less likely to irritate the skin and is commonly used in lice repellent sprays. It works by coating the hair and making it hard for lice to attach.
• Citronella and Rosemary Oil: These oils have a strong scent that repels lice from the hair. They’re often combined with other essential oils for extra effectiveness.

How to Use

1. Daily Use: For maximum protection apply the repellent spray every day especially before school or other activities where you will be in close contact with others.
2. Even Coverage: Spray the product all over the hair, focusing on the roots and the back of the neck where lice lay eggs (nits). Make sure to spray all over the hair including the ends.
3. Comb Through: After spraying, use a fine tooth comb to distribute it evenly. This also helps to remove any nits or lice that might be present.
4. Don’t Wash Immediately: Let the spray sit on the hair for at least a hour before washing it out. Some products recommend leaving the spray on overnight for better results.
5. Reapply Regularly: Reapply the spray after swimming, sweating or washing your hair to maintain the repellent properties.

Prescription Treatments

9. Ivermectin

Ivermectin might be the answer if you’ve been looking for a permanent solution for lice.

How Ivermectin Works

Ivermectin is an antiparasitic medicine that paralyzes and kills lice. It disrupts the nervous system of these little buggers so they become immobile and can’t reproduce. This is why it’s so effective not only at killing adult lice but also their immature forms (nymphs). However Ivermectin doesn’t kill nits (lice eggs), so some manual removal may still be necessary.

What sets Ivermectin apart from other treatments is it works in cases where other methods (e.g. over-the-counter shampoos or combing) have failed. Whether you use the oral or topical form, this medicine can kill lice with minimal effort from you.

Dosage and Application Instructions

When using Ivermectin you need to follow the recommended dosage and application methods for best results.

A. Topical Ivermectin (Cream or Lotion)

How to Apply

• Wash your hair with regular shampoo and towel dry it.
• Apply a thin layer of the Ivermectin lotion to your scalp and hair making sure to cover all of it.
• Leave the product on for 10 minutes before rinsing it out.

Frequency

• One application is usually enough. A follow up treatment may not be necessary unless your doctor recommends it.
• Wash your hair with regular shampoo and towel dry it.

B. Oral Ivermectin

Dosage

• The oral dose is usually prescribed based on your body weight. A common dose is one or two pills with water.

When to Take It

• The oral version is usually a single dose but may require a repeat dose after 7–10 days if the infestation persists.

Important Note: This should be used under medical supervision, especially for children or people with certain health conditions.

10. Benzyl Alcohol Lotion

This prescription has been popular lately for its ability to treat lice infestations.

How It Works

Benzyl alcohol lotion works by suffocating lice. Unlike most lice treatments, benzyl alcohol creates a barrier on the scalp and hair that prevents lice from breathing.

Lice have spiracles, small openings on their body that allow them to breathe. When you apply benzyl alcohol lotion, it forms a film over these spiracles and prevents them from taking in oxygen. So the lice die within a few hours. This is considered safe and effective as it doesn’t rely on neurotoxins or other harmful chemicals.

Usage

Using benzyl alcohol lotion correctly is key to its effectiveness.

1. Preparation: Before applying the lotion, make sure the hair and scalp are clean and dry. Shampoo the hair but don’t use conditioner as it can interfere with the lotion’s effectiveness.
2. Application: Apply the lotion to the scalp and hair, make sure it’s evenly distributed. Use enough lotion to cover all areas of the scalp and hair, from roots to ends. The usual dose is 30 mL which is enough for most adults and children.
3. Duration: Leave the lotion on the hair for 10 minutes. During this time, the benzyl alcohol will suffocate the lice.
4. Rinsing: After 10 minutes, rinse the hair thoroughly with water. Use a fine-toothed comb to remove dead lice and nits (lice eggs).
5. Repeat Application: Repeat the treatment for 7 days to catch any newly hatched lice. Because benzyl alcohol lotion doesn’t kill lice eggs, a second application is needed to make sure all lice are gone.
6. Post-Treatment: After the second application, check the hair for lice and nits for a few weeks to make sure the infestation is gone. Use a nit comb and visual inspection to remove any remaining eggs.

11. Malathion Lotion

Malathion lotion is a prescription lice treatment. This medicated lotion contains malathion which kills lice and their eggs (nits) effectively. If over-the-counter treatments don’t work, this is a reliable way to get rid of lice completely.

How Malathion Lotion Works

Malathion works by paralyzing and killing lice and their eggs. Its dual action against live parasites and their offspring means fewer chance of reinfestation. While other treatments may require multiple cycles, Malathion lotion eliminates the hassle of multiple lice removal.

How to Apply Malathion Lotion

It’s simple but you must follow the steps carefully for maximum effect.

Prepare Your Hair

• Dry hair.
• Not recently washed as oils and residue free hair can help the lotion work better.

Apply the Lotion

• Pour enough Malathion lotion to cover your scalp and hair.
• Focus on areas behind the ears, neckline and crown of the head—these are where lice hide.

Massage and Leave It On

• Massage the lotion into your scalp and hair.
• Leave it on for the recommended time, 8-12 hours or overnight (as directed by your doctor).

Wash and Comb

• After the recommended time, wash your hair with shampoo and warm water.
• Use a fine toothed lice comb to remove dead lice and nits.

Repeat If Needed

• In some cases a second application may be needed after 7-9 days if you see new lice or eggs.

Safety Considerations

• Consult a Doctor: Always check with your doctor before using Malathion lotion. It’s prescription only for a reason, misuse can cause side effects.
• No Flames and Heat: Malathion lotion is flammable. Do not expose your hair to heat sources like hair dryers, straighteners or open flames while the lotion is on your hair.
• Use as Directed: Using too much lotion or leaving it on longer than recommended can irritate your scalp or skin. Follow the instructions carefully.
• Children and Pregnant Women: Check with your doctor if you’re treating a child under 6 years old or if you’re pregnant or nursing.

12. How to Get Rid of Lice from the Environment

To make sure lice are gone, it’s important to clean and sanitize the environment around you.

Cleaning and Sanitizing Bedding, Clothing and Furniture

• Wash and Dry: Wash all bedding, towels and clothing in hot water and dry on high heat.
• Dry Clean: Items that can’t be washed in hot water need to be dry cleaned.

Using Heat to Kill Lice and Nits

• Hot Water: Make sure the water used to wash items is at least 130°F.
• Hair Dryers: Use a hair dryer on high heat to treat combs, brushes and other hair accessories.
• Steam Cleaners: Consider using a steam cleaner on carpets and furniture to kill any remaining lice and nits.

Tips for Cleaning Combs and Brushes

• Boiling Water: Boil combs and brushes in hot water for 5-10 minutes.
• Soaking: Soak combs and brushes in rubbing alcohol or a lice-killing solution for at least 1 hour.
• Replace: If unsure about the above methods, consider replacing your combs and brushes.

13. Preventing Lice Infestations

With a few preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of an outbreak. Whether at home, school or in the community, staying proactive is key.

Personal Hygiene

Keeping your scalp and hair clean is key to preventing lice. Lice thrive in close contact with hair and don’t care if it’s clean or dirty hair, but good personal hygiene makes your scalp less appealing to them.

1. Wash and comb your hair regularly: Use a mild shampoo and a fine tooth comb to remove any debris or potential lice eggs (nits). Do this consistently to catch lice early before they spread.
2. Don’t share personal items: Combs, brushes, hats, hairbands and towels. Lice can transfer from one person to another through these shared items.

Get everyone in your household to do this to create a barrier against infestations.

Home Cleanliness

Lice don’t just live on your scalp; they can hitch a ride on furniture, bedding and surfaces. A clean home can remove any leftover lice or nits.

• Vacuum often: Pay attention to areas where heads rest, couches, headboards and carpets.
• Wash bedding and clothes: Use hot water to wash and dry bedding, pillowcases, and hats that come into contact with an infected person.
• Use lice repellent sprays: Treat shared spaces like couches or car seats with lice repellent products to minimize chance of lice finding a new host.

By keeping your home clean you make it hard for lice to survive and spread.

School and Community Awareness

Lice spread fast in places with close contact, classrooms, playgrounds or camps.

• Educate children about lice: Teach them not to share hats, combs, or other personal items and to keep personal space to minimize head-to-head contact.

Conclusion

Removing lice from your hair permanently is a multi-step process that requires patience and diligence. By identifying the problem early, choosing the right treatment, combing thoroughly, cleaning your environment, and taking preventive measures, you can effectively eliminate lice and enjoy a lice-free life. Remember, lice are a common issue and nothing to be embarrassed about. With the right approach, you can overcome this challenge and maintain healthy, lice-free hair.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

---

Read More

---