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.
If you are wondering how to get rid of lice, these effective home remedies will tell you everything you need to know.
1. Tea tree oil
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.
2. Salt and vinegar
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.
3. Blow dry your hair
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.
4. Olive oil
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.
5. Neem
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.
6. Coconut oil and apple cider vinegar
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.
7. Lavender oil
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.
