a) Comb:
When nits appear within 1 centimeter of the scalp, physically remove with a fine-toothed comb.
b) 30 Minutes in Hot Cycle:
Any clothing that a child has come in contact with since one week before nits have appeared needs to be washed for 30 minutes on the hot cycle. This suggestion also includes hats, scarves, coats, and sports uniforms.
c) Wash Bedding:
Don’t forget to wash all bedding (including sheets, blankets, pillows, pillowcases, comforter, and mattress cover). It is suggested to wash in hot water, dry on the hottest setting, and place in a sealed plastic bag (for an extra precaution) to rid bedding of nits.
d) Plastic Bags:
Clothing, towels, and other everyday items can cause reinfestation of nits if not properly addressed. If you cannot wash an item in hot water, it is necessary to store in plastic bags for up to two weeks[2]. Typical items include stuffed animals, throw pillows, barrettes, ponytail holders, hair ribbons, helmets, and necklaces.
e) Vacuum:
Use a vacuum cleaner to remove nits from mattresses, couches, chairs, rugs and floors, car seats, and car floor mats. Don’t forget to immediately dispose of the vacuum bag afterwards.
f) Vinegar:
Nits come with their own “cement,” which allows them to attach to the hair shaft. The properties found in distilled white vinegar can be used to loosen this substance to make it easier to remove nits. After shampooing, rinse the hair and scalp with vinegar. Use hot water to rinse out the vinegar.
g) Hair Straightening Comb or Iron:
The heat from a straightening tool, such as a comb or flat iron, is a chemical-free home remedy for removing nits. Not only does the intense heat kill eggs, but also eradicates head lice.
h) Coconut Scented Shampoo:
If you have only detected nits in the hair, but see no live lice, it is possible to overcome a greater problem by simply washing the hair with shampoo and removing nits using the specialized nit comb. Some people swear that coconut-scented shampoo is more effective because many pests, including lice, are not too fond of the smell.
i) Dry Hair Check:
It is better to detect nits under good lighting and when the hair is dry. The small size of the nits generally makes detection a challenging task. However, the lice eggs are also shiny when viewed at a certain angle[3]. When checking the hair, go over very small sections at a time. Take your time as you investigate the edges of the hair, at the neck, and behind the ears.
j) Your Fingernails:
Although small, it is possible to pull off nits using your fingernails.
k) Scissors:
When possible, some people will cut small sections of an individual hair to remove a nit.
When nits appear within 1 centimeter of the scalp, physically remove with a fine-toothed comb.
b) 30 Minutes in Hot Cycle:
Any clothing that a child has come in contact with since one week before nits have appeared needs to be washed for 30 minutes on the hot cycle. This suggestion also includes hats, scarves, coats, and sports uniforms.
c) Wash Bedding:
Don’t forget to wash all bedding (including sheets, blankets, pillows, pillowcases, comforter, and mattress cover). It is suggested to wash in hot water, dry on the hottest setting, and place in a sealed plastic bag (for an extra precaution) to rid bedding of nits.
d) Plastic Bags:
Clothing, towels, and other everyday items can cause reinfestation of nits if not properly addressed. If you cannot wash an item in hot water, it is necessary to store in plastic bags for up to two weeks[2]. Typical items include stuffed animals, throw pillows, barrettes, ponytail holders, hair ribbons, helmets, and necklaces.
e) Vacuum:
Use a vacuum cleaner to remove nits from mattresses, couches, chairs, rugs and floors, car seats, and car floor mats. Don’t forget to immediately dispose of the vacuum bag afterwards.
f) Vinegar:
Nits come with their own “cement,” which allows them to attach to the hair shaft. The properties found in distilled white vinegar can be used to loosen this substance to make it easier to remove nits. After shampooing, rinse the hair and scalp with vinegar. Use hot water to rinse out the vinegar.
g) Hair Straightening Comb or Iron:
The heat from a straightening tool, such as a comb or flat iron, is a chemical-free home remedy for removing nits. Not only does the intense heat kill eggs, but also eradicates head lice.
h) Coconut Scented Shampoo:
If you have only detected nits in the hair, but see no live lice, it is possible to overcome a greater problem by simply washing the hair with shampoo and removing nits using the specialized nit comb. Some people swear that coconut-scented shampoo is more effective because many pests, including lice, are not too fond of the smell.
i) Dry Hair Check:
It is better to detect nits under good lighting and when the hair is dry. The small size of the nits generally makes detection a challenging task. However, the lice eggs are also shiny when viewed at a certain angle[3]. When checking the hair, go over very small sections at a time. Take your time as you investigate the edges of the hair, at the neck, and behind the ears.
j) Your Fingernails:
Although small, it is possible to pull off nits using your fingernails.
k) Scissors:
When possible, some people will cut small sections of an individual hair to remove a nit.
