Head lice are tiny parasites that thrive on the scalp and feed on human blood, causing itchiness and discomfort. They are commonly spread through direct head-to-head contact or indirect contact through combs, hair accessories, or even clothes.
Most likely, the head lice will remain on the back of your neck, your head, and next to your ears. As a result, these parts of your head may be where you mostly experience itching. Excessive scratching can cause a tear in the scalp of your head and may develop sores.
The main goals of natural lice treatments are to remove lice and nits or to suffocate the lice forcibly. While over-the-counter treatments are available, some prefer a natural alternative to eliminate head lice.
Home Remedy Guide
Natural remedies for head lice can be effective, especially if you follow instructions consistently. Together with the use of a fine-tooth comb, you are one step closer to eliminating head lice. Here’s a list of natural alternatives for head lice infestation.
1. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is renowned for its antimicrobial properties and has been used for centuries to treat various skin conditions. It is also a potent natural lice repellent.
To use tea tree oil, dilute a few drops in a carrier oil like coconut oil and apply it to the scalp. Before washing it off, let it sit for a few hours or overnight. Repeat the process as needed to eliminate head lice.
This specially formulated shampoo can be used like a regular shampoo. Squeeze out a normal amount of shampoo onto your palm and let lather. Massage onto the scalp and hair, and leave for 2 minutes. After 2 minutes, rinse thoroughly. With the use of this shampoo, you can use the wet combing method with a fine-toothed comb.
2. Neem Oil
Neem oil is derived from the neem tree. This is also another effective natural remedy for head lice. It contains azadirachtin, a compound that disrupts the life cycle of lice and prevents reproduction.
Apply neem oil to the scalp and leave it on for a few hours. Then, comb through the hair to remove dead lice and nits. Do this once a week for maintenance until fully removing all head lice.
3. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a popular natural remedy for head lice as it helps suffocate the lice and makes it easier to comb them out. According to a Brazilian study, up to 80% of lice were dead after four hours of coconut oil application.
Apply generous coconut oil to the scalp and hair, ensuring complete coverage. Leave it on overnight and comb through the hair in the morning to remove lice and nits. Regularly do this procedure until the infestation is gone.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Vinegar is a versatile ingredient that can be used to remove head lice. Its acidic nature helps loosen the glue-like substance lice use to attach their eggs to the hair shafts.
Combine equal parts vinegar and water and massage on the scalp. Leave it to soak for an hour, then comb through the hair to remove the dead lice and nits. Follow up with a regular shampoo.
5. Salt
Salt can be used to dehydrate lice eggs and prevent them from hatching. Grind salt into a fine powder and sprinkle it on the scalp. Massage the salt gently and leave it on for a few hours. Afterward, wash the hair thoroughly and comb out any remaining lice and nits.
6. Essential Oils Blend
Several essential oils possess insecticidal properties that can help eliminate head lice. Some commonly used essential oils include lavender, eucalyptus, and peppermint. Mix a few drops of your chosen essential oil with a carrier oil and massage it into the scalp. Leave it on for a few hours before washing the hair.
Defeating Head Lice Naturally
Preventing reinfestation is important to maintaining a lice-free environment. Discourage sharing personal items like combs, hats, and other hair accessories. Teach children not to engage in direct head-to-head contact during play or while taking photos.
Clothes and bedding may have nits due to falling off your head. Run your clothes in a hot wash, and throw them in the dryer immediately to reduce the risk of head lice outbreaks.
These are just a few things to do if your kid has head lice. While it may be harmless, it is still best to maintain a lice-free environment for you and your family.
When to Seek Medicated Treatment
If your child has head lice that won’t seem to go away, the use of a medicated lice treatment kit is recommended. The medicated lice treatment kit has all the things you need for head lice treatment. A kit contains medicated foam, a topical solution, and a metal fine-toothed comb for effective lice and nits removal. Read the instructions carefully, and use as directed.
Alternatively, you can try head lice shampoo. Head lice shampoo is specially formulated to treat and prevent reinfestation of lice. This kind of shampoo gives protection to the hair while gently cleaning and nourishing the scalp and hair.
This specially formulated shampoo can be used like a regular shampoo. Squeeze out a normal amount of shampoo onto your palm and let lather. Massage onto the scalp and hair, and leave for 2 minutes. After 2 minutes, rinse thoroughly. With the use of this shampoo, you can use the wet combing method with a fine-toothed comb.
