How to Remove Nits From Hair

Head lice is common among children of all ages. This is because it is highly contagious and easy to spread. When you have a case of head lice, you have more than just adult bugs living among your hair. You also have their eggs, which are called nits. These nits are tiny and attach to your hair shaft near your scalp. The nits are much harder to get rid of than the adult bugs.

Things You'll Need

• Nit comb
• Head lice shampoo or Ovide
• Vinegar
• Paper towels

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Instructions

• 1

  Kill the adult bugs. This must be done before you remove the nits, or the living adults will just lay more nits and you will be stuck in a never-ending cycle. You can use an over-the-counter head lice shampoo, or you can get the doctor to prescribe you Ovide.

• 2

  Sit your child in front of the sink and have her lay back her head.

• 3

  Pour vinegar in her hair until the hair is soaked with it. Have her keep the vinegar on her head for at least five minutes. The vinegar will loosen the nits from the hair shafts.

• 4

  Rinse out the vinegar. You can use a conditioner at this time if you want to get rid of the vinegar smell.

• 5

  Use a nit comb to remove the nits. You must work your way from the scalp all the way out through the tips. Each time you get to the end, wipe off the comb on a paper towel.

• 6

  Separate your daughter's hair if it is long. Use hair clips--not scrunchies--to do this, as the nits can live on the scrunchy and then hatch. Start at the back of the head and then work your way to the top.