How to Remove Nits

Nits, or lice eggs, stick to hair follicles and eventually grow into full-grown lice. Nit removal is necessary to stop a lice infestation. Various products exist that kill nits. Because it's impossible to tell if a nit is dead or alive, remove it after treatment. The nits are white. The lighter the hair, the more difficult seeing nits becomes. A fine-toothed or lice comb separates the strands of hair, making it easier to remove the nits. Nits can fall off the hair follicles and stick to furniture and other surfaces.

Things You'll Need

• Nit-killing shampoo
• Towels
• Fine-toothed comb or lice comb
• Paper towel
• Small bowl
• Washing machine
• Lice spray
• Trash bags

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Instructions

Hair

• 1

  Wash the hair with nit-killing shampoo. Use a shampoo that kills nits, larvae and full-grown lice. Depending on the brand of shampoo, you might need to leave it on the head for a certain amount of time before rinsing.

• 2

  Towel-dry the hair. Place the towel in the washing machine immediately. Do not set it on any surfaces.

• 3

  Wrap a clean, dry towel around the person's shoulders.

• 4

  Comb through the hair with the comb. Start at the scalp and move down. Wipe the comb off with a paper towel with each stroke to remove dead eggs and lice. Place the paper towel in a bowl.

• 5

  Comb through the hair daily. Use the shampoo as often as the product instructions state.

House

• 6

  Wash all linens, pillows, clothing and anything else that can go into the washing machine. Use hot water whenever possible.

• 7

  Vacuum all floors and rugs daily.

• 8

  Spray lice-killing spray onto furniture and other surfaces. Vacuum the surfaces 30 minutes after spraying.

• 9

  Place stuffed animals, hair pieces and other nonwashable items into plastic garbage bags. Tie the bags closed. Leave the items in the bag for four weeks. Remove the items and throw away the bag. Shake the items outside to remove any dead lice and nits.

• 10

  Throw away hair brushes and easy-to-replace hair accessories.