How to Remove Head Louse Nits

Lice shampoos are effective at killing adult lice, though ineffective at removing nits. The use of a nit comb is an effective way to combat this problem. The process is time-consuming, but if done correctly it can prevent reinfestation. Finding the right nit comb is important, so purchase only combs stated for lice use. These combs have metal teeth situated close together, which prevents lice from escaping while pulling through the hair.

Things You'll Need

• Towel
• Conditioner
• Hair clips
• Nit comb
• Dish soap
• Water
• Bowl
• Paper towel
• Light

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Instructions

• 1

  Wrap a towel around your shoulders. Wet your hair and apply a quarter-size amount of conditioner through your hair. The conditioner eases the comb through your hair without tangling.

• 2

  Keep hair separated.

  Part your hair. Use hair clips to section off hair that is not being worked on. Work the nit comb through your hair. Separate your hair into a section that is no wider than the width of your comb, as suggested by the University of Nebraska.

• 3

  Spot nits, which look like puffs of rice, and place them on a paper towel. Dip your comb into a bowl of soapy water.

• 4

  Ensure cleanliness of your comb, then reapply it to the section of hair you're working on.

• 5

  Rinse off.

  Pull the nit comb through your hair continuously, until that section of hair is removed of nits. Clip the clean section of hair onto your scalp. Wash your hair once you've completed combing. Flush the dead nits.