How to Get Rid of Nits in Human Hair

If your child is complaining of an itchy scalp, or you notice the child scratching their head more than usual, you should probably check their hair for nits. Nits are simply lice eggs. If there's any trace of nits, you can conclude that your child's hair is infected with lice, and you should begin the process of getting rid of both lice eggs and the lice themselves. The first and most important step is to remove the nits, before they hatch.

Things You'll Need

• Louse comb
• Pyrethrin with piperonyl butoxide shampoo
• Rubber gloves
• Two clean towels
• Clean clothing

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Instructions

• 1

  Purchase a shampoo that contains pyrethrin with piperonyl butoxide, and a louse comb, if one isn't included with your shampoo. The piperonyl butoxide and pyrethrin combination are the main ingredients in most commercial lice shampoos. To be certain that you are choosing an effective shampoo, refer to the ingredients located on the box, or the label of the shampoo. A lice comb is simply a comb with tiny grooved teeth, designed to crush and remove nits from the hair or follicle.

• 2

  Wear rubber gloves and apply a generous amount of shampoo, totally saturating the scalp and hair. The pesticides in the shampoo will kill both the eggs and the lice. This will make lice removal easier. Let the shampoo stand for exactly 10 minutes; unless stated otherwise in the instructions.

• 3

  Comb the scalp, during the ten minute period, with the louse comb. The louse comb will loosen any stubborn eggs from the hair follicles.

• 4

  Add warm water to work up a lather -- and rinse the hair -- until traces of the shampoo are no longer present. Dry the hair with a clean towel.

• 5

  Remove the gloves and wash your hands, to remove all medication.

• 6

  Wash the hair with normal shampoo and rinse. Dry the hair with a second clean towel, change to clean clothing and style as usual.