The Best Ways to Remove Nits

Head lice are tiny bugs that live in human hair and are irritating for the person carrying them. Lice spread easily, as they can jump from one head to another in close proximity. Once in a person's head they lays eggs, known as nits, and can multiply in numbers. It is a common condition amongst children as they interact in close quarters with other children at school. Unfortunately, getting rid of nits is different, and more difficult, than removing living lice.

Insecticides

• Insecticides are available to treat on a person's head in lotion, mousse and shampoo form. These products must be used exactly as instructed on the bottle. You are to be generous when applying, since too little used can leave eggs unharmed. It is also recommended to part the hair, apply a few drops and then repeat this for the rest of the head. Nits are harder to kill than the lice, so you have to repeat this treatment seven days later.

Silicon Products

• Silicon lotions and sprays are used to smother the lice to death on the hair. Again, make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions. This does not directly remove the eggs. It kills living lice when first used. You are then instructed to use it again seven days later. This will kill the lice that have recently hatched, stopping the creation of more nits.

Combing

• The most effective way of getting rid of nits is to wet the hair with an oily product or lice-killing shampoo and then go through it with a comb. Start the comb at the roots and pull through the hair. You must spend at least 30 minutes doing this and repeat the process every four days. It must be a close- or fine-tooth comb used and it should be of sound quality.

Enzyme Products

• Nits stay attached in the hair because of a glue-like substance that keeps them on the scalp. As a result, it can sometimes be tricky removing them with a comb. To loosen the glue, use an enzyme product on the hair, then comb through it all again.