How to End Recurring Infestation of Head Lice

Head lice are tiny, wingless insects that need human skin and blood to survive. They lay their eggs or nits on individual hair strands. Lice is extremely contagious, especially among children. It can also be very difficult to treat, as nits are very tiny and adhere to the hair. Due to the cyclical nature of new eggs being laid, nit removal is crucial. If nit removal is not 100 percent, infestations will recur over and over.

Things You'll Need

• Lice shampoo Lice comb Cup of water

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Instructions

Getting Rid of Lice

• 1

  To determine if lice is present, be sure to do a thorough head check. You may not see any lice, so you will need to look closely for the nits. These tiny, tan dots adhere to individual hair strands and are often difficult to see. Separate hair into small sections. Look closely behind the ears and neck, as these are hot spots for egg laying.

• 2

  Once you have determined that lice is present, shampoo with a lice shampoo. There are both chemical and natural based shampoos available. Follow directions for whatever shampoo you decide upon.

• 3

  A thorough comb through is the most crucial step in ending lice infestation. Comb small sections of wet hair with a lice comb or a comb whose teeth are very close together. After each stroke, rinse the comb off in a cup of water. If you have lice, you will see small, brown dots floating in the water, these are the nits. It is important to comb through twice a day, and to continue combing for at least a week following the outbreak to assure the nits are gone. You will know that your lice is gone once your cup is completely clear after a comb through.

• 4

  If you find that you can not successfully remove all the nits on your own, and that infestations continue to recur, try one of the many companies that will come to your home and remove the nits for you.