Are you irritated from scratching your head? Do you feel ashamed because of the continuous scratching? Don’t worry, this article will solve your problem by guiding you some amazing home remedies for lice. These wingless parasites live on human blood and are found on your scalp and hair. Though lice are harmless, but they are contagious and can be very annoying. It is sometimes very difficult to get rid of lice as they develop very quickly. This infestation can happen to anyone but it is a common problem in school-age children.
Causes of Lice:
- Head to head contact.
- Sharing of comb and hats.
- You can get lice infestations from the playground.
Symptoms of Lice:
- Scratching
- Nits can be seen on your hair.
- Small red bumps appear due to scratching.
Home Remedies for Lice:
Contents
1. Petroleum Jelly for Lice:
The chemical composition of petroleum jelly will act as a suffocant for head lice. It will kill the adult lice by suffocating them.
Method:
- Apply a layer of petroleum jelly to the scalp. Make sure that every hair is covered with the layer.
- Cover your head with a towel.
- Leave it overnight.
- Apply baby oil to remove the petroleum jelly.
- Use a lice comb to remove the lice.
- Repeat this process daily for several weeks.
Note: It only kills adult lice and not the nits. Removing petroleum jelly from the hair could be a bit difficult.
2. Garlic to Get Rid of Lice:
This is among the best remedies for lice. The strong odour of garlic suffocates the lice and hence kills it.
Method 1:
- Take a bowl and add a paste of 8 to 10 garlic cloves.
- Add 3 teaspoons of lemon juice to it.
- Apply the paste on the scalp.
- Leave it for about 30 to 40 minutes.
- Wash your hair with hot water.
- Repeat the process several times a week.
Method 2:
- Take a bowl and add some fresh garlic juice and cooking oil.
- Add lemon extract, green tea and your regular shampoo.
- Apply a layer of this thick paste on your scalp.
- Cover it using a shower cap.
- Leave it for about 30 minutes.
- Wash your hair with your regular shampoo.
- Repeat the process several times a week until all the lice are killed.
3. Tea Tree Oil to Kill Lice:
The terpinen present in tea tree oil is a natural bacteria fighting ingredient that kills lice. It also contains certain antibacterial and antifungal properties that help to get rid of lice. The anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree oil soothe the irritated scalp and reduce itchiness.
Method 1:
- Massage tea tree oil on your scalp.
- Cover the scalp with a shower cap.
- Leave it overnight.
- Use a lice comb for removing the lice.
- Wash your hair with a shampoo containing tea tree oil.
- Repeat the process on a regular basis.
Method 2:
- Take 2 ounces of alcohol in a bowl.
- Add 15 to 20 drops of tea tree oil.
- Apply the liquid on the scalp.
- Leave it overnight.
- Wash your hair with your regular shampoo and conditioner.
- Repeat this several times a week.
Method 3:
- Take a bowl and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Add a few drops of tea tree oil.
- Apply it on the scalp.
- Leave it for about 1 hour.
- Rinse off with water.
- Wash your hair with vinegar to further prevent lice.
- Use a lice comb to remove the dead lice.
- Do this on a regular basis for better results.
4. Onion to Treat Lice:
The sulfur content present in onion kills the lice. This can be among one of the perfect home remedies for lice.
Method:
- Cut some fresh onions and grate them in a blender.
- Extract the juice from the paste.
- Apply the juice on your scalp and hair.
- Cover your hair with a shower cap.
- Leave it for about 2 to 3 hours.
- Wash your hair with lukewarm water.
- Do this daily for the first week.
5. Olive Oil to Remove Lice:
This is one of the best home remedies for lice. It kills the active lice by suffocating them and loosens the nits. It will make your hair smooth and then you can use a lice comb to remove the nits.
Method 1:
- Massage some olive oil on your scalp and hair.
- Cover your head with a shower cap.
- Leave it overnight.
- In the morning use a comb to remove the nits and dead lice.
Method 2:
- Take a bowl and add a half cup of olive oil.
- Add half cup of conditioner to it.
- Add some liquid soap and mix it well.
- Apply the mixture on your scalp and hair.
- Massage your scalp for a few minutes.
- Wash your hair with water.
- Use a lice comb to remove the dead lice.
- Repeat this remedy once in a week.
6. Mayonnaise to kill Lice:
The suffocating agent present in mayonnaise will kill the lice. But this can be a little tough as it is really very hard to take out mayonnaise from the hair. It is considered among the best remedies for lice.
Method:
- Apply the mayonnaise on your scalp and hair.
- Cover your head using a towel or a shower cap.
- Leave it for about 5 to 6 hours.
- Patiently remove the mayonnaise from your hair. It may take a little time.
- Wash your hair with lukewarm water.
- Use a hair dryer for drying it.
- Use a comb and eliminate lice.
- Repeat this remedy twice a week.
7. Vinegar to Get Rid of Lice:
The acetic acid present in vinegar will kill the lice as it is very toxic. It will also dissolve the nits. This can be one the effective home remedies for lice.
Method:
- Take a cup of water.
- Add white vinegar to it.
- Apply the diluted vinegar on your hair roots.
- Leave it for some time.
- Wash your hair with your regular shampoo.
- Use a comb to eliminate dead lice and nits.
- Repeat the process twice or thrice a week.
8. Salt to Kill Lice:
The acidic properties of salt make it a good choice to kill lice. This is an easily available ingredient which is found in every kitchen. It is one of the inexpensive remedies for lice.
Method:
- Take a cup of water or vinegar.
- Add one tablespoon of salt.
- Apply this liquid on your scalp.
- Leave it for about 30 minutes.
- Rinse off your hair using herbal shampoo.
- Do this continuously for 3 days.
9. Sesame Seed Oil for Lice:
This queen of oils has antibacterial properties which help to solve the hair problems. It can also be used as an insecticide to get rid of lice.
Method:
- Mix equal amounts of sesame oil, rosemary oil, and tea tree oil.
- Apply this mixture of oils on your scalp and hair.
- Leave it overnight.
- Wash your hair with your regular shampoo.
- Use a comb to remove the dead lice and nits.
- Repeat this remedy every week.
10. Lilac to Get rid of Lice:
Lilac is one of the natural remedies for lice. It is used as a natural pesticide to kill lice. The anti-inflammatory properties of lilac prevent itching and redness of the scalp. It also has anti-fungal properties that help to fight infections.
Method:
- Use a mixer to create a paste of lilac leaves.
- Massage this paste on your scalp and hair roots.
- Leave it until it dries.
- Wash your hair with lukewarm water.
- Repeat the remedy twice or thrice a week.
Tips to Prevent Lice:
- Avoid sharing combs and brushes.
- Don’t wear anyone’s clothes or hats.
- Use coconut oil or olive oil on a regular basis.
- You can mix some tea tree oil in your regular shampoo.
- If your hair is long, then keep them tied.
- Check your hair regularly.
- Avoid head to head contact.