How Do I Treat Head Lice Naturally?

By Michelle LaRowe on December 10, 2010

Print this article

Lice can be removed by combing the hair.

If your child has head lice, try not to panic. Head lice are a nuisance and can be difficult to treat, but they do not carry any diseases or pose any serious health risks. While insecticidal products are often used to treat head lice, if you wish to treat your child's head lice naturally, you do have an alternative and effective option. Simply combing your child's hair is completely non-toxic and is the oldest and safest means of removing lice and eggs from hair, according to the extension service at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln.

Step 1

Prepare your child's hair. Add conditioner to your child's wet hair and comb through it with a regular comb to remove snarls. The conditioner will help keep the hair wet and smooth.

Step 2

Separate the hair into small pieces. Hold a chunk of your child's hair, about as wide as the comb, with one hand. Using the other hand, starting from the scalp, slowly comb through the hair using a fine-toothed comb.

Step 3

Look for lice and eggs. While combing through each section of hair, look for lice and eggs. Be sure to comb through each section of hair twice for maximum results. If your child has long hair, after each section has been combed through, pin the hair against her scalp using a hair clip or bobby pin.

Step 4

Clean the comb. Dipping the comb into soapy water and wiping it down with tissue between combing sections can remove any lice or eggs from the comb.

Step 5

Discard any lice or eggs. Once you are finished combing your child's hair, flush the bowl of soapy water down the toilet.

Step 6

Wash your child's hair. Washing your child's hair after the combing process is complete can help to remove any excess conditioner. If you notice any eggs or lice on strands of hair after it is dry, use scissors to snip the eggs or lice out.

About the Author

Michelle LaRowe is the 2004 International Nanny Association Nanny of the Year and the author of the "Nanny to the Rescue!", "Working Mom's 411" and a "Mom's Ultimate Book of Lists." Michelle graduated from Bridgewater State College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry and holds a Certificate in Pastoral Studies from Global University. To learn more about Michelle visit www.michellelarowe.com.

Ingredients

Comb

Hair conditioner

Fine-toothed metal comb designed for nit removal

Hair clips or bobby pins

Towel or cape

Tissue

Bowl of soapy water

References

University of Nebraska, Lincoln Extension: Managing Head Lice

Environmental Health Association of Nova Scotia: Head Lice

Resources

NaturalNews.com: How to Get Rid of Head Lice Naturally

Tips

Sit in a well-lit area when combing your child's hair so you can see any lice or eggs. Since combing takes time, you may want to put on the television or give your child a book to read while you are combing out the lice.