How to Use Oil to Treat Head Lice

Types of lice.

Head lice are small parasites that feed on a minuscule amount of blood from bites on the scalp. A louse clings on to hair strands to pass from person to person through hair contact such as brushes, pillows and sharing hats. Head lice affect millions of children per year, most commonly ranging from 3 to 12 years of age. Even though it is rare, adults can have an infestation as well. Using oil to treat head lice is a safer solution that medication.

Things You'll Need

• Towel
• Cooking oil
• Plastic wrap
• Headband
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Nit comb

Instructions

1. Sit in a long back chair. Staying upright will allow the oil to soak in the hair without running down the face or back.

2. Place a beach towel around the shoulders. Additionally, you may use a lengthy garment such as a sheet or blanket.

3. Pour the cooking oil into the hair. Use cooking oil such as olive or vegetable oil. Apply roughly 2 tbsp. at a time. Massage the oil into the head and hair. Use additional oil when necessary.

4. Roll the plastic wrap around the head. Originate the wrap at the base of the scalp. Roll tightly around the scalp and hair. Push down any plastic that is sticking upward. Plastic wrap clings together to form suction. The wrap will keep the oil in place and suffocate the head lice.

5. Place the headband around the scalp to keep the plastic snug. Leave on for four hours before removing the plastic.

6. Strip off the plastic and wash the hair in the sink. Scrub shampoo into the scalp, or use degreaser dish soap. Rinse well and reapply the shampoo or soap.

7. Wash out the soap again. Apply conditioner thoroughly and let sit for about 5 minutes. This allows the nit comb to go through the hair smoothly. Rinse the conditioner.

8. Use the nit comb through the hair. The comb must start at the base of the scalp. Then pull the comb through the hair, one strand at a time. Clean the nit comb after every strand. This process may take roughly four hours depending on the length and thickness of the hair.

Tips & Warnings

• Perform the oil treatment in the morning. You must use the nit comb to remove the "Dead" or "Stunned" lice. As some may still be alive, but "Knocked Out." The oil is a non-toxic solution to removing head lice. However, depending on the severity of the lice, several applications may be necessary.

References

• Dr. Greene -- Treating Head Lice
• Facts about Lice