How to Loosen Nits

A nit is the egg of a louse. The nit is laid near the scalp of a human, and is attached to the hair shaft. The nits are sticky and do not come off of human hair easily. If you do not remove the nits, however, they will hatch and you will continue to be infested with head lice. There is a way you can loosen the nits. Once their grip on the hair slackens, they are much easier to remove.

Things You'll Need

• Vinegar
• Lice comb
• Hair clips
• Paper towels

Instructions

1. Pour vinegar over the head of the infected individual. Do this over a sink or bath tub. Make sure the hair is completely saturated.

2. Part the hair of the infected individual with hair clips. This is not necessary for most boys, but it is recommended for girls.

3. Take the lice comb and comb through one section of hair at a time. The vinegar will have made the nits come loose, so you should see them on the comb.

4. Wipe the comb off after each section. Use a paper towel that can easily be thrown in the trash when you are done.

5. Repeat this every day until you no longer see any nits.

Tips & Warnings

• Mayonnaise and olive oil also work to loosen nits. You can use them instead of the vinegar.

• Nits can be picked off with your fingernails if you do not have a lice comb. It will just take a lot longer.

• Vinegar will sting your scalp if you have open cuts from scratching.

References

• Head Lice
• Head Lice Treatment

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish