How to get rid of head lice naturally

The mere thought that your child has head lice is enough to make anyone cringe. You probably started scratching your head after reading that sentence.

Lice are creepy, but it is not the end of the world if your child gets them.

While lice can’t fly or jump, they are spread during head-to-head contact, which is bound to happen at some point on the playground.  

The good news is there is no need for drastic measures like shaving your son or daughter’s hair.

The bad news? There is no quick remedy for a lice infestation and you will need to have a little patience as it could take three weeks for your child to be in the clear.

Lice have a 30-day lifespan and one female louse can lay about to four eggs a day. The eggs (nits) usually take a week or more to hatch.

Signs your child has head lice

- Itchiness is the most common sign your child has lice. If your child can’t stop scratching their head, you might want to do an inspection. Try not to faint.

- Some children complain they can feel something moving their head.

- You might find small white, transparent or tan coloured “debris” in their hair. These could be eggs. They are usually hard to brush off and are found close to the scalp. If you are paranoid about lice, get someone else in the family to check as you could end up being convinced dandruff is lice.

How to treat them naturally

While there are a few anti-lice products you can get at your local pharmacy, you can try removing them using the wet-comb method.  

What you will need:

1. Metal lice comb

2. Gloves

3. Bowl of water

Wet combing is a popular method to remove head lice the natural way. The process involves wetting your child’s hair with water. Some people use conditioner instead of water. Put on a pair of gloves and comb through your child’s hair. Each time you comb, dip the comb in the bowl of water. This will help slow down the live adult lice and prevent them from going back into your child’s hair.  Start from the scalp and work the comb through the length of the hair. It is best to work in small sections at a time so you can have better control when you spot a louse. Once you do, remove it quickly (they move fast) using the comb or piece of tissue.

Adult lice are usually brown in colour. Some are black. Smaller lice will be light in colour. Once you have gone through the whole head, which could take more than an hour, sterilise the comb. You will need to repeat this wet combing process at least once a day for the next two-three weeks.

Here’s a video with a step-by-step guide on the wet-combing process.

Prevent re-infestation

Once you have finally rid your child of his/her lice infestation, you will need to de-louse your home to prevent another lice problem. Wash your child’s linen and clothes. Be sure to iron them once dry.  Also sterilise all their combs, brushes, hair ties and another headgear they might have used during the infestation.

Future precautions

• Avoid sharing combs, brushes and hair accessories such as scarves and bandanas.