Natural Lice Treatment: The proper way to comb for nits

When battling lice, the key to success is ensuring that you have removed all of the nits from the hair. We have had many clients in the past who thought they had conquered lice, only to feel defeated when the problem returned because stray nits had hatched and the life cycle continued. Follow these steps to ensure that you are combing in the most effective manner.

1. Start with wet, clean, well-conditioned hair. Wet hair is much easier to comb through than dry hair. It is best if you can comb following your child’s bath or shower. If this is not possible, use a good spray conditioner and water to saturate the hair.
2. Gather your materials. You will need the following: a good nit comb (the Terminator comb is the best on the market), a rat-tail comb, a detangling comb or brush, butterfly clips (more than one if your child has extremely thick hair), a white bowl filled halfway with water or a Tupperware container with a paper towel underneath, paper towels, and nit-glue dissolver if desired (it will make the process much easier).
3. Before you begin, it is advised to use a product to loosen the nit glue that cements the nits onto the hair shaft. We recommend Lice Beware Mousse. Leave it on the hair for 10 minutes.
4. Comb or brush the hair free of tangles.
5. Secure the hair with one hand on top of the head like a ponytail. With the rat-tail comb, pull a thin section of hair from one side of the neck to the other. Secure the rest of the hair on top with a clip. Begin combing that section with the nit comb, working back and forth. Make sure you start the comb right at the scalp and pull it through to the tip. If it gets tangled, detangle the hair with a regular comb and redo that section. Examine the comb and empty it in the bowl after 3–4 swipes. Wipe the comb with a paper towel and continue.
6. Continue pulling thin horizontal sections down and combing, working in the section around the ears when you reach those points. End with the bang area. Always pay close attention to the hot spots: the nape of the neck, around the ears, the crown of the head, and the bangs.
7. Continue combing until the comb is clean. If you are not seeking professional assistance, you should repeat this process until you have two completely clean comb-outs.
8. If you find anything live, flush it down the toilet and keep combing.

Combing for nits is essential to breaking the lice life cycle. We carry all the tools essential for this process in our treatment center and online on our website. We can also visually demonstrate the technique in our center.