5 Ways to Get Rid of Lice Naturally

Guest post from Calie Shackleford of Broccoli Cupcake.

Let’s not sugar coat it. Getting rid of head lice (tiny insects that live on the scalp and cause severe itching) is a difficult task whether you use chemicals or go the natural route, so why not go natural? It’s just as effective and a lot more gentle.

The tips below will get rid of lice with a little patience and persistence, but the extremes you’ll need to go to depend on how early you caught the infestation. If the lice are bad and you’ve found them in the carpet, on the upholstery, and in your clothing, the challenge will be a little more difficult, but not impossible.

Invest in a Quality Lice/Nit Comb

The teeth of the comb should be 1.5 to 2 inches long and made of stainless steel so they won’t separate as you run the comb through the hair.  If the teeth separate the eggs can slip between them making it difficult to prevent re-infestation.  The Nit Free Terminator and Lice Meister are considered two of the best options.

Coconut Oil

If you want to try a home remedy for killing and removing lice, coconut oil maybe your best option (and it’s another reason to love coconut oil). Some experts say lice and their eggs can survive even after leaving the oil on overnight to suffocate them, but others report great results.  The good news is, the oil will make it easier to remove the eggs with the comb and will also help prevent new eggs from attaching to the hair.  Try these steps:

1. Melt about 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and slather on the hair starting at the scalp where the living lice tend to gather.
2. Completely coat all of the hair.
3. Wrap the head with a shower cap and leave on overnight.
4. Wash hair and comb with lice comb while in the shower.

Vinegar Rinse

Rinse the hair in the shower with white vinegar to help loosen the glue that holds the eggs to the hair.  Comb thoroughly with the lice comb while in the shower.

Use the Lice Comb Twice a Day for Two Weeks

The most safe and effective way to remove lice and prevent re-infestation from a missed egg is to comb the hair with the lice comb twice a day every day for two weeks.  Try separating the hair into 1 inch section and working a section at a time.  Run the comb through multiple times and inspect the section as you go.  Rinse the comb in a light colored bowl of steaming hot water and wipe with a tissue before moving on to the next section.  You can examine the bowl for lice and their eggs to see if there are still signs of infestation.  Eventually, the bowl will be lice and egg free, which should mean so are you!

Wash and Bag

Wash all clothing, towels, blankets, and pillows in the hottest water the fabric will allow and dry them on the hottest temperature possible to avoid damage. Anything that can’t be washed should be placed in a plastic bag and sealed for at least two weeks to suffocate the lice and their eggs (think stuffed animals, dolls, baseball caps, etc).  All carpets and upholstery should be vacuumed thoroughly and regularly.

The real key to getting rid of lice is in the combing.  If you do this consistently you will quickly remove the lice and their eggs.  The vinegar really does help loosen things up so the comb can work more effectively.  If you are just too grossed out (which would be understandable) and really want to give an “official treatment” a try, here are some natural options that are free of toxic pesticides.

• Lice R Gone
• Happy Heads
• Lice Happens 

Special Note: Check the ingredient list on natural products for peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils.  Both are used to effectively treat lice, but can cause respiratory reactions, especially in children under 5.  I’d be hesitant to use products with these oils on young children or even on adults who are going to be around babies and young children.

Have you had to deal with a lice infestation at home or at your child’s school?  What worked for you?

About Calie at Broccoli Cupcake:
Calie Shackleford is the author of Broccoli Cupcake; a blog dedicated to inspiring healthy, green lifestyles. Blogging about her personal wellness journey since 2009, she has worked with leading brands such as Nintendo and GE Appliances to introduce healthy new products to readers. She has served as a health and wellness resource and freelance writer for various media outlets including Fox 17 Tennessee Mornings, Yoga Journal and SavvySource.com. Drop her a note via Twitter or Facebook. She’d love to connect with you!