Head lice is a horrible and embarrassing problem with kids, as getting rid of them is very difficult, stressful, and time-consuming. If you do not take proper care, they can spread to other places as well, so it is needed that everything should be well washed, cleaned, and sanitized thoroughly. Chemical treatments of head lice are very toxic for kids, so there arises the need for a natural approach to treat this condition. Read this article for information on treating head lice with coconut oil and apple cider vinegar more naturally.
The shampoos available at the pharmacy contain neuro-toxins which can harm the kids. Generally, ‘Permethrin’ and ‘Pyrethrin’ are found in several products used for treating head lice. Though some regulating agencies consider this chemical a ‘OK’ risk, it is highly contagious for estuarine and freshwater organisms. Some research also shows that using these chemicals does not offer a permanent solution for head lice.
You might also want to look at one of our earlier articles, where we discussed ways to treat lice using olive oil.
Treatment Comparison: Chemical vs. Natural Methods
| Treatment Type | Components | Risks | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Treatment | Permethrin, Pyrethrin | Possible neurotoxicity, harmful to aquatic life | Temporary relief, often requires repeat treatments |
| Natural Treatment | Coconut oil, Apple cider vinegar | Safe, non-toxic | Effective with proper application and follow-up |
Treatment of head lice in a natural way through coconut oil and apple cider vinegar does work in a three-step process:
- It kills the lice.
- It removes all the nits attached to the hair shaft.
- You must ensure no nits and lice after combing and brushing the hair.
Materials Required
| Material | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Coconut oil | Embeds lice, preventing them from crawling |
| Apple Cider Vinegar | Dissolves the glue attaching eggs to the hair shaft |
| Shower cap | To cover the head during treatment |
| Fine tooth comb | To comb out eggs and lice |
| Hair pins/Masking tape | To secure the shower cap |
| Shampoo | To wash hair after treatment |
| Towel | To protect clothing from oil stains |
Steps for Natural Treatment of Head Lice
The following steps should be taken up for the proper removal of head lice by coconut oil and apple cider vinegar:
Step-1 : Apply apple cider vinegar generously on the scalp and hair, place a shower cap firmly, fasten with masking tape, and leave until it dries out. This helps dissolve the glue with which the nits are attached to the hair.
Step-2 : Apply coconut oil onto the scalp and hair and make sure it completely covers the hair and fasten the shower cap for the whole day. This will suffocate all the lice and nits.
Step-3 : Comb your hair to remove all the lice and nits.
Step-4 : Apply shampoo and rinse with warm water.
This treatment is chemical-free and also makes your hair shiny and beautiful. It is recommended to check for lice after every 7 days of this treatment and repeat it if necessary. Also, use this treatment for every family member who has lice or does not have it as a preventive measure. It is a cost-effective and stress-free method of lice treatment.
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You will be astonished at some on the other ways kids can contract head lice. Using mayonnaise, olive oil, and Vaseline is another home remedy that will get regarding lice and nits.