🪮 Head Lice Treatment
Head Lice Treatment
What Was Done Today & What You Need to Do at Home
What We Did Today
Head Inspection & Confirmation
We confirmed the presence of head lice using a bright light and fine-toothed metal nit comb. Viable nits (eggs) are cemented to the hair shaft — they cannot be flicked or brushed out. All household members were screened.
Environmental Assessment & Guidance
We assessed your home for environmental risk factors and identified which items need cleaning. Note: head lice do not infest the home — they survive only 24–48 hours off a human host. Targeted cleaning is all that is needed, not whole-house pesticide spraying.
Product & Protocol Guidance
We provided guidance on the safest, most effective treatment protocol — mechanical nit combing with a coconut oil lubricant, supported by plant-based products. No pesticidal shampoos recommended — resistance is now widespread and risk is unnecessary.
What to Expect
14 days of consistent nit combing
Resolution requires combing every 3–4 days for 14 consecutive days. This breaks the lice lifecycle by removing newly hatched nymphs before they can mature and lay eggs. Consistency is the single most important factor.
Day 7 check-in recommended
If you find live nymphs at Day 7, the protocol is working — continue combing. Finding nymphs means eggs were missed in earlier sessions, not that the treatment failed. Stay consistent.
Clear at Day 14
No live lice or viable nits found after 14 days of combing = resolved. Nits that are white/empty are hatched casings — they are harmless but confirm treatment was needed. Only tan/yellow nits are viable.
Your Role — The Nit-Combing Protocol
- Apply coconut oil or conditioner generously to dry or damp hair, root to tip. This immobilizes lice and makes combing easier.
- Section hair into 1-inch parts and comb each section from scalp to tip with a fine metal nit comb (Licemeister or equivalent).
- Wipe comb on a white paper towel after each stroke — this makes nits and lice visible. Dip towel in hot soapy water between wipes.
- Repeat every 3–4 days for 14 days on all infested household members.
- Wash all bedding and worn clothing in hot water (130°F+) and dry on high heat for 30+ minutes. Do this once — no need to repeat daily.
- Soak combs and brushes in 150°F water for 15 minutes to kill any lice or nits.
- Seal non-washables (stuffed animals, decorative pillows) in a plastic bag for 72 hours. Lice cannot survive without a host.
- Vacuum upholstered furniture and car seats where the infested person's head rested in the past 48 hours. One thorough pass is sufficient.
- Notify the school so other families can check. Head lice are not a reason to stay home per the AAP — early detection by other families helps the community.
✓ Safe & Non-Toxic Approach
No synthetic pesticides were applied anywhere in your home. Our protocol — mechanical combing and plant-based products — is safe for all ages, including infants and pregnant women. No re-entry waiting period needed.
⚠ Not a Hygiene Issue
Head lice infest clean and dirty hair equally. This is not a reflection on your home or family. Approximately 6–12 million cases occur in the U.S. each year, mostly in school-age children. Early treatment is all that matters.
📞 Call or Text Us If…
You are still finding live lice after 14 full days of consistent combing, or if a new household member develops symptoms after treatment was completed.