Nope, Those Aren’t Bed Bugs in Your Hair – 3 Remedies For Hair Lice From Grandma’s Kitchen!

by Grace Somes
Scratching Afro (African American hair) in braids. Image credit: Allure

Crawling, tickling sensation in your hair? Yes, a bed bug may wander into your hair. But these creepy crawlies would prefer to hide in undisturbed environments like in the seams or tags of your mattress or the cracks of your bed frame or headboard – not in your hair. 

On the other hand, lice find absolute joy in our crown, causing scalp problems, including inflamed hair follicles. 

How will I know that I have lice?

These are the most common symptoms of lice in hair:

  • Itchy scalp.
  • Seeing lice or finding lice eggs (nits).
  • Swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
  • Pink eye.

Mayonnaise Treatment

The greasy-eggy condiment is familiar in every kitchen. You can use a store-bought brand or make a simple mayonnaise at home with eggs, mustard, olive oil and lime juice. 

How to use it: 

  • Section your hair into manageable parts.
  • Generously apply mayonnaise to your hair and scalp. Make sure that every hair strand is thoroughly covered.
  • Cover your head with a shower cap and leave it on for 6 hours (or preferably overnight).
  • Use a fine-toothed comb to comb out the lice and nits.
  • Shampoo your hair to remove the mayonnaise. Apply a conditioner and wash it all out. 
  • Repeat at least twice a week.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Salt Treatment

Run out of apple cider? No problem, white vinger is jsut as good too.

  • Mix equal parts of vinegar and salt to create a paste.
  • Apply the paste to your scalp and hair. Cover all areas.
  • Leave it on for about 2-4 hours.
  • Rinse your hair and use a fine-toothed comb to remove the lice and lice eggs.
  • Shampoo and condition your hair to eliminate the vinegar and salt mixture.

Olive Oil and Tea Tree Treatment

Olive oil is usually the recommended carrier oil, but you can substitute it with coconut oil for this recipe. Mix 3 drops of 

  • Warm some olive every half-cup of oil in a hot water bath (not too hot).
  • Mix in tea tree essential oil and stir well.
  • Cover the head with a shower cap or plastic wrap and leave it on overnight.
  • Comb through the hair with a fine-toothed nit comb to remove dead lice.
  • Shampoo the hair to remove the oil, and repeat thrice weekly for best results. 

Remember to wash or dry-clean any bedding, clothing, and hair accessories, such as brushes and combs, which may have come into contact with the lice.

If the problem persists, please consult a healthcare professional for guidance and more intensive treatments.

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