To remove lice and nits from your child's hair, many healthcare providers recommend the "wet comb method." This method requires hair conditioner, a roll of paper towels, a fine-toothed lice comb (available at most pharmacies), and a trash bag. Here are the steps:
1. Seat your child in a well-lit place and get mentally prepared to stay for a while. You can treat this as parent-child bonding time, or give the child something to look at (like a book or a tablet) while you work.
2. Generously apply conditioner to your child's scalp and to the full length of their dry hair.
3. After their hair is thoroughly coated in conditioner, detangle with a brush or wide-toothed comb as necessary.
4. Divide your child's hair into sections so you can keep track of your progress. Hair clips may be helpful to divide longer hair.
5. Use your fine-toothed lice comb to carefully comb from your child's scalp to the ends of their hair, section by section.
6. After each stroke, wipe the comb on a white paper towel and check it carefully for nits or lice. You'll be able to see live lice (if any) wiggling on the paper towel. Put used paper towels into the trash bag as you go.
7. Comb each section of hair at least 5 times.
8. Wash hair normally when finished.
You'll need to repeat this method every 2 to 3 days until you don't see any lice or nits in your child's hair for at least 10 days. This is because nits can take that long to hatch.
