Combing is often recommended as a first line of defense against head lice infestations, which are unfortunately common among children. Parents may spend hours meticulously combing their child’s hair in an attempt to remove all traces of head lice, including the nits (lice eggs). But does combing actually get rid of nits? Below we’ll explore the effectiveness of combing for nit removal and provide some tips for maximizing results.
What are nits?
Nits are the tiny, oval-shaped eggs laid by head lice. They are very small, measuring only 0.8 mm long – smaller than the size of a pinhead. Nits are usually yellowish-white in color. They attach themselves to strands of hair very close to the scalp using a waterproof, cement-like substance. This makes them adhere very tightly.
Nits hatch about 7-10 days after being laid. Once hatched, the baby lice (nymphs) leave behind egg casings still stuck to the hair shaft. These empty nit casings are easier to see and feel than live nits.
Can combing remove nits?
Combing can be partially effective at removing some nits from the hair. However, it is very difficult to remove all traces of nits with combing alone. There are a few reasons for this:
– Nits are cemented tightly to the hair strand and can resist casual brushing or combing. It takes concentrated, precise combing to detach them.
– Nits are laid close to the scalp, where comb teeth may not reach effectively.
– The hatching nits blend in well with the hair and are hard to see. It’s easy to miss some during combing.
– Removing nits requires combing small sections of hair at a time with a fine-toothed nit comb. This process is time consuming and tedious.
Tips for removing nits by combing
While combing may not eliminate all traces of nits, you can maximize your results by:
– Using a nit comb, not a standard comb. Nit combs have very fine, metal teeth spaced closely together specifically designed to trap nits.
– Dividing hair into small sections. Work through the hair in thin layers starting from the scalp outward.
– Combing each section thoroughly from root to tip. Repeat several passes over each section.
– Combing under bright, natural lighting to see nits better.
– Pinning up each section after combing to keep track of what’s been covered.
– Working slowly and patiently. Expect the process to take a while.
– Cleaning the comb often to remove trapped nits. Wipe with tissue, rinse with water, or clean with rubbing alcohol.
Other nit removal methods
While combing helps, most experts recommend combining it with other tactics to ensure complete nit removal. Some other evidence-based options include:
Wet combing
This is like regular combing, but conducting it on freshly washed, wet hair. The moisture helps loosen the nit glue. Add conditioner too for extra slippage.
Vinegar rinse
White vinegar helps dissolve nit adhesive. Mix a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water and apply it to the hair. Let it sit before rinsing out.
Nit-removal combs
Special nit removing combs use microgrooves, electrostatic charge, or air pressure to help pluck nits off the hair strands. Popular brands are NitFree Terminator and LiceMeister.
Prescription medication
Medicated creams containing ivermectin effectively kill lice and nits. Examples are Sklice and Ovide. Ask your doctor about prescription options.
Desiccation methods
These techniques dry out and detach nits from hair using things like blow dryers, hair straighteners, or a specialized device called the LouseBuster.
DIY home remedies
Some natural solutions like olive oil, mayonnaise, or tea tree oil may help smother and loosen nits when applied to the hair. Oils or conditioners can also aid nit combing. Just rinse out afterward.
The takeaway
While combing helps eliminate some nits, it typically won’t remove all traces on its own. For best results, combine thorough nit combing sessions with other proven nit-busting methods like medicated shampoos, vinegar, or desiccation techniques. Be diligent and patient, get help from a friend or family member, and repeat the process daily until no more nits are spotted. This combined approach gives you the best shot at winning the battle against those pesky nits!
Conclusion
Nits can be extremely difficult to fully remove from hair by combing alone. Their tiny size, tenacious adhesion to the hair shaft, and resemblance to natural scalp debris makes them easy to miss during combing sessions. While nit combs and proper combing techniques definitely help eliminate some nits, most experts recommend pairing combing with additional nit removal methods like medicated rinses, desiccation tools, or nit-loosening home remedies. Combining these tactics and repeating them thoroughly and frequently gives you the best chance of getting every last nit out. So be patient, be diligent, and don’t rely on combing as your sole defense against these stubborn lice eggs. Integrate combing into a multifaceted nit-busting regimen to finally outsmart these pesky parasites.