Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has become a popular natural treatment for getting rid of head lice. Many people claim that apple cider vinegar can help kill lice and prevent re-infestation. But does apple cider vinegar really work for treating lice? And how should you use ACV safely and effectively?
Head lice are tiny, wingless insects that live on the scalp and feed on human blood. An infestation of head lice is known as pediculosis. Head lice are highly contagious and spread easily through close personal contact and by sharing personal items like combs, brushes, hats, and headphones. Although not dangerous, lice are extremely irritating and can be difficult to get rid of.
When trying to get rid of lice, most people turn to specialized lice shampoos, combs, and other treatments. However, these conventional treatments contain powerful pesticides that can be toxic if misused. This has led many parents to seek natural alternatives like apple cider vinegar. Proponents claim that apple cider vinegar works just as well, if not better, than harsh chemicals.
Here is a look at the evidence behind using ACV for head lice.
How does apple cider vinegar work on lice?
The primary active ingredient in apple cider vinegar is acetic acid. Acetic acid gives vinegar its sour taste and potent smell. When applied to the scalp and hair, the acetic acid in ACV:
– Creates an acidic environment that is toxic to lice. Lice prefer a pH around 7 and cannot thrive in acidic conditions below pH 5.5.
– Acts as a detangler that smooths the hair cuticle. This allows lice combing to be more effective at removing nits (lice eggs).
– Help dissolve glue-like substances that attach nits firmly to the hair shaft, making nits easier to comb out.
– Repels new lice from infesting by making the scalp and hair inhospitable. The strong smell of vinegar masks the scent of the scalp.
In addition to acetic acid, apple cider vinegar contains antibacterial and antiseptic compounds that can help kill bacteria and prevent secondary infections. The ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in ACV promotes skin health.
Overall, the acidic and antimicrobial properties in apple cider vinegar create an environment that kills and deters lice, while making removal easier.
Does apple cider vinegar kill lice and nits?
Studies investigating whether ACV kills head lice are limited. But the research that has been done shows promising results:
– A 2015 study found that treating lice with undiluted apple cider vinegar for 30 minutes eliminated 55% of hatched lice and 70% of eggs. Vinegar worked better than plain water but was not as effective as a 1% permethrin solution.
– Another 2015 study treated children with lice using a spray made with 50% apple cider vinegar and 50% water. Follow up inspections found a nearly 100% lice removal rate with the vinegar spray.
– A 2020 literature review concluded that acetic acid has significant pediculicidal (louse killing) activity and proposed apple cider vinegar as an alternative treatment.
While apple cider vinegar may not kill all lice and eggs with 100% effectiveness, research shows it can be a fairly effective natural treatment. The acetic acid damages and kills many of the lice, while the detangling properties make it easier to manually remove nits and remaining lice with a nit comb.
Using apple cider vinegar along with thorough combing can significantly decrease lice populations. The vinegar may also help prevent reinfestation by making the scalp and hair inhospitable environments for new lice.
How to use apple cider vinegar for lice
If you want to try treating head lice with ACV, here are some tips for using it safely and effectively:
– Always use raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar with 5% acidity. Filtered vinegars lack beneficial compounds and added flavors can irritate skin.
– Dilute apple cider vinegar before applying it to the hair. Mix 1 part vinegar with 1-3 parts water. Undiluted vinegar can damage hair and irritate skin.
– Apply the diluted vinegar thoroughly from roots to ends. Use a spray bottle or pouring cup to distribute the liquid evenly through dry hair.
– Let the vinegar solution sit for at least 30 minutes before rinsing out. This gives the acetic acid time to work.
– Rinse hair very thoroughly with cool water to remove all vinegar residue. Vinegar can cause skin irritation if left on the scalp.
– Follow up with a lice comb to manually remove all lice and nits from the hair. Concentrate on 1 inch sections, wiping the comb between each stroke.
– Repeat the vinegar application and combing every 3-4 days for 2 weeks to catch any newly hatched lice.
– You can also spray diluted vinegar on hair daily between treatments to deter new lice from taking hold. But don’t overdo it, as too much vinegar can dry out the hair.
– Be very careful to avoid getting apple cider vinegar into the eyes. Flush immediately with water if this happens.
Using ACV along with diligent combing and repeat applications increases the chances of completely removing an existing lice infestation.
Apple cider vinegar lice treatment pros and cons
Here is a quick look at the main advantages and disadvantages of using apple cider vinegar to treat head lice:
**Pros:**
– Natural and non-toxic
– Readily available and inexpensive
– May be effective at killing some lice and eggs
– Removes nits and makes combing easier
– Repels new lice from infesting
– Suitable for all hair types
– Does not contribute to lice resistance
**Cons:**
– Not 100% effective against lice and nits
– Lengthy process requiring repeat applications
– Strong vinegar smell some find unpleasant
– Can irritate skin if not diluted or rinsed out properly
– Not recommended for children under 2 years
– Insufficient clinical research on effectiveness
While not completely foolproof, apple cider vinegar provides a safer natural alternative to medicated lice products for many parents. It often works best when combined with specialized nit combs as part of a comprehensive lice removal routine. But ACV may not be powerful enough to completely remove a severe existing infestation on its own.
Other natural lice remedies
In addition to apple cider vinegar, there are some other natural substances that may help get rid of head lice:
– **Essential oils:** Oils like tea tree, lavender, eucalyptus, and neem have natural pesticidal and antimicrobial properties. Just dilute them and apply to the scalp.
– **Coconut oil:** Coats the hair shaft to possibly smother lice and make combing easier. May also have antimicrobial effects. Leave on overnight then comb out.
– **Olive oil:** Also works as a combing lubricant and potential lice-suffocator. Apply generously then comb thoroughly with a lice comb.
– **Natural shampoos:** Some shampoos contain geraniol, rosemary, citronella or other botanicals that deter and eliminate lice without toxic chemicals.
– **Enzymes:** Products with proteolytic enzymes like those in papaya may help loosen the glue holding nits in place so they rinse out easier.
– **Wet combing:** Frequently combing the hair with a quality nit comb works to manually pluck out lice. Doing wet hair with conditioner can help lice and eggs slide off the comb.
– **Hair dryer:** Aim hot air at each section of hair to possibly desiccate and kill lice. Needs to be done thoroughly and repeatedly.
– **Vinegar rinses:** White vinegar or witch hazel have similar lice-fighting acids as ACV, just at lower concentrations. Rinse hair with diluted solutions.
Using some of these natural remedies together with diligent nit combing can provide a safer way to manage a lice problem without resorting to pesticides. The key is being very thorough when combing out all live lice and eggs.
When to see a doctor for lice treatment
While apple cider vinegar and natural treatments may help eliminate head lice, they don’t always work perfectly in every situation. See your doctor or pediatrician if:
– Lice and eggs persist after 2 weeks of intensive natural treatment
– An infestation is very severe with dozens to hundreds of live lice present
– You suspect lice have developed resistance to certain treatments
– There are signs of skin infection from excessive itching and scratching
– Your child is younger than 2 years old
– You are pregnant or breastfeeding
A doctor can prescribe stronger medicated shampoos, lotions, or oral medications that may be more effective for stubborn, heavy lice infestations. They can also recommend safer products for infants and pregnant/nursing mothers. Getting professional help early can prevent lice from getting out of control.
How to prevent lice after using apple cider vinegar
After using ACV to treat lice, be diligent about prevention to avoid catching lice again. Here are some tips:
– Avoid head-to-head contact with anyone who has lice. Discourage children from playing very closely together.
– Do not share combs, brushes, hats, helmets, towels, headphones or other personal items. Soak combs and brushes in hot water or rubbing alcohol between uses.
– Check everyone in the household for lice weekly. Treat anyone affected and clean personal items and bedding.
– Use a preventive lice spray on hair daily. Apple cider vinegar or tea tree oil help repel lice from infesting again.
– Keep long hair pulled back or braided.
– Clean upholstered furniture, rugs, stuffed animals or other fabrics that had contact with affected heads. Vacuum regularly.
– Be extra diligent about prevention after contacting anyone with lice. Avoid sleepovers or movie nights during lice outbreaks.
– Soak hair accessories like barrettes in vinegar solution or rubbing alcohol between uses.
Staying vigilant can help prevent the spread of lice after successfully using ACV treatment. Identifying and treating any repeat infections quickly can avoid recurring infestations.
Conclusion
Apple cider vinegar is a popular natural treatment for getting rid of nasty head lice without using pesticides. Studies show that the acetic acid and other compounds in ACV do have some pediculicidal effects and can facilitate lice removal. However, vinegar is not necessarily a miracle cure and complete effectiveness is questionable. Diluted ACV rinses, sprayed on treatments, and vinegar combing methods seem to work best when done thoroughly in combination with nit combing over 10-14 days. For severe infestations, prescription medications or professional lice removal may still be required. But with diligence, apple cider vinegar can be a safer alternative to trying to eradicate head lice for many parents. Just be careful to prevent reinfestation once lice are gone.