How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar to Get Rid of Lice

We know that lice are a constant threat in schools, especially in children between 3 and 11 years old, and to get rid of them is definitely not always easy. Undoubtedly, the best method to success is prevention. So, we have some simple steps can help protect children from catching them, ensuring your peace of mind.

In our article practical tips to prevent lice you will find some essential steps for you to get avoid contagion as much as possible. A natural ingredient to prevent lice, for example, is shikakai.

Furthermore, tea tree oil is another fantastic natural ingredient for prevention. Always remember to wash your clothes, pillows and blankets with hot water. And of course, try to stay away from those who have it.

Is vinegar safe to use?

Since vinegar is a natural by-product of fruits and vegetables, it is safe for your children and the environment. As long as the brand has been made naturally and not processed, with additives or chemical substances being used in the process, it is safe. Ensure you do not get any vinegar in your eyes as they will sting and become irritated.

The first thing you have to know before using apple cider vinegar to tackle lice is that this home remedy - like any natural and chemical free alternative - is not as effective as a commercial product. Apple cider vinegar will not totally eliminate lice like a lice shampoo, but it will kill the eggs (or nits) which will fail to withstand the acidity of this ingredient. Combining this treatment with careful combing is an effective way to get rid of head lice eggs. Therefore it is a good choice to use in a complementary manner to other products to eliminate lice.

Which apple cider vinegar for head lice?

It is ideal if you buy organic apple cider vinegar that has not been filtered, or pasteurized. This is because it should have a 5% acidity level. A higher concentration would not be so safe to apply to your scalp, and a lower concentration would not be as effective to remove the eggs.

If you also need to kill adult head lice, you’ll have to use another home remedy such as olive oil. Essential oils can also work well, such as tea tree oil, as we have previously suggested.

Using this home remedy to tackle head lice is very simple. You just have to mix in equal amounts apple cider vinegar and hot water. Apply the liquid all over the dried head, from scalp to ends, soaking well with the mixture.

Then cover the head with a shower cap and leave on for two hours. After this time you must use a specifically designed lice comb to remove the eggs. Then, wash the child's head as you normally would, but without using lice shampoo as this could be too irritating to the scalp.

You can use apple cider vinegar to tackle lice 3 times a week, always avoiding applying on the same day as the shampoo used to combat them.

You can also try reetha hair wash to prevent lice.

If you want shiny hair too, add some drops of coconut oil to the apple cider vinegar and notice the difference.

• White vinegar: White vinegar is distilled vinegar. It is plain acetic acid in water, either as a simple chemical mix (usually very cheap or cleaning grade vinegar) or obtained through fermentation of distilled alcohol. It has usually a 5% acidity level. This vinegar is cheaper than others but it is harsh and may contain additives and substances that are not good for our scalps. If you are going to use it on your head or your child's, please make sure the product is natural and safe to use.
• White Wine Vinegar: Not to be confused with the former, this type of vinegar is often used for cooking. Its color can vary from white to pale gold and its acidity level varies from 5% to 7%. It is made from real white wine, therefore it has a strong wine scent.
• Red Wine Vinegar: The most expensive vinegar, it has been used for centuries for both medicinal and culinary purposes. Its color can vary from light rose to deep red and its acidity level also varies from 5% to 7%. Again, organic and natural is the way to go.

If you'd like to read similar articles to How to use apple cider vinegar to get rid of lice, we recommend you browse around our Family health category.

This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.

If you want to read similar articles to How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar to Get Rid of Lice, we recommend you visit our Family health category.

• Choose a vinegar that has a maximum of 5% acidity or it could damage your scalp.
• If your child's head is red or severely irritated do not use apple cider vinegar.