How to Treat Lice with Vinegar

Lice are small insects typically found on the scalp, where they feed on blood to survive. These insects cannot fly, so they spread from one person to another through close contact. This is why children are often the most affected, as they tend to play in close proximity to one another. In the U.S., it is estimated that between 6 and 12 million schoolchildren get lice each year. Vinegar is a commonly used home remedy to treat lice, as it helps prevent lice eggs from sticking to the hair. Other methods, both natural and pharmaceutical, can also be used to eliminate lice directly. The most effective treatment combines various products and methods to combat lice.

Understand the benefits and limitations of using vinegar. Vinegar is a popular home remedy for lice, but some people mistakenly believe that vinegar can kill adult lice and their eggs. In reality, vinegar doesn't kill lice because it is not toxic to them. However, it can help remove lice eggs from the hair, preventing them from hatching and spreading. More specifically, the acetic acid in vinegar breaks down the protective coating of the eggs, making it easier to remove them. After using vinegar, the lice eggs will either fall off the hair or can be easily combed out with a fine-toothed lice comb. While vinegar does not kill adult lice, it can effectively kill newly hatched lice, known as nits. However, further research is needed to fully understand the effects of vinegar or acetic acid in treating lice.

Use herbal shampoo first. Vinegar will not kill lice or their eggs, so it's important to treat the lice with herbal shampoo first. This type of shampoo is often called lice treatment shampoo. After using the lice treatment shampoo, you can apply vinegar to remove the lice eggs from your hair.

Choose the right type of vinegar. All vinegar contains acetic acid, but some types and brands have higher concentrations of acetic acid than others. Generally, you should choose vinegar with a 5% acetic acid concentration, as this is enough to break down the eggshells but not strong enough to irritate the scalp. White vinegar is simply acetic acid diluted with water and is usually the cheapest. Red wine vinegar is more expensive and typically has an acetic acid concentration of 5-7%. Apple cider vinegar is usually the most concentrated (with around 5% acetic acid).

Stand in the bathtub or under the shower to wash your hair with vinegar. Once you have chosen the right vinegar and concentration, undress and step into the bathtub or stand under the shower. Wet your hair first (but not so much that it's dripping), then pour a few cups of vinegar onto your scalp. Rub the vinegar into your scalp and try to cover as much hair as possible—this step can be a bit tricky if you have long hair, but don't rush it. Let the vinegar sit on your hair for 5-10 minutes, which is enough time to break down the outer shell of the lice eggs.

Comb your hair with a lice comb. After leaving the vinegar on your hair for at least 5 minutes, use a lice comb to thoroughly comb through your hair. The lice and eggs that fall off will be removed as you comb. For best results, try to find a "lice egg comb" (a comb with very fine teeth or a metal comb) at a pharmacy or online. After combing for a few minutes, you can rinse out the vinegar and dry your hair—be sure not to share towels with anyone else if you still have lice.

Consult a doctor about over-the-counter lice shampoos. Schedule an appointment with your general practitioner or a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis. Ask your doctor about the most effective over-the-counter shampoos or ointments for treating lice that you can purchase at pharmacies. Typically, doctors recommend products containing pyrethrin, a compound extracted from chrysanthemums that is toxic to lice. Common products include Nix (a synthetic version of pyrethrin) and Rid (pyrethrin mixed with other compounds that are harmful to lice).

Ask your doctor about prescription medications. If vinegar and/or over-the-counter shampoos are ineffective, you should consult your doctor about stronger medications. In some areas, lice have developed resistance to over-the-counter treatments, and prescription medications may be necessary. The most common prescription medications for lice are benzyl alcohol (Ulesfia), malathion (Ovide), and Lindane. These are pediculicides that can kill lice, but they should be used with caution, especially in children.

Consider using natural herbal remedies. Studies show that certain plant-based oils can be effective in treating lice and their eggs. The most effective oils for lice treatment include tea tree oil, anise oil, ylang-ylang essential oil, and nerolidol (a compound found in several plants). Although these oils are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for lice treatment, they are considered relatively safe and worth trying if your budget allows.