Yes, you can clear lice eggs by careful wet combing, timed retreatment, and the right tools for your hair and home.
Eggs from head lice—often called nits—cling to hair like tiny beads. They sit close to the scalp and hold fast with a glue-like sheath. Getting them out needs method, patience, and the right gear. This guide shows the full plan, from setup to aftercare, so you can go from first sweep to clean scalp with less stress.
What Nits Are And Why They Stick
A nit is a shell that protects the embryo until hatch. Fresh ones sit within a finger’s width of the scalp, since warmth speeds growth. Empty shells stay lighter in color and sit farther out as hair grows. You can spot them better on wet hair and bright light. They do not jump or fly, and they stick to a single strand; dandruff slides, nits don’t.
Nit Removal Methods At A Glance
| Method | What It Does | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Combing With Metal Comb | Physically lifts live bugs and eggs from hair. | First line for all hair types; repeat on a schedule. |
| OTC Permethrin/Pyrethrins | Kills live lice; some nits survive. | Use with combing; plan a second round. |
| Prescription Spinosad/Ivermectin/Malathion | Can kill unhatched eggs. | For tough cases or when OTC fails; follow label. |
| Silicone (Dimethicone) Lotions | Smothers lice; helps slip nits off. | Pair with combing; gentle on many scalps. |
| Heat From Consumer Devices | Some devices dehydrate lice/eggs. | Only with proven tools and trained users. |
Removing Lice Eggs From Hair: Step-By-Step
This is the core routine. Set up a bright spot, place a white towel over the shoulders, and plan enough time. Short hair may take 15–20 minutes; long or thick hair can take longer. The goal is slow, steady passes that reach the scalp at every stroke.
Tools And Setup
- Fine-tooth metal nit comb with rigid teeth.
- Thick conditioner or a dimethicone comb-aid to stop movement and add slip.
- Clips to section hair, a spray bottle of water, paper towels, and a trash bag.
- Good lighting and a comfortable chair.
Wet Combing Routine
- Wash or wet the hair and coat from roots to ends with conditioner.
- Divide into small sections. Hold each section tight near the scalp.
- Place the comb flat against the scalp and pull straight to the tips. Wipe the comb on a white towel after each pass.
- Repeat each section from different angles. Work methodically from one side to the other.
- Rinse, then re-comb a final time with water only to catch stragglers.
Metal combs grab better than plastic. Many caregivers like silicone-based aids for slip; thick conditioner also works. The aim is contact at the scalp on every pass, since eggs sit close to the skin when fresh.
Schedule That Matches The Life Cycle
Eggs hatch in about a week. Plan a series of comb sessions to catch both the first wave and any late hatch. A common pattern is day 1, day 5, day 9, and day 13, with a final check on day 17. If you use a product that also targets eggs, the schedule can be lighter, but comb checks still help spot survivors.
Treatment Choices And How They Affect Eggs
Many families start with over-the-counter lotion. Permethrin and pyrethrins kill live bugs, yet some shells remain intact. That’s why a second round and combing matter. Some prescription options can act on unhatched eggs. Spinosad 0.9% is one; topical ivermectin and malathion also play that role. Labels differ, so match your plan to the product in hand.
For product-level directions and timing, see the CDC head lice treatment page. The AAP explains where nit combing fits and debunks common myths on its HealthyChildren myths & realities guide.
Who Might Skip Heavy Combing
Some prescription lotions list no nit comb step. You can still remove shells for cosmetic reasons or school rules. If school asks for “no-nit” status, plan extra passes after the medicine.
Aftercare, Retreatment, And Checks
Keep comb checks every two to three days for two to three weeks. If you used a product that leaves a residue, follow the label on when to repeat. Many plans call for a second round about a week later. If live crawlers appear any time, repeat sooner based on the product’s text.
Cleaning Brushes, Linens, And The Space
Head lice cling to hair, not the home. Still, clean items that touched the head in the last two days. Soak combs and brushes in hot water of at least 130°F for five to ten minutes. Wash pillowcases, hats, and linens on hot water and dry on high heat. Bag non-washables for two days. Skip fumigation sprays.
School, Sports, And Close Contacts
Screen close contacts on the same day you treat. Avoid head-to-head contact until the plan is done. Many schools no longer use strict “no-nit” rules, but you can still share a quick note with your nurse so other families check too.
What Works, What Doesn’t
Evidence favors patient, repeated combing and, when needed, a product with proven effects. Home mixes with harsh solvents or flammables are risky. Tea tree and other essential oils carry allergy risks and do not have strong human data. Mayonnaise or petroleum jelly can be messy and may not clear eggs.
Choose The Right Comb
Pick a metal comb with fine, rigid teeth and a tight gap. Many plastic combs flex and miss shells. Wipe on a white towel and rinse in warm water between passes. Replace bent or dull combs.
Texture Tips For Curly, Coily, And Long Hair
Work with extra slip. Load the hair with conditioner and keep a spray bottle handy. Use more, smaller sections. Hold the hair taut near the scalp so the comb can reach the base without snagging. A detangling pass before nit work saves time.
Medication Options And Egg Action
| Product/Class | Acts On Eggs? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Permethrin 1% | Limited | Repeat in about a week; pair with combing. |
| Pyrethrins + PBO | Limited | Repeat per label; avoid on ragweed allergy. |
| Spinosad 0.9% | Yes | Often no comb step on label; check at day 7. |
| Topical Ivermectin | Yes | Single application in many cases. |
| Malathion 0.5% | Yes | Flammable; follow all safety directions. |
| Dimethicone Lotions | Varies | Physical action; pair with combing. |
Mistakes That Keep Eggs Around
- Rushing the passes and skipping the scalp.
- Using a flexible plastic comb that leaves shells behind.
- Stopping after one session. Fresh eggs may hatch on day 7–10.
- Sharing combs or hats during the clean-up window.
- Relying on harsh home brews that irritate skin without proof.
When To Get Medical Help
Call a clinician if OTC products fail after a full round and repeat, if the scalp shows swelling or sores, or if the person is under six months of age. People with asthma, skin conditions, or known allergies need specific advice. In those cases a product that acts on eggs can reduce the number of sessions.
Quick Checklist You Can Print
Same Day
- Do a full wet-comb session with a metal comb.
- Treat with a proven product if you choose medicine.
- Clean combs and brushes in hot water; wash pillowcases and hats.
- Tell close contacts to check.
Days 5, 9, 13, Then 17
- Repeat wet combing on schedule.
- Second product round if your label calls for it.
- Scan roots under bright light; pick off any shells you spot.
Done
- No live crawlers for a full week after the last session.
- Scalp feels calm; no new itchy spots.
Spotting Nits Versus Dandruff
Confusion slows progress. Flakes shift with a breeze or finger rub. Nits grip the shaft and sit at a fixed point. They feel like a tiny knot that slides only when scraped firmly down the hair. Use a bright lamp and a fine part. Check behind the ears and at the nape where warmth traps moisture. If the scalp shows crusts, treat that skin first so the comb can reach cleanly.
Why Eggs Survive After Treatment
Three causes turn up often. First, the product was rinsed early or hair wasn’t fully saturated. Second, resistance reduces the kill of some live stages, leaving hatch later. Third, gaps in the comb plan leave fresh shells near the scalp. Solve this with full saturation, slow passes that touch the skin, and a timed repeat when your label calls for it. A product that acts on unhatched stages can shrink the workload in stubborn cases.
Heat Devices And Salon Services
Some clinics use controlled warm air to dry out lice and eggs. The method needs training and a device with measured flow and temperature. Home blow-dryers are not the same and can burn skin. If you pick a service, ask about the comb schedule that follows, since debris still needs removal for a clean look and to pass school checks.
Pets, Bedding, And Reinfection
Head lice feed on human blood and will not live on pets. The main risk is head-to-head contact. Wash and heat-dry items that touched the head during the last two days. For helmets and hair gear, clean the hard surfaces and set them aside for 48 hours. Keep a spare comb sealed for each person during the clean-up window to prevent mix-ups.
Planning For Busy Households
Line up supplies before the first session. Aim for the same comb schedule across the home. Stagger start times by an hour so one helper can rotate between heads. Put names on towels and combs. Use a checklist stuck to the fridge with the dates—day 1, day 5, day 9, day 13, and the day-17 scan—so no round gets missed.