Hair problems can be frustrating to deal with, especially when they are as stubborn as head lice! While lice infestation in the head does not cause any infection or diseases, it is a nuisance that is horribly difficult to deal with because of how lice reproduce. Moreover, they cause itching that can drive you crazy, especially when you’re in public and cannot scratch your head. So, if you’re troubled by this hair problem, we are here to help you out. But first, we’d like to tell you that having head lice in no way indicates that you’re unhygienic or dirty.
Head lice are contagious and spread from one person to another by crawling, so you might get head lice even if you are hygienic and take care of your hair. Hence, here we share with you how to remove lice eggs from hair using home remedies. Keep trying different remedies till your head is clean and clear!
- What Are The Symptoms of Lice and Lice Eggs
- What Causes Lice Infestation In The Head
- How To Remove Lice Eggs From Hair
What Are The Symptoms of Lice and Lice Eggs

Head lice are very tiny, because of which they are not easily visible. Moreover, there’s no way you’ll figure out you have head lice unless there’s more of them and you feel them moving on your scalp. That’s why here we list some common symptoms of lice infestation. Only after you know of the infestation is when you’ll try home remedies to remove lice eggs from the hair.
You may have a mild feeling of lice crawling on your head:
- Itchy scalp
- You see nits on hair shafts
- You might find lice in your comb after combing your hair
What Causes Lice Infestation In The Head

Head lice are wingless parasites that can crawl from one person’s head to another. Due to this, a lice infestation is highly contagious. So one of the ways it can transmit is head-to-head contact. Sharing towels, combs, bed sheets, and pillows with an infected person might also cause lice infestation in your head. That’s why sharing these items is not recommended.
Moreover, sharing hair accessories such as hair bands, scarves, and hats can also cause lice transmission. In many people, wet hair can also be prone to infestations. If your scalp is excessively dirty or oily, it can become a favorable place for lice to settle in.
Victims of lice infestation are usually children aged 5-13 since they spend time with other kids and do not know much about hair hygiene. Women with long and thick hair are also common victims of lice since in their hair, lice can multiply faster and are less exposed to light, which helps them survive.
How To Remove Lice Eggs From Hair

Getting rid of lice and nits is difficult, but not impossible. There are medicines available to get rid of lice; however, these do not help eliminate nits and lice eggs. As long as there are nits and lice eggs in your hair, you won’t be able to get rid of lice. That’s why here are some remedies that we’d suggest. They will help you get rid of lice as well as their eggs.
1. Neem oil

Armed with a pungent smell and antibacterial properties, neem oil is one of the most effective home remedies to remove lice eggs from hair. Its strong smell repels lice, and some compounds in neem oil disrupt the life cycle of lice.
How to use:
- Use neem oil on your hair before going for a hair wash and let it rest for 20-30 minutes.
- Use a nit comb to remove lice and then rinse hair thoroughly.
- You can also infuse your shampoo with a few drops of neem oil if you’d like.
2. Tea tree oil

One of the most commonly used essential oils, tea tree oil is a popular home remedy for skin and hair because of its antimicrobial properties. Its intense aroma, along with its antimicrobial properties, helps kill lice. Researchers have found that using tea tree oil with another essential oil helps get rid of head lice, and the success rate is comparable to many prescription treatments. However, before trying this remedy, you might want to try and do a patch test on your arm to make sure tea tree oil is safe for you.
How to use:
- To use tea tree oil to remove lice eggs from hair, add a few drops to the required quantity of carrier oil such as coconut or almond oil.
- You can also add a few drops of lavender essential oil or peppermint essential oil if you have.
- Apply the oil concoction on your scalp from the roots to the tips and massage your scalp for a few minutes.
- Cover your hair with a shower cap and leave it on for an hour.
- Comb your hair to remove the lice, and then wash your hair as you usually do.
- Use a nit comb on wet hair to remove nits.
- Use this remedy once a week to remove lice and lice eggs from the hair.
3. Garlic

This is one unusual home remedy to remove lice eggs from hair. We all know that garlic has quite a strong smell, but along with it, it also has antibacterial properties. Both of these are an advantage when you are looking to clear your head of lice. Garlic suffocates and kills lice, so try this home remedy once a week.
How to use:
- Grind 8-10 cloves of garlic and add lime juice to prepare a paste.
- Apply this on your head and leave it on for 30 minutes.
- Use a nit comb to remove the lice, and then wash off your hair with warm water.
4. Vinegar

While there is no scientific evidence to prove that vinegar is an effective home remedy to remove lice eggs from hair, it is worth trying. Applying vinegar on the head before going for a hair wash may help loosen the glue that holds nits to the hair shafts. This makes it easier to remove nits using a nit comb.
How to use:
- Make sure you use distilled vinegar on your hair.
- Leave it on for a while and comb out the lice.
- Rinse hair thoroughly with warm water.
- Apple cider vinegar can also be used as an alternative.
- Mix half a cup of apple cider vinegar with half a cup of water and apply this on the head.
- Use a nit comb to remove lice, and then wash off your hair with warm water.
5. Onion juice

Everyone knows that onions are great for hair growth! You might have even used onion oil for longer tresses. However, did you know that the antibacterial and antifungal properties of onion are helpful to remove lice eggs from hair as well? Besides, it nourishes the hair and also aids in growth, so using it is even better!
How to use:
- Make some onion juice at home by blending chopped onions in a mixer.
- Apply the juice on your scalp evenly and leave it for about 3 to 4 hours.
- Using a nit comb, remove the dead lice and nits and rinse the hair thoroughly with shampoo.
- Repeat this every 3-4 days for the best results.
6. Wet combing

This is one of the easiest ways to remove lice eggs from hair, especially if your hair is dry. Wet your hair, detangle it, and then apply some conditioner. Use a fine-toothed comb. The damp hair will make it easier to run a fine-toothed comb through your hair, and the conditioner will help you see the lice more clearly. Keep combing till you find no more lice. Repeat this method every 3-4 days to keep your head clean.
Head lice can cause itching and irritation on the scalp, so start lice treatments immediately after you notice it to limit the spread. Use alternative treatments, and after 3-4 times, if you’re still unable to get rid of them, see a doctor.
Written by Nisha Shah on Dec 02, 2021
Writer, avid reader and a lover of all things creative is the best way to describe Nisha Shah! Equipped with a degree in Journalism and a certification in Digital Marketing, she brings a distinct perspective to her writing. With experience in content covering a range of topics from health to travel and beauty to food, she manages to bring something interesting and yet easy-to-read for her readers. When she's not writing, you can find her curled up with a book and coffee, bingeing on movies and TV shows, experimenting with photography and lots more!