Wet Combing Technique

Wet combing is a special technique where you use a lice comb and conditioner to find head lice and treat them.

• For pregnant women or those who have allergic reactions, it is a safe alternative to the chemical anti-lice products.
• It is an economical alternative if the anti-lice products are not successful or if you simply want to try something else.
• The conditioner smells nice and is easy to purchase.
• Lice are clearly visible against the white background of the conditioner.
• It is a painless way to comb hair using a lice comb (available in the pharmacy).
• This technique is easy to do when washing your hair.

Tip: use the wet combing technique initially or after a test result in order to determine if there are indeed head lice present.

If head lice are present, perform the wet combing technique every 3-4 days (for 2-3 weeks). Afterwards, perform the wet combing technique weekly to check for any new infestations.

• conditioner
• a sink or bathtub, and warm water
• a hand towel
• a towel to protect your eyes
• a normal comb
• a lice comb
• disinfectant to clean your comb
• white paper towels or white paper napkins
• toothpicks

1. Wet hair thoroughly.
2. Work plenty of conditioner through the hair (coat it thoroughly, do not twist it).
3. Comb the hair with a normal comb until there are no more snarls.
4. Have the person who is being treated sit with their head bent over and use the lice comb to comb out the person's hair from back (neck) to front (forehead) and from one ear to the other. Take care to press the lice comb firmly against the scalp.
5. Wipe the lice comb off after every pass with a paper towel, and look to see if there are lice. You will be able to see lice and nits very clearly. Remove them from the comb with a toothpick, if necessary.
6. Wash the conditioner out of the person's hair.
7. Wet hair thoroughly again.
8. Comb the hair with a normal comb until there are no more snarls.
9. Have the person who is being treated sit with their head bent over and use the lice comb to comb out the person's hair from back (neck) to front (forehead) and from one ear to the other. Take care to press the lice comb firmly against the scalp.
10. Wipe the lice comb off after every pass with a paper towel, and look to see if there are lice and nits Remove them from the comb with a toothpick, if necessary.

Important: soak the lice comb in disinfectant for at least 30 minutes after every treatment in order to clean it.

Ghent - Paediatrics

Paediatrics, Paediatrics Department, paediatrics

Deinze - Paediatrics

Paediatrics, Paediatrics Department, paediatrics

Latest publication date: 15/01/2024