The exact mechanism of how olive oil can help eliminate head lice is yet to be studied. But several testimonials approve the use of olive oil for this purpose. Keep reading to learn the various ways you can use olive oil treat lice infestation. Jami, a home and lifestyle blogger, claims to be an expert at head lice removal, helping friends, school staff, and more. She insists on olive oil being the best remedy for a lice infestation and must be applied to every household member’s hair. Their hair should then be covered in a shower cap and left for at least 18 hours to ensure the lice are suffocated or at least befuddled. She writes, “Some people like to use mayonnaise. It works, but mayo goes rancid much faster than oil, so I stick with oil (i).” Keep reading to learn the various ways you can use olive oil to treat lice infestation.
How to Use Olive Oil For Head Lice Removal?
1. Olive Oil And Shampoo
What You Need
Olive oil Clarifying shampoo Nit removal comb Paper towels Trash bag Blow dryer
What To Do
A study conducted with a total of 11,223 cases of head lice infestation suggested that the use of physical treatments and carrier oils like olive oil and bitter almond oil with the application of 1% permethrin shampoo can increase the treatment success of head lice infestation. The infested participants used 1% permethrin shampoo twice at a 1-week interval and other recommended therapies like using wooden fine-toothed combs impregnated with a mixture of water and white vinegar on hair for 30 mins. and secondly, carrier oils like olive and bitter almond oils on infested hair over a therapeutic period. The results showed 82% success among cases of permethrin shampoo and combing treatment and 87.31% success among those who applied permethrin shampoo and carrier oil. To conclude, 94.33% of the participants who received all the above-mentioned therapeutic categories earned complete recovery.
2. Olive Oil And Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus essential oil works as an antiseptic (3). Along with olive oil, it may help eliminate head lice. What You Need
4 tablespoons of olive oil 15 to 20 drops of eucalyptus oil Shower cap Nit removal comb
What To Do
3. Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, And White Vinegar
Thinking Coconut oil to get rid of lice? Yes, you can, as it is one of the most common ways to tackle lice infestations. There are many coconut oil remedies that you can explore. However, when combined with Olive oil, the coconut oil suffocates the lice and restricts their movement. Anecdotal evidence suggests that white vinegar may dissolve the glue that helps the nits stick to your hair shaft. What You Need
2 tablespoons of olive oil 2 tablespoons of coconut oil White vinegar Shower cap Nit removal comb Anti-lice shampoo
What To Do
4. Olive Oil And Tea Tree Oil
A mixture of olive and tea tree oils helps eliminate head lice. Tea tree oil has insecticidal and insect-repellent properties (4). What You Need
3 tablespoons of olive oil 1 teaspoon of tea tree oil 2 tablespoons of herbal shampoo (to dilute the otherwise harsh tea tree oil that may cause skin irritation) Shower cap Nit removal comb
What To Do
5. Olive Oil And Sesame Seed Oil
Sesame seed oil has antibacterial and insecticidal properties (5). It may work in conjunction with olive oil to get rid of head lice and their eggs. What You Need
1 tablespoon of olive oil 2 tablespoons of sesame seed oil Shower cap Nit removal comb
What To Do If you are looking for more natural remedy options, find them in the following section.
Alternative Natural Treatment For Head Lice
You may try topical application of these alternative natural remedies for head lice that are believed to work similarly to olive oil (6) –
Anise oil Petroleum jelly Mayonnaise Neem seed extract
Additionally, you may want to execute some preventive measures around the house to stop the lice from spreading. Wash everything that might have come in contact with the lice, like bedsheets, pillow covers, clothes, curtains, carpets, etc. in hot water. Dry them in hot temperatures or wrap them in air-tight storage to suffocate and eventually kill any possible lice. If the lice infestation problem persists or worsens, seek medical assistance for effective treatment. Do you put olive oil on wet or dry hair for lice? Learn how to get rid of head lice and itchy scalp using olive oil effectively from the infographic below.Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team Apply olive oil on dry hair thoroughly. After rinsing your hair, comb out the lice and nits while your hair is still wet. How long does it take for olive oil to kill lice? Olive oil doesn’t kill the lice but rather acts as a suffocating agent that can help drown them. It may take up to 2 to 3 weeks to get rid of lice and nits completely. Can I use extra virgin olive oil for head lice? Yes, extra virgin olive oil can be used with coconut oil for easy removal of lice and nits.
Illustration: Olive Oil For Head Lice: Is it An Effective Treatment?
