By far, the best, most guaranteed way to get rid of a case of head lice successfully is to removal all of the head lice and their eggs (nits) from the hair. Often, cases of head lice have been present for a few weeks, at least, before they are discovered. In that time, the head lice will have multiplied and it is possible that there could be hundreds of nits in the hair. Since the average human head has 100,000 strands of hair, your task of removing hundreds of camouflaged nits from the hair and all the pesky bugs can seem daunting if you are not familiar with effective head lice removal techniques. While patience is always required, here are a few techniques that we have found to be most efficient.
Lice Removal Techniques
Hand Picking

The hand picking technique (aka nitpicking) to get rid of lice is one that has been effective since the beginning of lice history. To effectively hand-pick lice from the hair, find a well lit area to work in – outside is best. Start by sectioning the hair and feather just a few strands of hair at a time, examining each strand of hair using some form of magnification. When you find an egg or a bug, pull it out. Repeat this process throughout the entire head.
Four Corners
This lice treatment technique involves some form of lubricant (we recommend olive oil), a good nit comb, and other tools you may need to section the hair. Wet the hair with olive oil and section it off. Working with one section at a time, comb the section from the north, south, east and west sides of the hair, or the four corners.
Head Lice Combing Technique
Any particular lice combing technique you use, when done thoroughly, regularly, and methodically is will help you get rid of head lice. You will want to be certain that your nit comb is of good quality (we recommend the Terminator) and that you ensure each strand of hair can be reached, so don’t work in sections that are too large.
Wet Combing Technique

Wet combing technique lice? Yes!!! Always when using a nit comb on the hair, you want the hair to be wet. Otherwise, the comb will get caught and the entire process will be incredibly painful. At LiceDoctors, we encourage the four corners wet combing technique along with hand picking hair once it is dried. To effectively complete this process, start with the “four corners” method mentioned previously. When combing, wipe your nit comb off on a paper towel between each swipe through the hair and continue combing one section of hair at a time until you no longer get any lice eggs or bugs on your paper towel. Continue the process on the rest of the head. Once completed, proceed with the hand picking method also mentioned previously. Keep in mind that if you leave any nits behind, the case will restart so for a guaranteed complete lice killing process, call LiceDoctors at 800-224-2537 for a home visit today.
We understand that, while these techniques are highly effective, not everyone has the time or patience to fully complete this process on one person, much less an entire family. If you feel like you need or can benefit from professional help, technicians are ready and on stand by. LiceDoctors has more than twenty years of experience and we know how to quickly and thoroughly remove the nits and bugs from the hair. Follow up is just as, if not more important as your initial treatment, because if you leave behind any nits without a follow up plan, you will still have an active case. Your technician will provide these follow up instructions to you and show you how to make sure the lice do not come back during your appointment. If you have questions or would like to make an appointment call us at 800-224-2537. We are available from 7 am until midnight every day. Our technicians have eliminated lice in over 500.000 people and can help you today!