This is a comprehensive list of home remedies for head lice, some of which have been popular for decades. I have not personally tried any of these remedies. [Important: Read the lice treatment warnings page and consult your doctor before beginning any treatment.]
| REMEDY | METHOD |
|---|
| Olive Oil | Saturate scalp and hair; cover 2 hours to smother lice. |
| Cetaphil | Saturate scalp; comb out excess lotion; blow-dry hair completely; leave in 8 hours; repeat twice more weekly. Source |
| Mayonnaise | Saturate scalp and hair; cover 8 hours to smother lice. |
| Denorex Extra Strength shampoo | Saturate scalp and hair; cover 30 minutes to kill lice. |
| Vaseline | Saturate scalp and hair; cover 8 hours. |
| 3% hydrogen peroxide | Saturate scalp; cover 15 minutes. |
| Garlic (not odorless) | Take one capsule orally every evening. |
| Vitamin B complex | Take orally according to product directions. |
| Mix baby oil (or any other mineral oil) with an equal amount of vinegar. | Apply to hair; cover 1 hour. |
| Mix ½ cup olive oil and ½ cup white vinegar with 2 teaspoons of tea tree oil. | Saturate scalp and hair; cover 2 hours. |
| Mix 5 tbsp neem oil with 10 tbsp olive or sesame oil | Saturate scalp and hair; cover 1 hour. Source |
| Mix 20 drops eucalyptus oil, 20 drops tea tree oil, 10 drops aniseed oil, 10 drops lemon oil and 1/3 cup olive oil. | Apply to hair and cover 1 hour. |
| ½ cup olive or coconut oil mixed w/2-3 tbsp tea tree oil. | Rub into scalp; cover 30 minutes. |
| Mix 5 teaspoons olive oil (or coconut oil) w/5 drops tea tree oil, 5 drops rosemary oil, 5 drops lavender oil, 5 drops peppermint oil, 5 drops eucalyptus oil and a small amount of regular shampoo. | Saturate hair; cover 1 hour. Source |
| Antiseptic Mouthwash - 27% ALCOHOL; NOT ON KIDS | Spray on scalp and hair; cover 2 hours to kill lice. |
| Rubbing alcohol - ALCOHOL; NOT ON KIDS | Spray hair; cover 1 hour to kill lice and eggs. |
| Recipes for head lice remedies available commercially | …………………. |
More Sections In This Mega-List:
Head Lice Treatments … Lice Combs … Preventing Head Lice |
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