Pediculosis is a problem that many modern people face. Not everyone agrees to use chemicals (shampoos, sprays, etc.) against lice. After all, most of these products contain some amount of toxic substances, which are not beneficial to the human body. Patients with pediculosis are increasingly turning to the mechanical method of getting rid of pests. This means a comb for lice and nits. In the article we will tell you what it is, how to use this device, how it differs from ordinary combs and how effective it is.
What is a lice and nit comb?
Head lice are blood-sucking insects. They parasitize the human scalp. They firmly attach their larvae (nits) to the hair with glue. This is why getting rid of lice is so difficult. Even if you remove the insects themselves from the hair, the nits will remain. And new lice will hatch from them.
Chemical products (creams, shampoos, lotions, sprays) against lice “work” in approximately the same way. They kill lice, but are not always destructive to nits. But such products dissolve the glue with which the larvae are attached to the hair. After chemical treatment, the hair is thoroughly combed to remove dead lice and nits. This is done using a special fine-toothed comb, which is usually included with the lice remedy.
The mechanical method of getting rid of lice does not require the use of toxic chemicals. The hair is simply combed with a specially designed comb, without pre-treatment. The lice and nit comb is sold separately. The easiest way to buy it is at a pharmacy. It has a special design that does not allow lice and nits to “slip” between the teeth and avoid removal. The teeth of an ordinary comb are not so frequent, therefore they are powerless against pests.
Combs can be combined with chemical treatments for head lice. This increases their efficiency.
Today, there are three main types of combs for lice and nits. Such combs can be:
- plastic/wooden;
- metal;
- electronic.
Below we will look at each variety separately.
Plastic combs
These combs are usually included with head lice products, but they can also be purchased separately. These are classic combs - similar ones were used by our great-grandmothers. Plastic combs have two disadvantages:
- Their teeth bend during use: the interval between them increases, which is why the teeth can “bend around” lice and nits without capturing them. Some pests are combed out, but some remain in the hair. You can use similar wooden combs - they do not bend. However, their teeth do not have micro-notches (which are often found on metal combs), without which the comb is not as effective at capturing insects.
- They are not as durable as metal ones.
Plastic combs also have an advantage: their prices start at 100 rubles.
How to choose a quality product?
When choosing a comb for combing out lice, you should give preference to more expensive options. Therefore, it is best to buy an electric or metal comb. In the first case, the use of such a device allows you to quickly remove lice and nits from the hair, since this is facilitated not only by the frequency of the teeth, but also by a weak electrical discharge, which has a detrimental effect on parasites.
A metal comb for head lice is also no less effective. The material from which it is made is durable, so this comb can be used without fear that it will break or the gaps between its teeth will widen over time.
Wooden and plastic combs, as mentioned above, do not have such advantages. This means that when buying them, the money will be wasted.
Metal combs
This is a more modern and effective device for lice and nits. The features of this comb include the following characteristics:
- Very small distance between teeth. This is important for reliable removal of both lice and nits from hair. A louse is a small insect (about 2-4 mm), nits are even smaller - about 0.4 mm long, 0.2-0.3 mm wide. If the distance between the teeth is too large, lice and nits will “slip” into these gaps and remain in the hair. Therefore, the interval between the teeth of metal combs is made less than 0.09 mm. This ensures successful combing out of pests.
- Stiff teeth. Unlike plastic combs, metal combs allow only hair to pass through them without hindrance. Everything else gets stuck in between. There is no risk that the teeth will unbend when using the comb and allow a louse or nit to travel further into the comb.
- Elongated teeth. The increased length allows you to “catch” more nits with fewer strokes of the comb.
- Rounded tips of teeth, moderate comb rigidity. These parameters allow you not to injure your scalp and hair.
Most metal combs have special notches on the teeth that are safe for hair. Notches are needed to damage the shell of the larvae. Even if some nits remain in the hair, new lice will not hatch from them. These dead larvae will be removed from the hair with subsequent application of the comb. The notches also help and more effectively “unhook” tenacious lice from the hair.
Metal combs from the brands AntiV, LiceGuard, and NitFree are in greatest demand. LiceGuard combs do not have notches, but due to the very small distance between the teeth, they are also quite effective in the fight against lice and nits.
The disadvantage of a metal comb is its price. Such devices cost at least 500 rubles. More often, prices even start at 1000 rubles. But these combs are more durable and more effective than plastic and wooden ones.
Review of popular combs
There are several popular comb manufacturers on the market today whose products offer better performance and quality. These include combs from companies:
- AntiV;
- LiceGuard;
- NitFree;
- Pediculen ultra.
AntiV comb
The AntiV comb is the most popular among all such devices. It is equipped with long, thin, frequent teeth, on which special notches are applied. The teeth themselves are rounded, which makes them safe. The product has a round handle with silicone inserts that provide comfortable holding of the comb. The price of this product is about a thousand rubles.
The long teeth of the AntiV comb allow you to process thick strands, and the original relief of the notches ensures reliable removal of lice
Video: instructions for using the AntiV comb
LiceGuard comb
LiceGuard combs have steel teeth and a plastic handle. They are usually sold in packages that contain two devices: one with long teeth, the other with short ones. This solution allows you to choose a comb that is optimally suited for a specific hair type and length. In addition, an anti-corrosion compound is applied to the teeth. In addition to the combs, the kit includes a special hairpin with a tip in the form of a magnifying glass, which helps to separate hair into strands. The price of such a set is about 850 rubles.
The LiceGuard comb set can be used on fine or thick hair
Video: LiceGuard scallops
Comb NitFree
Externally, the comb is very similar to the product from AntiV: the handle has the same rounded shape, is equipped with silicone inserts, the teeth are long, frequent, and notched. The only difference is the logo and the price - it is slightly higher - approximately 1100 rubles. This product is made of high quality steel, and the teeth are attached using a laser, which ensures the reliability and durability of the comb.
NitFree comb teeth do not damage the hair, do not cling to it, so the hair does not break or be pulled out
Video: NitFree comb characteristics
Product from Pedikulen ultra
The comb from the Pediculen Ultra company is the least popular among all the devices. It has similar characteristics: it has frequent long metal teeth and a plastic handle. However, there are no notches on its teeth, which may be the reason for its least popularity among consumers. But the price may please you - you can buy the device for only 200 rubles.
Along with the Pediculen comb, manufacturers offer to purchase a magnifying glass specially designed for finding lice in hair
Video: Pediculen ultra lice comb
Electronic combs
Such devices have a plastic body and metal teeth. The teeth are shorter than those of metal combs, so it may be difficult to use the device on long hair. The electronic comb is powered by a battery (AA).
The fundamental difference between this device and other combs is that it does not just comb out lice and nits from the hair, but first kills them with a weak electric shock. And dead lice are much easier to comb out than actively running lice. For people, these electrical discharges are not dangerous and do not cause them any unpleasant sensations.
The most popular electronic combs are RobiComb and LiceGuard. They, like other anti-pediculosis combs, can be bought at the pharmacy. The cost of devices starts from 2000 rubles.
Benefits of lice and nit combs
All types of combs have the following advantages over chemical agents:
- Ease of use and functionality. To use the comb you do not need any special knowledge or skills; just read the instructions. The device is suitable for all family members, including children.
- Safety. Chemicals can harm sensitive scalps and are not good for your hair. Combs do not damage the hair or injure the scalp.
- No contraindications. The combs do not contain toxic substances. Therefore, they can also be used by people for whom chemicals are not suitable: allergy sufferers, children, pregnant women, asthmatics. However, before removing lice with an electronic comb from very young children (under 2 years old) and pregnant women, it is better to consult a doctor. Other types of combs can be used without consulting a doctor.
- Two in one. The comb allows you to simultaneously eliminate both lice and nits.
- Compatible with any other means for head lice. If you wish, you can combine other methods of fighting lice with a comb.
- Durability. Shampoos and other medications have an expiration date and high consumption. Therefore, in each individual case and for preventive purposes, you will have to purchase the products again. And having bought a comb once, you can use it as much as you like and for anyone.
Pros and cons of this tool
Like most products, lice combs have their advantages and disadvantages.
Among the advantages are the following:
- Can be used for everyone. Lice combs have no contraindications, since the procedure is essentially no different from regular combing of hair. Lice combs are suitable not only for adults, but also for children of any age.
- Does not cause allergies. Combs are made from materials that do not cause allergies. This makes them an optimal choice for people with skin problems.
- Safety. When used correctly, the comb cannot damage the skin or hair, regardless of their sensitivity or individual characteristics. This allows them to be used without restriction, while the wrong dose of shampoo can lead to undesirable consequences.
- No unpleasant side effects. Even some modern shampoos against lice leave behind a burning sensation and itching. After combing out with a lice comb, there are no such effects.
- Excellent compatibility with other products. Most anti-lice chemicals have a negative effect on the hair and scalp. Therefore, they are not recommended to be used together. Combining a chemical with a comb is not only safe, but also effective.
- Durability. Lice combs are made of very high quality. They can last for many years, unlike disposable shampoos and creams.
- Efficiency. Like all parasites, lice quickly develop immunity to chemicals. But the comb, which acts on them mechanically, has nothing to oppose to the parasites. Moreover, many chemicals do not act on nits at all, as even many manufacturers claim.
- The best preventative. Everyone knows that lice most often appear in children. A lice comb is best suited for preventive purposes, as it is completely safe and does not cause discomfort.
But anti-lice combs also have disadvantages:
- Long duration of treatment. Some shampoos, sprays and creams get rid of lice in just a few uses. Sometimes even in one procedure, which also does not last long. You need to comb out lice and nits with a comb for several days, carefully and for a long time.
- Need help from another person. Combing out parasites on your own is quite problematic, especially if you have dense hair.
- High price. On average, lice combs cost several times more than shampoos.
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Disadvantages of Combs
Combs for lice and nits also have disadvantages:
- These devices are difficult to use alone. Need help from another person.
- Repeated use required. You are unlikely to completely remove all lice and nits in one go. You should use the comb for several days in a row (preferably at least 7-10). One combing takes about an hour, or even more. And if there are too many lice and nits, then it is difficult to remove them using a comb alone. It would be wise to use additional means, chemical or folk. The electronic comb does not need to be combined with other methods, as it copes well even with a huge number of lice and nits.
Preventing lice with a comb
The comb can be used not only for treatment, but also for the prevention of head lice. For preventive purposes, the device is used once every 1-2 weeks. Even if a louse gets into your hair, it will be combed out in a timely manner and will not have time to multiply.
The electronic comb can be used not only for prevention, but also for diagnosing head lice. Upon contact with lice or nits, the device sends a discharge. An electric shock is not produced just like that. Therefore, if you hear discharges, it means there are “guests” in the hair. In this way, even a single louse can be detected.
How is the comb used?
A metal, plastic or wooden comb is used as follows:
- Hair should be washed with simple shampoo as usual. There is no need to wait for your hair to dry completely. It is enough to dry it a little with a towel. Then you should comb your hair with a simple comb and only then take a special comb.
- Short hair is simply combed with a comb from roots to ends. Long ones are more difficult to work with. You should process one small strand at a time. It is recommended to separate the top part of the hair from the bottom and pin it at the back of the head. After combing the lower strands, the upper ones need to be unraveled and processed in the same way. When a large number of lice and nits are stuck in the teeth of the comb, they must be removed by hand, rinse the comb in a vinegar solution and continue combing.
The comb is convenient to use over a white surface (bathtub, sheet, towel). On it you will immediately see the removed lice and nits. The person treating the patient must be properly equipped. A thick plastic cap is put on the head. Clothes should also be protected with something on top (for example, a robe or raincoat). If you neglect precautions, you can become infected with lice.
To make it easier to comb out lice and nits, it is recommended to treat washed hair with a solution of 9% vinegar. A tablespoon of vinegar is diluted in 100 ml of warm water and applied to the hair. This mixture dissolves the glue that attaches the nits to the hair.
The electronic comb is used in the same way as other similar devices. The only difference: it is used only on dry hair and is not rinsed during use.
Step-by-step instruction
Not every patient knows how to properly comb out nits with a special comb. Only with the correct use of such a comb does a person get the desired result.
A person with pediculosis uses a nit comb in this way:
- first washes your hair with a special anti-nit shampoo;
- then, one by one, he selects thin strands of hair and combs eggs out of them;
- Then, the cleaned hairs are separated from the rest and thus prevent re-infestation with lice.
After processing each hair strand, the person cleans the comb from nits and rinses the hair comb well.
Frequency of the procedure
When combing lice from the head with a comb, the patient carefully combs his hair every day for at least 1 week. However, often single individuals of such parasites remain in the hair.
As a result, for the purpose of prevention, for 1 month the patient combs his strands with an anti-lice and nits comb after each hair wash.
It is necessary to remove such parasites from the head in good lighting. In such a situation, the householder installs an additional lamp on a flexible bracket, which directs the beam to any head area.
Sometimes, when treating pediculosis, the patient performs the following actions:
- Apply a special kerosene mixture only to dry hair (1 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp shampoo and 1 tsp kerosene);
- then he puts a plastic bag on his head and wraps it in a towel;
- then, wait 1.5-2 hours and thoroughly wash your hair with shampoo;
- rinses hair with a weak vinegar solution.
After 3 days, the household member repeats this procedure, but with a lower concentration.
Video
AntiV comb - Instructions for use
