What Is Wet Combing?
Background
Wet combing is the most effective way to get rid of head lice.
It is an easy, safe, and inexpensive method to comb out head lice on a regular schedule.
(c) 2025 Expert RN. Do not copy or reproduce without permission
Only treat for head lice if you have confirmed that there are live lice on the scalp. See How To Check for Head Lice for instructions
Wet combing interrupts the life cycle of head lice. Full treatment takes about 3 weeks.
By wet combing every 4 days, you can stop the adult lice from laying more eggs-- that means no more nymphs or adult lice. You continue wet combing until all nits have hatched and there are no more head lice or eggs waiting to hatch.(c) 2025 Expert RN. Do not copy or reproduce without permission
This is why all head lice treatments take at least 2 weeks to work, usually 3-4 for best results.
Over-the-counter (OTC) head lice shampoos or rinses are estimated to only be 4-50% effective, and are far more expensive than conditioner. (c) 2025 Expert RN. Do not copy or reproduce without permission
There are no shortcuts to getting rid of head lice! Be patient, follow the schedule, and you will be lice free as soon as possible.
What you will need for wet combing:
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a head lice or flea comb (included in our Expert RN Head Lice Check Kit)
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conditioner
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a towel
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paper towel
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table and chair
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access to a sink
(c) 2025 Expert RN. Do not copy or reproduce without permission
Ready to start wet combing treatment? Here's our step-by-step guide!
(c) 2025 Expert RN. Do not copy or reproduce without permission.