How to Use NitWits All-In-One: A Comprehensive Guide
NitWits All-In-One is a popular choice for treating head lice due to its ease of use and effectiveness. This product typically requires a single 20-minute application to kill both lice and their eggs (nits). To use NitWits All-In-One effectively, start by ensuring you have enough product to thoroughly coat the entire scalp and all of the hair, especially at the roots. Apply the product directly to dry hair, making sure to massage it well into the scalp and through to the ends. After application, leave the product in for the recommended 20 minutes to allow it to work properly. Finally, rinse thoroughly with water and shampoo as normal. Some may choose to use the comb provided with some products to remove dead lice and eggs, though it is not always necessary.
Understanding NitWits All-In-One
NitWits All-In-One is designed to simplify the treatment of head lice. Unlike some other products that require multiple applications or overnight treatment, NitWits All-In-One is formulated for a quicker and less cumbersome process. However, as with all lice treatments, adherence to the instructions is critical for successful eradication. While it aims to kill live lice and nits, follow-up checks may be necessary to ensure no re-infestation.
Detailed Steps for Application
To achieve optimal results with NitWits All-In-One, it’s important to follow a precise application method. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
1. Preparation
Before you begin, ensure you have enough product for your hair length and thickness. It’s also helpful to have a towel readily available to protect clothing, and a timer to keep track of the 20-minute application period.
2. Application
Apply NitWits All-In-One to dry hair. This is critical as it allows the product to coat the lice and nits more effectively. Massage the product into the scalp first, ensuring that the roots of the hair are completely covered. Then, work the product through the hair, from roots to ends, to achieve even distribution.
3. Processing Time
Once the product is thoroughly applied, set a timer for 20 minutes. It is essential to leave the treatment on for the full 20 minutes to ensure that all lice and eggs are killed. Avoid covering the hair unless specified in product instructions.
4. Rinsing and Washing
After the 20 minutes have elapsed, rinse the hair thoroughly with water. You can then shampoo your hair as usual. It is usually not necessary to use a special shampoo or conditioner after treatment; your regular hair products will be sufficient.
5. Optional Combing
Some may choose to comb through the hair after rinsing to help remove dead lice and eggs. If the product includes a special fine-toothed comb, use it on damp hair. Divide the hair into sections and carefully comb through each section. This step is optional but can give you additional confidence that all lice and nits have been removed.
Post-Treatment Care
After using NitWits All-In-One, it’s important to take some additional steps to prevent re-infestation:
- Check for Lice: Examine your scalp and hair for any signs of remaining lice or eggs about 7 days after treatment. If any are found, consult with your healthcare provider for additional treatment options.
- Clean Belongings: Wash clothing, bed linens, and other items that the infested person wore or used in the 2 days prior to treatment. Use the hot water (130°F) laundry cycle and high heat drying cycle. Items that are not washable can be dry-cleaned or sealed in a plastic bag for 2 weeks.
- Avoid Re-infestation: Remind household members to avoid sharing personal items such as hats, combs, and hairbrushes.
- Monitor: Continue to check regularly for signs of lice as a preventative measure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about NitWits All-In-One
1. Can I leave NitWits All-In-One on overnight?
No, NitWits All-In-One is specifically designed to work within a 20-minute timeframe. Leaving it on longer than recommended may not provide additional benefit and could potentially cause scalp irritation.
2. What happens if I leave lice shampoo on too long?
Leaving non-prescription lice shampoos on for too long can lead to scalp irritation and possibly some damage to the hair. While some tingling is normal, extended exposure can be unnecessarily harsh.
3. Does NitWits All-In-One kill lice instantly?
No, there is no known product that can kill head lice instantly. NitWits All-In-One will typically kill live lice within 12 hours after the treatment, but it requires the 20-minute application period for maximum efficacy.
4. How long should I leave lice shampoo in?
Most lice shampoos, including NitWits All-In-One, recommend a specific application time. It is often around 10 to 20 minutes. Always follow the instructions provided with the product.
5. Do I need to use regular shampoo and conditioner after lice treatment?
Yes, you can shampoo as normal after rinsing off NitWits All-In-One. You do not need special shampoo or conditioner unless specifically indicated by the product instructions. In fact, it’s often best to avoid using anything besides a gentle shampoo after treatment to let the medicine do its job.
6. Do I have to wash everything after head lice?
Yes, washing potentially contaminated clothing, bedding, and items is important. Machine wash items on a hot cycle (130°F) and use a hot dryer. For non-washable items, dry-clean or seal in a bag for 2 weeks.
7. What do head lice hate?
Lice are repelled by strong scents such as coconut, tea tree oil, lavender, eucalyptus, rosemary, lemon grass, and peppermint. Using these in hair products can help as a preventative measure.
8. How long can lice live on a hairbrush?
Adult head lice can only survive for about 2 days on a hairbrush. Nits can survive for around 1 week. Soaking brushes and combs in hot water (130°F) for 5-10 minutes will kill any lice or nits.
9. What kills lice eggs overnight?
Smothering agents like petroleum jelly, olive oil, butter, or mayonnaise can kill lice eggs overnight by depriving them of air. Apply to scalp and hair, cover with a shower cap, and leave overnight. NitWits all in one works in 20 minutes so this is not needed.
10. Can lice be killed with a hair dryer?
While heat can kill lice, a regular hair dryer is unlikely to get hot enough to effectively treat lice. Rely on dedicated treatments like NitWits All-In-One instead.
11. What color are dead lice eggs?
Dead lice eggs or nits will be white or grey. Live nits are plump, shiny, and dark golden-brown before they hatch or white after the louse has hatched.
12. Does NitWits All-In-One work?
Yes, many people have found NitWits All-In-One to be an effective lice treatment when used correctly. The product is designed to kill both the live lice and their eggs (nits).
13. Do head lice hate the cold?
No, lice are not affected by cold temperatures, as long as their host (the human) provides a warm and comfortable environment.
14. Can I sleep in my bed if I have lice?
Yes, lice cannot survive long on bedding. They can only survive without a host for 1-2 days. However, it is essential to wash bedding after the treatment to avoid the possibility of re-infestation from any stray lice.
15. Do lice like dyed hair?
Lice gravitate just as much to dyed hair as to natural hair. Hair color does not prevent them from attaching to the hair shaft to reach the scalp for feeding.