When one is dealing with a hair lice infection, it is also necessary to deal with nits which are the eggs of adult lice. The eggs are attached to individual strands of hair via a glue like substance secreted by the adult louse and can be very difficult to remove. The eggs are laid by an adult female and will hatch in approximately a week. While a medicated shampoo can be used for lice removal, the eggs will be unaffected. Unless the eggs are removed, the infestation will continue.

A number of methods exist to help remove nits, but the process is often time consuming. The simplest removal method is to use a fine toothed metal comb to go through each strand of hair. Wetting the hair is recommended. A magnifying glass can be useful because it makes seeing the eggs easier. It is crucial that every strand of hair be examined for nits because if only one remains, it will hatch and restart the infection.

After you remove the louse eggs, every article of clothing has to be washed because they might be harboring more eggs or adults. Bleach should be used whenever possible just to be sure that all the eggs and adults have been destroyed. Combs or accessories should also be thoroughly bleached and sealed in a plastic bag for weeks if necessary as they might contain nits as well.

There are a few methods that can make the removal of louse eggs from one's hair easier, since it can be a very trying process. One such way involves soaking the infected hair in white vinegar before attempting to remove the eggs: this loosens the biological glue adhering the eggs to the hair, allowing for easier removal. Similarly, soaking the comb in vinegar prior to use can be a great help. A second method involves the application of heat to the hair immediately prior to attempts to remove the eggs.

Think before attempting an alternative form of treatment. While it may seem safer to use natural remedies, many of these have not been tested and may have unintended consequences. One popular alternate remedy mayonnaise is very difficult to remove from hair and will often end up turning rancid. Some alternative treatments could even be potentially lethal.

When dealing with an infestation, there are a number of different sources that can be helpful. A doctor or pharmacist may be able to provide good product recommendations for dealing with louse eggs. If your child is infected, their school nurse would also be a good information source.