When going through the hairline, remember to search for all of the eggs or "nits." These small white pellets will be tightly integrated between the hairline and each individual follicle. These bits cannot be eliminated through regular brushing or combing of the hair. They are also completely static, and cause no secondary symptoms until they hatch. Every single one must be killed or removed, as a single nit can start the process again.

The best way to get them out is to buy a specialized comb for nit removal. Unlike normal combs, these combs feature teeth that are so closely spaced that they will scrape out and remove nits. First use a shampoo to kill any live lice in the hair, then use the comb to separate nits from hair. You must literally check each strand for remaining nits. A lice treatment may kill many of the nits along with the lice, but you can never assume that it has killed them all.

Even when a nontoxic cure like mayonnaise or petroleum jelly is used, nit removal is crucial. More lice will hatch out unless these are eradicated. Remember that the treatment may have only killed live lice, not those who haven't yet hatched out. Any nits that are removed need to be flushed down the drain or placed in a sealed container as they can live for many days after removal.

A nit that happens to fall off into your bed linens, your furnishings, your garments, or your child's plush toys can lay its eggs there. The house must be vacuumed throughout and all possible items washed and dried. Steam cleaning can also be useful. Whatever you cannot clean must be wrapped in a closed sack for approximately 21 days.

Even after treatment for head lice, the host may still be at risk of contracting the lice again. This is because nits can remain in the hair even after treatment. You can find nits by carefully and methodically checking the hairline, nape of the neck and the entire head for them. After removing any nits, you should retreat the head with the lotion or shampoo. While having head lice is no fun, by carefully following the directions on the label and removing any nits, you can eliminate the problem.

Whenever we talk about treating head lice, sooner or later the subject of nits is sure to come up. They are the eggs of the louse, which attach firmly to the hair shafts, usually near the scalp. The most convenient way to remove them from hair is by using a fine-toothed special comb, after using a shampoo that can kill them. Not every lice treatment works though. Even after trying the home remedies of mayo or petroleum jelly the nit or egg may not die. For several weeks after treating for lice, the head should be closely inspected.