Scratching your head trying to figure out how to get rid head lice? There are many medicines, creams, lotions and shampoos available that can help treat the problem. But these can often contain chemicals and synthetic products that can damage the scalp and even the quality of hair.

Itching and red bumps are the most common symptoms of head lice and can worsen over time if untreated. Lice can even spread due to a number of reasons; sharing a comb with someone who is infected, wearing the same clothes, using the same bedding and sharing other personal care items. They increase in number very quickly and can be difficult to eliminate if the infestation gets worse.

To effectively treat the problem you can try some easy home remedies with commonly used oils if you want to avoid over the counter synthetic treatments. Take a look at some simple tricks that you can do from the comfort of your home.

1. Olive Oil

Olive oil is thick and rich in its texture and consistency and can smother the lice when coated on the scalp and help get rid of them. Apply the olive oil to the generously to the hair and scalp before bedtime. Cover your hair with a shower cap and leave it on overnight. Next morning remove the shower cap and comb out the lice with a close tooth comb. Another option is to add half a cup of olive oil to conditioner and apply it to your hair. Leave it on for half an hour, rinse it out and comb the lice out of your hair. After this, shampoo and condition as usual. Follow this remedy once a week for a month to get the best results. You can find details of organic olive oil here.

2. Tea Tree Oil

Essential oil containing tea tree extracts is a natural insecticide which makes is a very useful treatment for head lice removal. When using, remember not to directly apply tea tree oil directly to the scalp. To apply tea tree oil as a remedy, mix a spoonful of the essential oil with an organic shampoo and add a few drops of olive oil as well. Apply this mixture all over your hair and scalp and cover it with a shower cap or a warm towel. Leave it on for half an hour and then rinse it out with warm water. The action of the tea tree oil combined with the warmth of the towel and water will pull out the lice and make it easy to comb it out. Get some more details about tea tree oil here.

3. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has a very heavy and thick texture. The lubrication properties of the oil stop the lice from moving around the scalp and prevent them from multiplying. The reduced movement makes it easier to remove it using a comb. Start by rinsing your hair and scalp with apple cider vinegar and let it air dry. Once it has completely dried out, saturate the scalp with coconut oil. Cover your head after application and leave it on overnight. Next morning, comb your hair out and then shampoo and condition as usual. You can even add some essential oil to the coconut mask to enhance it further. Follow this treatment thrice a week for a month and you will effectively eradicate the lice problem. Click here to know more about the benefits of coconut oil here.

4. Sesame Seed Oil

Oil extracted from pure sesame seeds is rich in antibacterial and antifungal properties which make it an effective insecticide. Mix one cup of sesame seed oil with crushed neem leaves and you can also add a few drops of lavender essential oil if desired to improve the fragrance. Apply this concoction to your hair and leave it on overnight. Remember to cover your hair to prevent the lice from falling out. In the morning, wet your hair with warm water and then comb the lice out. You can pick up pure sesame seed oil here.