If you want to skill up on low cost, low tech, safe and available evidence-packed ways to combat head lice, this is for you! First know that there are ways to save money, such as skipping expensive services or treatment shampoos. However a quality lice comb, is a must have item. So for step 1, purchase a comb with metal teeth that are close together. No need to buy several, or an electric one that promises to vacuum the lice and nits out of the hair. Generally, the best lice combs can be found for around $10 -$15 and are reusable. Step 2: choose a safe homemade solution. We found one that has been tested around the world on different hair textures, and described in an academic peer-reviewed journal. It’s a traditional Brazilian formula containing a heaped teaspoon of table salt, half a tablespoon of vinegar, a bottle cap of baby shampoo, plus 2 drops of lavender oil, (which is optional to make it smell good). Add enough water to the mixture so you have just over 3 ounces in total. Coat the child’s already detangled hair with this formula, leaving it on for 24 hours. During this time life can go on as normal. Step 3 Has you following a regular shampooing and hair rinse regime, sectioning the hair and combing out all the dead remaining lice and nits. Note that this can be tedious and takes patience. A magnifying lens, reading glasses for example, can help. An alternative and more immediate low cost treatment utilizes a regular blow dryer held at a safe distance from the hair and scalp on DRY hair. This heat treating technique is done BEFORE topical treatments, as the heat kills or loosens most lice and nits from the hair shaft. After thoroughly blow-drying the hair, then shampooing, rinsing and sectioning, use the lice comb to remove remaining lice or nits. Finally, daily check for two weeks and removal of any remaining lice and new nits is the key to ensuring most infestations won’t reoccur. Weird home remedies like coating the hair in mayonnaise or petroleum jelly do very little to kill adult lice or prevent the nits from hatching. Test your knowledge on these low cost, low tech solutions here.