This is a comprehensive list of home remedies for head lice, some of which have been popular for decades. I have not personally tried any of these remedies. [Important: Read the lice treatment warnings page and consult your doctor before beginning any treatment.]

REMEDY METHOD
Olive Oil Saturate scalp and hair; cover 2 hours to smother lice.
Cetaphil Saturate scalp; comb out excess lotion; blow-dry hair completely; leave in 8 hours; repeat twice more weekly. Source
Mayonnaise Saturate scalp and hair; cover 8 hours to smother lice.
Denorex Extra Strength shampoo Saturate scalp and hair; cover 30 minutes to kill lice.
Vaseline Saturate scalp and hair; cover 8 hours.
3% hydrogen peroxide Saturate scalp; cover 15 minutes.
Garlic (not odorless) Take one capsule orally every evening.
Vitamin B complex Take orally according to product directions.
Mix baby oil (or any other mineral oil) with an equal amount of vinegar. Apply to hair; cover 1 hour.
Mix ½ cup olive oil and ½ cup white vinegar with 2 teaspoons of tea tree oil. Saturate scalp and hair; cover 2 hours.
Mix 5 tbsp neem oil with 10 tbsp olive or sesame oil Saturate scalp and hair; cover 1 hour. Source
Mix 20 drops eucalyptus oil, 20 drops tea tree oil, 10 drops aniseed oil, 10 drops lemon oil and 1/3 cup olive oil. Apply to hair and cover 1 hour.
½ cup olive or coconut oil mixed w/2-3 tbsp tea tree oil. Rub into scalp; cover 30 minutes.
Mix 5 teaspoons olive oil (or coconut oil) w/5 drops tea tree oil, 5 drops rosemary oil, 5 drops lavender oil, 5 drops peppermint oil, 5 drops eucalyptus oil and a small amount of regular shampoo. Saturate hair; cover 1 hour. Source
Antiseptic Mouthwash – 27% ALCOHOL; NOT ON KIDS Spray on scalp and hair; cover 2 hours to kill lice.
Rubbing alcohol – ALCOHOL; NOT ON KIDS Spray hair; cover 1 hour to kill lice and eggs.
Recipes for head lice remedies available commercially ………………….
More Sections In This Mega-List:
Head Lice Treatments … Lice Combs … Preventing Head Lice

Read about how to use a home remedy for head lice …