Q: Vinegar is a common home remedy for head lice, but some people mistakenly think it will kill adult lice and their eggs, which are called nits. In reality, vinegar cannot kill head lice directly because it's not toxic to them. However, it can help remove the nits stuck to your hair, which prevents new lice from hatching and infesting your head. More specifically, the acetic acid in vinegar dissolves the protective shells surrounding nits and disables them from sticking to your hair. After the application of vinegar, the nits either fall out of your hair or become much easier to remove with a fine-toothed comb. Although vinegar can't kill adult lice, they may be able to kill newly hatched lice called nymphs. More research is needed to better understand the impact of vinegar or acetic acid on head lice. Since vinegar will not kill the lice and eggs, it is important to treat the lice with a medicated shampoo first. Lice treatment shampoos are also known as pediculicides. After using a pediculicide, you can use vinegar to help remove the nits from your hair. Using a medicated shampoo first will help to ensure that the adult lice are dead and this will reduce the chances of spreading the lice. All types of vinegar contain acetic acid, but some types and brands are a little more concentrated than others. In general, chose a vinegar that has about 5% acetic acid it's enough to dissolve the coatings on nits, but not acidic enough to irritate most people's skin. White vinegar is plain acetic acid diluted in water and usually the least expensive choice. Red wine vinegar is more expensive and often has between 5-7% acetic acid. Apple cider vinegar will also work, but make sure to choose non-filtered and pasteurized types because they tend to be the strongest concentration (around 5% acetic acid). A much higher concentration of acetic acid (more than 7%) might irritate your scalp, although much weaker concentrations might not be able to dissolve the nits attachment to you hair. Stick to vinegars that have between 5-7% acetic acid. The itching from head lice is due to an allergic reaction to lice saliva. Not all people have an allergic reaction and get itchy. Once you've decided on the type and concentration of vinegar, undress yourself and stand in the tub or shower. Dampen your hair with some water first (but not too much so that it's dripping wet) and then pour on a few cups of vinegar directly to your scalp. Massage the vinegar into your scalp and try to cover as much of your hair as possible this might be challenging if your have long hair, but take your time. Then, let the vinegar sit in your hair for between 5-10 minutes, which is enough time for it to dissolve the nit's exoskeletons (coverings). Make sure to close your eyes when you apply the vinegar. Diluted acetic acid can't damage your eyes, but it can certainly make them sting for a few minutes. Avoid getting vinegar on your clothes because it can stain them, particularly red wine and apple cider vinegars. After the vinegar has been in your hair for at least 5 minutes, run a fine-toothed comb through it thoroughly. The loosened nits and some adult lice will be removed by intensive combing. For best results, consider buying a special "nit comb" (very fine-toothed plastic or metal combs) at the pharmacy or online. After combing your hair for a few minutes, rinse out the remaining vinegar and towel dry it but make sure not to share your towel with anyone while you still have some head lice. Using vinegar is great for loosening nits from your hair, but not for killing mature lice on your scalp. Thus, don't be surprised to see some head lice after a vinegar treatment. Vinegar treatments can be done daily until no more nits remain attached to your hair. The acetic acid will also remove the oils from your hair, so it might look dry or frizzy after the vinegar treatments. Nits hatch within 7-9 days of being laid, and mature lice can live up to 3-4 weeks. Thus, if you're just using vinegar to combat your head lice, it may take a month before the infestation is completely gone.
A: Understand the benefits and limits of using vinegar. Use an over-the-counter medicated shampoo first. Choose the type of vinegar. Stand in the shower or tub and apply the vinegar. Run a fine-toothed comb through your hair.

Q: " Think about why your parents may not want you to get a cat. Extra cost and responsibility may be concerns. If you can find solutions to problems, you can get a "Yes" answer. Parents may worry about a cat clawing at furniture or making messes. Your parents may also worry about cost. A new animal needs new toys, bedding, and so on. Your parents are likely very busy, so they may worry about caring for the animal. Pets need a lot of time and attention. One of them may be allergic to cats. Don't let this dissuade you, however; there are some hypoallergenic cats! Be proactive and think of some solutions for potential issues. This way, if your parents raise concerns, you can quickly address their worries. Write these down right next to or right under your concerns, answering them. For example: If your parents are worried about a cat harming furniture, suggest claw caps. They fit over a cat's claws, preventing it from scratching. Never declaw a cat. If your parents are worried about cost, offer to save up your allowance or get a job to pay for new supplies for your cat. If time is an issue, promise your parents you'll care for the cat yourself. Remind them that cats are independent animals and don't require as much attention as dogs. If one of your parents is allergic to cats, suggest hypoallergenic breeds, such as the Balinese, Bengal, Burmese, Cornish Rex, Siamese, Siberian, or Sphynx. The more you know, the more impressed your parents will be. Research a cat's basic needs in terms of food, attention, and grooming. If your parents see you can care for a cat, they're more likely to let you have one. Tell your parents you'll provide your cat with a clean bed and keep the litter box in your room or garage. Tell your parents you'll feed your cat healthy cat food, and even suggest a few brands you found while researching. Vet visits can get expensive. Offer to help pay for the visits, and mention that you are willing to find a job to help earn money. Your parents want to make sure your cat is loved. Tell your parents exactly when you plan to spend time playing with and caring for your cat. You can promise your parents you'll play with the cat every day after school for an hour after finishing your homework. Also, account for caring for the cat. Promise your parents you'll get up early in the mornings to do things like feed your cat and change its litter box. Rehearsing never hurts. Try jotting down a rough idea of what you want to say and practicing in front of a mirror. You don't have to have everything thought out word-per-word, but a rough idea can help. Don't worry to bring notes with you. In fact, these may help your parents see just how much research you put into getting a cat!
A:
Write down why your parents may say "No. Jot down ways to address concerns. Do some research on basic cat care. Find concrete ways you can make time for a pet. Rehearse what you'll say ahead of time.