What do lice and their eggs look like on a child's hair?

Understanding Head Lice

What are Head Lice?

Size and Shape

Adult head lice measure approximately 2 – 3 mm in length and about 0.5 mm in width. Their bodies are elongated, dorsoventrally flattened, and exhibit a cigar‑shaped silhouette. Six short legs extend from the thorax, each ending in claws that grip hair shafts. Color ranges from light brown to gray, becoming darker after a blood meal.

Nits (lice eggs) are markedly smaller, averaging 0.8 mm long and 0.3 mm wide. They possess an oval, slightly tapered form and are firmly cemented to the hair shaft at an angle of roughly 45 degrees. When freshly laid, nits appear translucent white; they gradually turn yellowish or brown as the embryo develops.

Key dimensions and forms:

Adult lice: 2–3 mm (length), 0.5 mm (width); elongated, flattened, cigar‑shaped.
Nits: 0.8 mm (length), 0.3 mm (width); oval, tapered, attached at 45° angle.

These measurements distinguish live insects from their eggs and facilitate accurate identification during visual inspection.

Color and Transparency

Lice that infest a child's scalp are typically tan, brown‑gray, or light‑brown in hue. The exoskeleton allows a degree of translucency, especially when the insect is newly emerged; older specimens appear more opaque. Under bright lighting, the body may seem almost colorless, revealing underlying blood meals as a faint reddish tint.

Nits, the eggs attached to hair shafts, exhibit a distinct color range. Freshly laid nits are almost transparent, appearing as tiny specks that blend with the hair. As development proceeds, they acquire a creamy‑white or pale‑yellow coloration. The shell remains semi‑transparent, permitting visibility of the developing embryo as a dark spot near the tip.

Key visual characteristics:

Lice body: tan to brown‑gray, semi‑transparent when young.
Fresh nits: clear, difficult to see without magnification.
Maturing nits: creamy‑white or pale‑yellow, partially see‑through.
Mature nits: dark embryo visible through the shell.

Where to Find Lice on the Scalp

Preferred Locations

Lice and their nits tend to concentrate in specific areas of a child’s hair where the environment supports feeding and attachment. The most common sites include:

The nape of the neck, where hair is dense and less exposed to sunlight.
Behind the ears, providing a warm, sheltered micro‑habitat.
The crown and top of the head, especially where hair is longer and can be brushed or combed less frequently.
The sideburns and temples, offering additional grip points near the scalp’s blood supply.

These locations are favored because they provide optimal temperature, humidity, and proximity to the scalp’s blood flow, which are essential for the parasite’s survival and reproduction. Regular inspection of these zones during routine grooming helps detect infestations promptly.

Movement and Behavior

Lice on a child's scalp move by crawling with six legs, each leg equipped with tiny claws that grip individual hair strands. Speed is limited to a few centimeters per minute; rapid relocation occurs only when the host is disturbed, prompting the insect to shift to a nearby hair or to the skin surface. Nits, the immobile eggs, remain firmly attached to the hair shaft by a cement-like substance and do not move independently. Transfer between hosts happens when a louse climbs onto a hand, clothing, or comb and is carried to another child's hair.

Typical behavioral patterns include:

Feeding on blood at the scalp base, often near the hairline where temperature and blood flow are highest.
Seeking darkness and humidity; most activity occurs in the warm, moist environment close to the skin.
Avoiding light; lice retreat deeper into the hair shaft when exposed to bright conditions.
Laying eggs near the scalp, usually within 1 cm of the hair root, to ensure optimal temperature for embryonic development.
Remaining motionless during the egg stage; nits hatch after 7–10 days, releasing mobile nymphs that quickly adopt the crawling behavior of adults.

Movement is primarily horizontal along the hair shaft; vertical climbing is limited to short distances required for feeding or egg deposition. Contact with a host’s head triggers increased activity, while removal of the host’s hair or application of chemical treatments reduces movement and can cause detachment.

Identifying Lice Eggs («Nits»)

Characteristics of Nits

Size and Shape

Adult head lice are small, wingless insects measuring approximately 2 to 3 mm in length. Their bodies are flat, oval, and elongated, resembling a tiny, flattened bean. The thorax bears six legs, each ending in claw‑like tarsi that enable firm attachment to hair shafts. Color varies from light gray to brown, becoming darker after a blood meal.

Eggs, commonly called nits, are significantly smaller than the adult insects. Each nit is about 0.8 mm long and 0.3 mm wide, giving it a cylindrical shape with slightly tapered ends. The shell is smooth and translucent, often appearing white or yellowish until it darkens with age. Nits are firmly glued to the hair shaft at an angle of roughly 30 to 45 degrees, positioned within 1 to 3 mm of the scalp where temperature supports development.

Key dimensions:

Adult louse: 2–3 mm length; oval, flattened body.
Nit: 0.8 mm length; 0.3 mm width; cylindrical, tapered shell.

Color and Appearance

Lice that infest a child's scalp are typically a pale to gray‑brown hue, sometimes appearing almost translucent against dark hair. Their bodies are flattened, oval, and measure about 2–3 mm in length. The exoskeleton reflects light, giving the insects a slightly glossy finish that can be seen when the hair is examined closely.

Nits, the eggs laid by the adult insects, are small, oval capsules about 0.8 mm long. Their color ranges from white‑cream to yellow‑tan, darkening to a deeper amber as the embryo develops. Nits adhere firmly to the hair shaft, positioned within a quarter of an inch from the scalp. Their surface is smooth, and each capsule exhibits a characteristic operculum – a tiny, curved cap at one end that may appear slightly darker than the rest of the egg.

Key visual cues:

Adult lice: pale gray‑brown, flattened, glossy body, 2–3 mm.
Fresh nits: white‑cream to yellow‑tan, smooth oval shape, operculum visible.
Mature nits: amber coloration, darker operculum, firmly attached near the scalp.

How Nits Attach to Hair

Nits are the eggs of head lice, measuring about 0.8 mm in length. They appear as oval, translucent or yellowish capsules that cling tightly to individual hair shafts, often near the scalp where temperature is optimal for development.

The attachment process relies on a proteinaceous cement produced by the female louse. Immediately after laying an egg, the cement is secreted from the base of the egg and spreads over the surface of the hair shaft. The cement hardens within minutes, forming a durable bond that resists mechanical disturbance.

Key characteristics of the attachment:

Cement composition: a mixture of proteins and lipids that creates an adhesive film.
Contact area: the cement covers the entire circumference of the hair at the point of attachment, ensuring 360° grip.
Cure time: solidification occurs rapidly, typically within 5–10 minutes, after which the nit becomes immobile.
Resistance: the bond tolerates daily activities such as brushing and washing, remaining intact until the nymph hatches.

Factors influencing attachment strength include hair diameter, surface texture, and moisture level. Fine, smooth hair provides a more uniform surface for cement spread, while coarse or oily hair may reduce adhesive efficiency. High humidity can delay cement hardening, but the final bond remains robust once dried.

Effective removal requires disrupting the cement. Specialized combs with fine, evenly spaced teeth mechanically shear the adhesive, while chemical treatments dissolve the protein matrix, allowing the nits to be lifted from the shaft.

Distinguishing Nits from Dandruff or Hair Casts

Key Differences

Lice are live insects measuring 2–3 mm in length, with a flattened, elongated body. Their coloration ranges from gray‑brown to tan, and they move actively through the hair shaft, often visible as tiny specks that shift position within hours. Nits are the eggs laid by lice; they are oval, 0.8 mm long, and appear as glossy, cemented particles attached firmly to the hair shaft. Unlike the mobile insects, nits remain stationary until hatching, typically after 7–10 days.

Key differences:

Size: lice are roughly three times larger than nits.
Mobility: lice move freely; nits are immobile, glued to hair.
Shape: lice have a segmented, elongated body; nits are smooth, oval.
Color: lice exhibit a matte, brownish hue; nits are translucent or yellowish, showing a shiny surface.
Attachment: lice can be brushed away; nits require careful removal with a fine‑toothed comb because they are affixed with a strong, protein‑based cement.
Development stage: lice are mature parasites; nits represent the embryonic stage, containing a developing louse.

Recognizing these distinctions enables accurate identification and effective treatment of infestations.

Common Misconceptions

Lice infestations in children often generate false beliefs about the appearance of the insects and their eggs.

Common misconceptions include:

«All lice are large and easily visible». In reality, adult head lice measure 2‑3 mm, resembling tiny brown specks that blend with hair shafts.
«Nits are the same color as hair and cannot be distinguished». Nits are usually oval, about 0.8 mm long, and appear white or yellowish when freshly laid, turning darker as they age.
«Lice are found only at the scalp». Adult lice cling to hair shafts near the scalp for warmth, while nits are firmly attached to the strand at a 45° angle, often near the base of the hair.
«A single stray nit proves an active infestation». A solitary nit may be a hatched egg; a true infestation requires several live lice or multiple viable nits.
«Lice can jump or fly». Lice move by crawling; they never jump or fly, which limits their spread to direct head‑to‑head contact.

Accurate identification relies on recognizing the small, elongated body of the adult and the characteristic oval shape and attachment angle of the egg. Visual inspection with a fine-toothed comb under good lighting reduces reliance on myths and improves detection.

Visualizing Infestation

Early Stages of Infestation

Sparse Nits

Lice and their eggs, known as nits, appear as small, oval‑shaped structures attached firmly to hair shafts. When infestations are light, only a few nits are visible, creating a pattern described as sparse nits.

Sparse nits are typically:

Color: translucent to whitish, sometimes yellowish, matching the hair shaft; older nits may darken to brown.
Size: about 0.8 mm long, roughly the width of a pinhead.
Placement: positioned close to the scalp, usually within ¼ inch of the roots, where warmth promotes development.
Attachment: glued with a cement‑like substance, requiring a fine‑toothed comb or magnification to remove.

Detection relies on visual inspection under adequate lighting. Nits differ from dandruff by their firm adherence; a gentle pull will not dislodge them, whereas dandruff flakes fall off easily. In sparse infestations, the limited number of nits may be mistaken for normal hair debris, emphasizing the need for a systematic combing technique to locate each egg.

Effective management of sparse nits includes:

Application of a pediculicide approved for children, following label instructions precisely.
Use of a nit‑comb with 0.2 mm teeth, combing each section from scalp to tip at least three times.
Re‑inspection after 7–10 days to capture any newly hatched lice before they lay additional eggs.

Accurate identification of sparse nits prevents escalation to a heavy infestation and supports prompt, targeted treatment.

Young Lice

Young lice, also called «nymphs», emerge from eggs after about seven days. At this stage they measure approximately 1 mm in length, considerably smaller than mature insects that reach 2–3 mm. Their bodies appear pale or translucent, allowing the underlying scalp color to show through. Legs are short and thin, with claws that can grasp individual hair shafts.

Typical characteristics of young lice include:

Length: 0.8–1.2 mm
Color: whitish‑gray to light brown, often semi‑transparent
Body shape: elongated, slightly flattened, with a head narrower than the thorax
Legs: three pairs, each ending in a single claw for attachment

These nymphs remain close to the scalp, where temperature and humidity support rapid development. They move slowly, preferring the warm zone near the hair roots rather than the outer strands. Unlike adult lice, they do not lay eggs; their primary activity is feeding on blood and growing to the next molt.

Eggs, commonly referred to as nits, differ markedly. They are oval, firmly attached to the hair shaft at a 30‑degree angle, and measure 0.8 mm in length with a glossy, creamy appearance. Young lice are mobile, whereas nits are immobile and resistant to removal until they hatch.

Recognition of these features enables accurate identification of an infestation at its earliest stage, facilitating prompt treatment before the population expands.

Moderate to Severe Infestation

Numerous Nits and Lice

Lice are tiny, wingless insects measuring 2–3 mm in length. Their bodies are flattened and elongated, with a gray‑brown coloration that blends with hair shafts. Six legs end in clawed tarsi, allowing firm grip on individual strands. Movement appears as a rapid, jittery crawl along the hair, often visible when the scalp is examined under bright light.

Nits are oval eggs, 0.8 mm long, attached firmly to the base of a hair shaft near the scalp. Fresh nits display a translucent or light yellow hue; as they mature, they become darker, ranging from amber to brown. The attachment point is a cement‑like secretion that prevents easy removal, creating a visible “pinhead” shape at a 45‑degree angle to the hair.

Key visual identifiers:

Size: lice 2–3 mm; nits ≤1 mm.
Color: lice gray‑brown; nits translucent → amber/brown.
Position: lice move freely; nits fixed near scalp, often behind ears and at the nape.
Shape: lice elongated with visible legs; nits oval with a smooth surface and a pointed end.

Detection relies on close inspection of the hair’s root region, using a fine‑toothed comb to separate strands and reveal both mobile insects and stationary eggs.

Visual Indicators of Heavy Infestation

Heavy infestations manifest through multiple, readily observable signs on the scalp and hair.

Numerous mobile insects crawling across the scalp, often seen moving quickly from one strand to another.
Dense clusters of ovoid, white‑to‑tan eggs (nits) firmly attached near the hair shaft base; the cemented shells resist removal even after vigorous combing or washing.
Nits positioned within ¼ inch (≈6 mm) of the scalp, indicating recent oviposition; older eggs migrate farther down the shaft, appearing as lighter, translucent shells.
Concentrations of eggs forming linear rows or “lice ladders” along the hair, especially behind the ears and at the nape.
Persistent scalp erythema, small papules, or excoriations caused by repeated biting and scratching.
Excessive debris resembling fine dust or dandruff, composed of dead lice, shed nits, and skin scales.
Observable shedding of blood‑tinged clumps when combing, resulting from bite‑induced micro‑bleeding.

These visual indicators, when present together, confirm a substantial lice population requiring immediate treatment.

Tips for Inspection

Tools for Detection

Comb Types

Lice on a child’s hair appear as small, translucent insects about 2–4 mm long, moving quickly along shafts. Their eggs, commonly called nits, are oval, 0.8 mm in size, firmly attached to the hair close to the scalp and often mistaken for dandruff. Effective detection and removal rely on selecting the appropriate comb.

Fine-tooth combs – teeth spaced 0.2 mm apart, designed to capture live insects and dislodge nits from the shaft.
Wide-tooth combs – teeth spaced 0.5 mm apart, suitable for initial detangling before a fine-tooth pass.
Metal nit combs – rigid metal teeth, provide durability and precise grip on firmly attached eggs.
Plastic nit combs – flexible plastic teeth, reduce scalp irritation while maintaining sufficient grip.

A typical treatment protocol begins with a wide-tooth comb to remove tangles, followed by multiple passes with a fine-tooth or metal nit comb. Each pass should start at the scalp and move toward the hair tip, cleaning the comb after every stroke to prevent re‑transfer of parasites. Repeating the process every 2–3 days for two weeks ensures removal of newly hatched lice before they mature.

Lighting Conditions

Lighting conditions critically affect the visual identification of head‑lice and their eggs on a child’s hair. In bright natural daylight, the contrast between the dark, elongated bodies of adult lice and the translucent, oval nits becomes most evident. Direct sunlight, especially when filtered through a window, highlights the glossy sheen of nits attached to hair shafts and reduces shadowing that can conceal them.

Under artificial illumination, the type of bulb determines color rendering. Fluorescent lights often produce a cooler spectrum that can make the pale shells of nits appear less distinct, whereas incandescent or LED sources with a warmer hue enhance the yellow‑brown tone of lice bodies. Positioning the light source at a 45‑degree angle creates a slight reflection off the nits, aiding detection without generating harsh glare that obscures detail.

Key considerations for optimal observation:

Use a well‑lit area with a minimum illumination of 500 lux.
Prefer diffuse lighting to minimize shadows; a translucent lamp shade or a light box works effectively.
Employ a handheld magnifying lens (10×–15×) in conjunction with the light source for close inspection.
Avoid backlighting that silhouettes the hair and hides nits on the underside of strands.
If using a camera, enable the flash while ensuring the flash is diffused to prevent overexposure.

Consistent lighting across examinations ensures reliable visual assessment and reduces the likelihood of missed infestations.

Step-by-Step Inspection Process

Sectioning the Hair

Sectioning the hair creates a systematic framework for locating tiny parasites and their eggs on a child’s scalp. By separating the hair into manageable portions, each area receives focused inspection, reducing the likelihood of missing specimens that blend with strands.

To section the hair effectively, follow these steps:

Secure a small section at the crown with a hair clip.
Release a narrow strip, approximately 1 cm wide, using a fine‑tooth comb.
Pull the strip taut, holding it between thumb and forefinger.
Examine the exposed strand under bright illumination, looking for the characteristic shape and color of «lice» and the attached oval «nits».
Release the strip, move the clip to the next adjacent section, and repeat until the entire scalp is covered.

«Lice» measure 2–3 mm, gray‑white, and move rapidly across the hair shaft. «Nits» are oval, 0.8 mm in length, firmly glued to the shaft within 1 cm of the scalp; they appear tan to brown and remain immobile. Both are most visible when the hair is stretched, as the tight tension exposes the attachment point.

Consistent sectioning, combined with a bright light source, reveals the minute differences between live insects, empty shells, and hair debris. The method enables rapid identification, informing timely treatment decisions.

What to Look For

Lice are small, wingless insects about the size of a sesame seed, roughly 2–4 mm in length. Their bodies are gray‑brown to tan, with a flattened shape that adheres closely to hair shafts. Live lice move rapidly, often seen crawling near the scalp or clinging to the base of a strand.

Nits (lice eggs) differ in several key characteristics:

Oval shape, approximately 0.8 mm long, resembling a miniature grain of rice.
Color varies from pale yellow to tan; after hatching, the shell darkens to gray‑black.
Firm attachment to the hair shaft, positioned within 1 cm of the scalp; the base is glued, making removal difficult.
Alignment typically follows the hair’s growth direction, forming a line or cluster near the roots.

Additional indicators include:

Persistent itching, especially after a few days of infestation.
Small red bite marks or irritated patches on the scalp.
Presence of “caviar‑like” clusters of nits at the base of hair, often more noticeable on the nape, behind the ears, and at the crown.

Early detection relies on visual inspection with a fine‑toothed comb, focusing on the scalp’s proximity and the described features. Accurate identification prevents misdiagnosis and facilitates prompt treatment.

Common Mistakes in Identification

Rushing the Process

Lice are small, winged insects about 2–3 mm long, gray‑brown in color, and move rapidly across the scalp. Their eggs, commonly called nits, are oval, 0.8 mm in length, firmly glued to the hair shaft within a few millimeters of the scalp. Fresh nits appear white or translucent; older nits turn yellowish or brown as embryos develop.

Rushing the inspection process compromises detection. Skipping thorough combing leaves nits attached close to the scalp, where they are hardest to see. Incomplete removal allows surviving eggs to hatch, perpetuating the infestation and increasing the likelihood of spread to other children.

Key steps that must not be accelerated:

Separate the hair into small sections; examine each section from root to tip.
Use a fine‑toothed lice comb on damp hair; pass the comb multiple times to capture both adult insects and nits.
Inspect the comb after each pass; remove captured organisms with tweezers.
Re‑examine the scalp 7–10 days after treatment; confirm the absence of newly hatched lice.

Skipping any of these actions reduces treatment effectiveness and may necessitate repeated interventions. Careful, unhurried examination ensures accurate identification of both adult lice and their eggs, leading to successful eradication.

Poor Lighting

Poor lighting obscures the visual cues used to identify head‑lice infestations. Dim illumination reduces contrast between the hair shaft and the tiny insects, making detection unreliable.

Lice are approximately 2–3 mm long, gray‑brown, and move quickly across the scalp. Nits (lice eggs) are oval, 0.8 mm in length, firmly cemented to the hair shaft close to the scalp; they appear white when freshly laid and turn brown as they mature. Under insufficient light, both stages blend with hair strands, especially on dark or thick hair, and may be mistaken for dandruff or hair debris.

Improving visual conditions enhances accuracy:

Position the child near a source of natural daylight or use a bright, white lamp.
Employ a magnifying head‑lamp or a handheld magnifier with built‑in illumination.
Use a fine‑toothed lice comb on a well‑lit surface; the comb’s metal teeth reflect light onto each hair.
Adjust the room’s ambient lighting to eliminate shadows that hide insects.

Consistent use of adequate lighting, combined with a proper combing technique, increases the likelihood of detecting lice and their eggs promptly.