How can you check for lice on the head? - briefly
Inspect the scalp by parting the hair into small sections and running a fine‑tooth comb or lice detection device through each section, checking closely for live insects and nits attached within a centimeter of the roots.
How can you check for lice on the head? - in detail
Detecting head‑lice infestation requires a systematic approach. Begin by selecting a bright, natural light source or a magnifying lamp; adequate illumination reveals the tiny, translucent insects and their eggs. Use a fine‑toothed lice comb, preferably metal, which can separate lice from hair more effectively than plastic variants.
- Prepare the hair. Apply a generous amount of conditioner or a lice‑combing spray to wet the strands. This reduces hair clinging and makes the comb glide smoothly.
- Divide the scalp into sections. Starting at the crown, pull a small portion of hair taut and run the comb from the scalp outward to the ends. Wipe the comb on a white paper towel after each pass to spot any captured organisms.
- Examine the combed material. Adult lice appear as brownish, six‑legged insects about 2–3 mm long. Nits (lice eggs) are oval, about 0.8 mm, firmly attached at a 45‑degree angle to the shaft, usually within ¼ inch of the scalp.
- Repeat the process on all regions prone to infestation: behind the ears, at the nape of the neck, along the hairline, and in braids or ponytails. Pay particular attention to the occipital area, where lice often congregate.
- After the initial sweep, wash the hair thoroughly, then repeat the combing at 2‑day intervals for the first week and again after 7‑10 days to capture any newly hatched lice. A second thorough inspection a month later confirms eradication.
Additional tips: avoid using hair dyes or bleach before inspection, as they can obscure visibility. If no lice or nits are observed after three consecutive examinations, the presence of infestation is unlikely. Conversely, finding even a single live louse confirms the need for treatment and continued monitoring.