How can you find lice on your own head? - briefly
Inspect the scalp and hair under bright light, separating sections with a fine-toothed comb and examining the comb teeth and hair strands for live insects or nits attached close to the scalp. Use a magnifying glass if needed to verify the presence of eggs or adult lice.
How can you find lice on your own head? - in detail
Detecting an infestation on your own scalp requires a systematic approach, adequate lighting, and the right tools. Begin by gathering a fine‑tooth nit comb, a bright lamp or daylight source, and optionally a hand‑held magnifier.
Wash the hair with regular shampoo, rinse thoroughly, and towel‑dry until damp but not wet. Damp hair allows the comb to glide smoothly and prevents lice from escaping.
Divide the hair into manageable sections, securing each with a clip. Starting at the crown, run the comb from the scalp outward, covering the entire length of each strand. After each pass, wipe the comb on a white tissue or rinse it under running water. Examine the residue for three indicators:
- Live insects, approximately 2–4 mm, gray‑brown, with six legs and rapid movement.
- Nits (eggs) attached firmly to the hair shaft, appearing as tiny oval shells, usually within a quarter inch of the scalp.
- Empty egg shells, translucent and detached, indicating recent hatching.
Distinguish nits from dandruff by noting their position; dandruff lies loosely on the hair and falls off easily, whereas nits remain glued to the shaft.
Repeat the combing process three times, each in a different direction, to ensure thorough coverage. If any live lice or firmly attached nits are found, record the number and locations.
For increased certainty, repeat the inspection after 48–72 hours. Lice populations develop quickly, and a second examination can reveal newly hatched insects missed initially.
If multiple live lice or several nits are confirmed, consider a treatment regimen and consult a healthcare professional for guidance on prescription‑strength options and follow‑up procedures.