How can you see lice on the head? - briefly
Use a bright light and a fine‑tooth comb on wet, conditioned hair, scanning the scalp and each strand for small, tan or gray insects that move quickly and for oval, cemented egg cases attached near the roots. Live lice are visible as mobile bodies about the size of a sesame seed, while nits appear as translucent, immobile shells stuck to the hair shaft.
How can you see lice on the head? - in detail
Detecting head‑lice infestation requires a systematic visual examination of the scalp and hair. Adult insects measure 2–3 mm, gray‑brown, and move rapidly when disturbed. Their eggs, commonly called nits, are oval, 0.8 mm long, and adhere firmly to the hair shaft within a quarter‑inch of the scalp; they appear white or yellow and do not detach easily.
Effective inspection begins with adequate illumination. Position a bright light source (natural daylight or a focused lamp) at a 45° angle to the head to minimize shadows and reveal movement. Wet the hair with a small amount of conditioner or water, then run a fine‑tooth comb (spacing 0.2–0.3 mm) from the scalp outward, wiping the comb after each pass. This “wet‑comb” technique dislodges both live insects and nits.
Focus on typical habitats:
- Behind the ears
- Neck line
- Crown area
- Hairline and sideburns
If available, employ a hand lens with 10–20× magnification to verify the presence of lice or nits and to distinguish them from hair casts or dandruff.
Record observations by counting live insects and noting nits attached within the close proximity of the scalp. A follow‑up examination after 7–10 days confirms whether treatment has succeeded, as newly hatched lice become visible during this interval.