How can you tell if you have lice in the hair on your head? - briefly
Look for live insects the size of a sesame seed moving on the scalp and examine the hair near the roots for tiny, oval, gray‑white nits firmly attached to strands; a fine-tooth comb run over wet hair can reveal both. If you spot any of these signs, treatment is required.
How can you tell if you have lice in the hair on your head? - in detail
Detecting head lice requires a systematic visual inspection and tactile confirmation. Begin by separating the hair into small sections, using a fine-to‑tooth comb or a specialized lice comb. Work from the scalp outward, pulling each strand taut. Examine the comb teeth after each pass; live insects appear as grayish‑brown, wingless bodies about the size of a sesame seed. Nymphs are smaller, translucent, and may be mistaken for dandruff.
Key visual indicators include:
- Live insects: mobile, oval shape, six legs, eyes visible under magnification.
- Nits: oval, whitish or yellowish shells attached firmly to the hair shaft within ¼ inch of the scalp. They are cemented with a protein‑based glue and cannot be brushed off easily.
- Egg casings: often mistaken for dandruff, but unlike flakes they are glued at an angle and do not flake off when the hair is shaken.
To confirm presence, run the comb through a dampened section of hair. Moisture immobilizes the parasites, making them easier to spot. After each pass, place the comb on a white surface and inspect under adequate lighting.
If any live lice are observed, or if nits are found within the close proximity of the scalp, the infestation is confirmed. Absence of both after multiple thorough examinations—typically three separate checks over a week—suggests the scalp is clear.
Regular monitoring, especially after known exposure, reduces the risk of unnoticed spread. Use a dedicated comb, avoid sharing hair accessories, and maintain clean bedding to prevent re‑infestation.