How can you tell that there are no more lice on the head? - briefly
Examine the scalp and hair under strong light, combing each section with a fine‑tooth nit comb; if no live lice, attached nits, or viable eggs appear after several thorough passes, the infestation is cleared. Repeat the inspection after 7–10 days to confirm that no new lice have hatched.
How can you tell that there are no more lice on the head? - in detail
A thorough inspection is the most reliable way to confirm that a scalp is free of lice. Begin by separating the hair into small sections, using a fine‑toothed comb or a specialized lice comb. Comb each section from the scalp outward, wiping the comb on a white tissue after each pass. Look for live insects, nymphs, or viable eggs (nits) firmly attached to the hair shaft within 1 cm of the scalp.
Key indicators of complete eradication:
- No live lice observed on the comb or on the hair after multiple passes through every area, including the nape, behind the ears, and crown.
- Absence of viable nits: any remaining eggs should be empty shells (transparent, brown, or white) that can be easily brushed off; viable nits appear opaque and are firmly glued to the hair.
- No signs of recent scratching or irritation that would suggest ongoing infestation.
To increase confidence, repeat the inspection after 7–10 days, because newly hatched lice become mobile within that period. A second examination that yields the same negative results confirms that the infestation has been eliminated.
Additional verification steps:
- Wash all bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water (≥ 130 °F / 54 °C) or place them in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks.
- Vacuum upholstered furniture and car seats to remove any stray insects.
- Continue daily combing for another week to catch any stray nymphs that might have escaped treatment.
When all three criteria—no live insects, no viable eggs, and no recurring symptoms—are met across two consecutive inspections, the head can be considered lice‑free.