How to check yourself for lice on your head? - briefly
Use a fine-toothed comb on wet hair, starting at the scalp and moving toward the ends, inspecting each section for live insects or brown oval eggs attached close to the shaft. After each pass, examine the comb and surrounding skin for any nits or lice before continuing.
How to check yourself for lice on your head? - in detail
Inspecting your own scalp for lice requires preparation, proper lighting, and systematic examination. Begin by selecting a well‑lit area, preferably natural daylight or a bright lamp. Use a fine‑toothed comb designed for lice detection; a metal comb with 0.2‑mm spacing works best.
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Prepare the hair
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Examine each section
- Starting at the crown, run the comb from scalp to tip, counting each pass.
- After each pass, wipe the comb on a white tissue or place it on a dark surface to spot live insects or viable nits.
- Nits appear as tiny, oval, tan or brown shells attached firmly to the hair shaft within ¼ inch of the scalp. Live lice are brown, mobile, and sometimes visible moving.
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Repeat systematically
- Move outward from the crown to the temples, behind the ears, and down the neck.
- Perform at least three passes per section to ensure thoroughness.
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Confirm findings
- If any live lice are observed, treat immediately with an approved pediculicide and repeat inspection after 7‑10 days to catch newly hatched nits.
- If only nits are present, remove them manually with the comb, then re‑inspect after 48 hours to verify that no hatching occurs.
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Maintain regular checks
- Conduct self‑examinations weekly during an outbreak, and biweekly for three months after treatment to prevent reinfestation.
Additional tips: avoid using hair dyes or harsh chemicals before inspection, as they can obscure visibility. Keep the comb clean between passes by rinsing with hot water and soap. Document any findings to track progress over time.