How to find lice on oneself? - briefly
Examine the scalp and hair closely with a fine‑tooth comb under bright light, looking for live insects or nits attached within 1 cm of the hair shaft. Focus on the nape, behind the ears, and the crown, separating sections to reveal any concealed lice.
How to find lice on oneself? - in detail
Detecting head‑lice on your own scalp requires a systematic visual and tactile examination. Begin with a clean, dry head; oil or conditioner can obscure nits, so remove any product before inspection.
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Gather tools
• Fine‑toothed lice comb, preferably stainless steel
• Bright, magnified light source (handheld lamp or magnifying mirror)
• White towel or paper for background contrast -
Prepare the area
• Separate hair into sections of 2–3 cm using clips or hair ties.
• Place the white towel under the section to catch fallen insects. -
Examine each section
• Hold the light at a shallow angle to reveal translucency of eggs.
• Run the comb from scalp outward, wiping each pass on the towel.
• Look for live insects (brown or gray, 2–4 mm) and nits (oval, firmly attached at a 45° angle to the shaft). -
Confirm findings
• Live lice move quickly when disturbed; nits remain stationary.
• Examine the comb and towel after each pass; any moving bodies indicate infestation. -
Repeat the process on the entire scalp, including the nape, ears, and hairline. A thorough check may take 10–15 minutes.
Additional tips
- Conduct the inspection in a well‑ventilated room with natural daylight when possible; artificial light can distort colors.
- Perform the check after a shower, when hair is clean and more manageable.
- If no insects are seen after two consecutive examinations spaced 3–5 days apart, the likelihood of infestation is low.
Using these steps ensures accurate self‑detection of lice, minimizing false negatives and supporting timely treatment if needed.