How to identify lice on hair? - briefly
Examine the scalp and hair under bright light using a fine‑tooth comb, looking for live insects about the size of a sesame seed and tiny, oval eggs (nits) attached near the hair roots. Persistent itching together with visible nits near the scalp confirms an infestation.
How to identify lice on hair? - in detail
Lice infestations become apparent when adult insects, nymphs, or eggs are visible on the hair shaft or near the scalp. The adult body measures 2–4 mm, resembling a tiny beetle, with six legs and a flattened, elongated shape. Color varies from gray‑white to brown, depending on blood content. Nymphs are smaller, translucent, and harder to see without magnification. Eggs, called nits, are oval, 0.8 mm long, and firmly attached to the hair cuticle at an angle of 30°–45°; they appear white or yellowish and do not move.
To confirm an infestation, follow these steps:
- Part the hair in sections of 2–3 cm using a fine‑toothed comb or a lice detection comb.
- Examine each strand under bright light; look for live insects moving quickly away from contact.
- Check the base of the hair near the scalp; adult lice hide close to the skin to feed.
- Search for nits within 1 cm of the scalp; those positioned farther away are likely hatched and no longer viable.
- Use a magnifying glass (10×) if necessary to distinguish nits from dandruff or hair debris.
Additional visual cues include:
- Small red bumps on the scalp, indicating bite sites.
- Persistent itching, especially after washing, caused by saliva allergens.
- A “tick” sound when brushing dense hair, produced by the movement of insects.
A thorough inspection should be repeated over several days, as newly hatched nymphs may appear after the initial examination. Consistent detection across multiple hair sections confirms the presence of lice and guides appropriate treatment.