How to see lice on your own head? - briefly
Inspect the scalp with a fine‑toothed comb under bright light, separating hair sections and examining the roots for tiny, oval, tan insects or their translucent eggs. A magnifying glass can help identify live nymphs and nits attached close to the scalp.
How to see lice on your own head? - in detail
Detecting head‑lice on oneself requires systematic visual examination under adequate illumination.
Preparation begins with selecting a well‑lit area; natural daylight or a bright lamp reduces shadows that can conceal insects. A fine‑tooth lice comb and a handheld magnifying glass (10‑20×) improve detection of small organisms and eggs.
The inspection proceeds as follows:
- Separate hair into sections of 2‑3 cm using hair clips or pins.
- Starting at the scalp, run the magnifying glass over each section, focusing on the hair‑shaft close to the skin.
- Drag the lice comb from the root toward the tip; examine the comb’s teeth after each pass for live insects or attached eggs.
- Inspect behind the ears, at the nape of the neck, and along the hairline—areas where lice commonly congregate.
Adult lice appear as gray‑brown, flattened bodies about 2–4 mm long, often moving slowly when disturbed. Nits (eggs) are oval, 0.8 mm, firmly attached to the shaft within 1 cm of the scalp; they appear white or yellowish and do not detach easily.
Common misidentifications include dandruff, hair‑product flakes, and hair‑root debris, which lack the firm attachment of nits and do not exhibit movement.
After the initial scan, repeat the process after 24–48 hours to confirm absence of newly hatched lice, as early infestations may be missed. If live insects or viable nits are found, initiate appropriate treatment and continue weekly inspections for at least three weeks to ensure eradication.