What do head lice nits look like? - briefly
Lice eggs are tiny, oval shells about 0.8 mm long, typically white or yellowish, and are firmly cemented to the base of each hair shaft. They resemble dandruff in size but remain attached and do not fall off easily.
What do head lice nits look like? - in detail
Head lice eggs, commonly called nits, are oval-shaped and range from 0.8 mm to 1 mm in length. Their color varies with age: freshly laid eggs appear white or creamy, while older ones turn yellowish‑brown and eventually gray as they mature and the embryo develops. The shell is smooth and slightly translucent, allowing the developing nymph to be seen as a faint dark spot near the center.
Attachment occurs at the base of hair shafts, typically within ¼ inch of the scalp where the temperature supports incubation. The nit’s cement is a thick, glue‑like substance that hardens quickly, creating a firm bond that resists removal by combing alone. This cement often leaves a small, circular imprint on the hair shaft, visible when the egg is lifted.
Key visual cues for identification:
- Size: less than 1 mm, smaller than common dandruff particles.
- Shape: elongated oval, with one end slightly pointed toward the scalp.
- Color progression: white → yellow‑brown → gray.
- Attachment point: firmly affixed close to the scalp, not easily dislodged.
- Location: primarily behind the ears, at the nape, and along the hairline.
Microscopically, the shell (chorion) displays a fine, reticulated pattern and a distinct operculum—a small cap at one pole that the emerging nymph pushes open. The operculum may appear as a tiny, darker spot. The interior contains a clear, fluid medium surrounding the embryo; as development proceeds, the embryo becomes visible as a dark, bean‑shaped form.
Differentiating nits from dandruff or hair debris relies on attachment strength and proximity to the scalp. Dandruff flakes are loosely attached, easily brushed away, and lack the cemented base. Nits remain stationary even after vigorous combing, and their position close to the scalp distinguishes them from shed hair or skin particles.
Recognizing these characteristics enables accurate detection and timely treatment of infestations.