What do lice and their eggs look like in hair? - briefly
Adult head lice are tiny, flat, gray‑brown insects about 2–3 mm long, resembling small sesame seeds that cling tightly to hair shafts. Their eggs—nits—are oval, 0.8 mm long, firmly attached near the scalp and appear as white or yellowish specks often mistaken for dandruff.
What do lice and their eggs look like in hair? - in detail
Lice are small, wingless insects about 2–4 mm long. Their bodies are flattened laterally, which lets them move easily through strands. The thorax bears three pairs of legs, each ending in sharp claws that grip hair shafts. Color varies from grayish‑white to brown, often matching the host’s hair shade, making them difficult to spot. Live specimens appear as tiny, moving specks; when they die, they become translucent and may be mistaken for dandruff.
Nits, the eggs laid by adult females, are oval‑shaped and measure roughly 0.8 mm in length. Their shells are hard, glossy, and range from pale yellow to tan, turning darker after hatching. Nits are firmly cemented to the hair shaft at an angle of about 30–45°, typically within 1 cm of the scalp where temperature supports development. The cement is a waterproof substance that resists removal by washing.
Key visual cues for identification:
- Location: Nits clustered near the scalp; lice often found on the nape, behind ears, and at the crown.
- Shape: Lice are elongated, mobile insects; nits are stationary, oval, and attached at an angle.
- Color change: Fresh nits are light; older nits darken, while dead lice become translucent.
- Movement: Live lice move quickly when disturbed; nits remain immobile.
A thorough inspection with a fine‑toothed comb under bright light reveals these characteristics, allowing accurate detection.