Where do lice appear on children's heads?

Where do lice appear on children's heads? - briefly

Head lice are most commonly found on hair shafts close to the scalp, especially behind the ears, at the nape of the neck, and around the forehead hairline. They lay their eggs (nits) firmly attached to these areas.

Where do lice appear on children's heads? - in detail

Lice infestations on children are confined to specific regions of the scalp where conditions favor their survival and reproduction. The most common sites include:

  • The hairline at the forehead, where hair is dense and the skin is warm.
  • The nape of the neck, a sheltered area that retains heat and moisture.
  • Behind the ears, which provides a protected micro‑environment.
  • The crown or top of the head, especially where hair is thick and less exposed to sunlight.

Lice also tend to gather near the temples and along the sideburns if the hair is long enough to create a secure hold. Their claws enable attachment to individual hair shafts, so any area with a sufficient concentration of hair can host them. Scalp regions that are less accessible for brushing or inspection, such as the back of the head, are more likely to harbor larger numbers of insects and their eggs (nits).