Where do lice appear on hair? - briefly
Lice reside primarily on the scalp, anchoring to hair shafts near the scalp surface, especially behind the ears, at the nape, and around the crown.
Where do lice appear on hair? - in detail
Lice are obligate ectoparasites that survive only on the human head. They cling to hair shafts close to the scalp because the temperature and humidity are optimal for feeding and reproduction. The majority of adult insects and their eggs (nits) concentrate in the following regions:
- Scalp area behind the ears – warm, protected, and difficult for the host to see.
- Nape of the neck – especially in children, where hair is often longer and less frequently inspected.
- Hairline at the forehead – near the temples, where hair meets skin and provides a stable attachment point.
- Sideburns and around the ears – small pockets of hair that retain moisture.
- Crown of the head – dense hair offers numerous attachment sites.
Nits are cemented to individual strands about 1 cm from the scalp, often at the base of the hair shaft where the cuticle is thickest. This placement protects the eggs from being dislodged by combing or washing. Adult lice move along the shaft, preferring to remain within a few centimeters of the scalp; they rarely venture farther because the temperature drops and the hair becomes less suitable for feeding.
In older individuals with shorter hair, lice may be found primarily along the forehead and behind the ears, whereas in children with longer hair, the nape and crown become the main reservoirs. Body lice, which inhabit clothing rather than hair, are excluded from this discussion. The distribution pattern reflects the parasite’s need for heat, moisture, and easy access to blood meals.