Ticks are small, spider-like creatures common in wooded, grassy, or brushy outdoor areas. These organisms are common pests that attach to humans and animals to feed on blood. A common concern for outdoor enthusiasts is whether ticks can infest hair and what to do if one is found there.
How Ticks Target Hair and Scalp
Ticks do not jump or fly. Instead, they “quest” by climbing vegetation and extending their front legs to grasp a passing host. Once on a person, ticks crawl to warm, moist, and concealed locations like the scalp, behind the ears, and along the hairline. They can remain on the body for several hours before finding a suitable spot to bite.
Hair offers ticks a hidden, protected environment to feed undisturbed. Ticks burrow their mouthparts into the skin and feed on blood for hours or days, becoming engorged. Their saliva contains anesthetic properties, making bites often painless and difficult to detect, which can lead to them going unnoticed for extended periods.
Health Risks of Tick Bites
The main concern with tick bites, especially those unnoticed in hair or on the scalp, is pathogen transmission. Ticks can carry bacteria, viruses, and parasites that cause various illnesses. While not every tick carries disease, the longer an infected tick remains attached, the higher the risk of transmission.
Common tick-borne diseases in the United States include Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Symptoms often include fever, chills, muscle aches, headaches, and sometimes a rash. Prompt removal of ticks significantly reduces the chance of infection.
Finding and Removing Ticks
After spending time outdoors, check for ticks, especially in hairy areas like the scalp. Use a bright light and a fine-toothed comb to systematically part the hair and inspect for small bumps or dark spots. A magnifying glass can assist in spotting tiny ticks, which can be as small as a poppy seed. Another person can help check hard-to-see areas like the back of the head.
To remove a tick, use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp it as close to the skin’s surface as possible, ideally by its head or mouthparts. Pull upward with steady, even pressure, avoiding twisting or jerking, which can cause its mouthparts to break off. After removal, clean the bite area and your hands with soap and water or rubbing alcohol. Do not use methods like petroleum jelly, heat, or nail polish, as these can agitate the tick and potentially increase infection risk.
Minimizing Tick Exposure
Preventing tick attachment involves several strategies. When in grassy, brushy, or wooded areas, stay on marked trails and avoid tall grass and leaf litter. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants tucked into socks to create a physical barrier. Light-colored clothing also makes it easier to spot ticks.
Use EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or permethrin. Permethrin can be applied to clothing and gear, not directly to skin, and remains effective through several washes. After spending time outdoors, perform a full-body tick check, including hair and scalp. Showering within two hours of coming indoors may also help wash off unattached ticks.