Head lice are tiny insects that live on the human scalp and feed on small amounts of blood. These common parasites are not a sign of poor hygiene and do not transmit diseases, but they can cause significant itching and discomfort. Learning how to check your own head for lice allows for early detection and prompt management of an infestation. Self-checking is possible with the right tools and technique to identify these creatures and their eggs.
Gathering Your Supplies
Gathering the correct supplies beforehand is important for a thorough self-examination. A fine-toothed lice comb (nit comb) is essential for removing and detecting lice and their eggs. A bright light source (headlamp or strong flashlight) improves visibility, making it easier to spot tiny organisms. While optional, a magnifying glass can further enhance the view of nits and lice.
Hair clips or ties section hair, and white conditioner detangles hair and temporarily immobilizes lice, making them easier to find. Paper towels or tissues provide a surface to wipe the comb and inspect findings. A mirror, ideally a wall mirror and a handheld mirror, allows a comprehensive view of the scalp.
Performing the Examination
Begin the self-examination in a brightly lit area, ideally positioned between a wall mirror and a handheld mirror for a complete view of your scalp. First, apply a generous amount of white hair conditioner evenly to damp hair. This helps detangle the hair, allowing the comb to glide smoothly, and can stun live lice, making them less mobile.
Next, use hair clips to divide your hair into manageable sections, working systematically from one side of your head to the other. Take a small, thin section of hair, place the fine-toothed nit comb as close to the scalp as possible, and slowly draw it down through the hair to the ends. After each stroke, carefully examine the comb for any specks or moving creatures, then wipe the comb clean on a white paper towel or tissue before the next stroke. Pay particular attention to areas behind the ears and at the nape of the neck, as these are common sites where lice prefer to reside and lay eggs. Continue this methodical combing and wiping process through all sections of your hair until the entire head has been thoroughly examined.
What to Look For
Knowing what to identify is important for an accurate assessment. Adult head lice are typically grayish-white or tan, about the size of a sesame seed, and possess six legs. They move quickly across the scalp and through hair, making them challenging to spot directly. Nymphs, or baby lice, are smaller versions of adult lice, resembling them but closer to the size of a pinhead.
Lice eggs, known as nits, are tiny, oval-shaped, and firmly attached to the hair shaft, usually within 6 millimeters of the scalp where warmth aids hatching. Unhatched nits can appear yellowish, tan, or dark brown, while hatched nits or empty casings are typically white or clear. A key differentiator from common scalp debris like dandruff is that nits are glued securely to the hair and do not flake off easily when brushed or flicked. Dandruff, in contrast, consists of loose skin flakes that are easily removed from the hair, and hair casts, another type of debris, can slide along the hair shaft. If live lice or firmly attached nits are found, it indicates an active infestation, and consulting a healthcare professional for treatment options is advisable.