Head lice (pediculosis) are tiny, parasitic insects that infest the human scalp and hair. They affect people with all hair colors equally. For individuals with blonde hair, the contrast can make identifying adult bugs or their eggs, called nits, a unique challenge. This guide provides practical steps for an effective self-inspection, specifically tailored to the visual considerations of lighter hair.
Essential Tools and Setup for Self-Inspection
A thorough self-check requires specific tools to compensate for the difficulty of seeing your own scalp. The most important tool is a high-quality metal lice comb, which has tightly spaced, non-flexible tines capable of physically scraping nits off the hair shaft. A wide-toothed comb is also helpful for detangling before the inspection process begins. You will need a strong light source, such as a bright lamp or natural daylight, as well as a magnifying glass to inspect any questionable particles more closely.
The setup for a solo inspection requires two mirrors to ensure you can view the entire scalp, especially the back of your head. Position a large, fixed mirror, like a bathroom mirror, behind you, and use a handheld mirror to view the reflection of the back of your head in the fixed mirror. This two-mirror technique is essential for checking the nape of the neck and the area behind the ears. Finally, keep white paper towels or tissues nearby to wipe the comb after each pass, which will make any collected debris or bugs more visible.
Identifying Nits and Lice on Lighter Hair
Lice are small, wingless insects, about the size of a sesame seed, that can range in color from grayish-white to tan, often blending with blonde hair. Because they are photophobic and move quickly away from light, spotting a live adult louse can be difficult during a visual check. Focusing on the nits, or eggs, is often the most reliable method for confirming an infestation.
Nits are tiny, tear-drop shaped ovals, typically yellow, tan, or golden-brown before hatching. On very light hair, they can sometimes appear darker, like small specks of pepper, providing some contrast. The defining characteristic is their attachment: nits are firmly glued to the side of the hair shaft, usually within a quarter-inch of the scalp, using a strong, cement-like substance. Unlike nits, common debris such as dandruff, hair spray residue, or dry skin flakes will easily slide or flake off the hair strand when touched or gently brushed.
Step-by-Step Self-Checking Technique
To begin the self-check, saturate your hair generously with a white hair conditioner, which helps stun any live lice for up to 20 minutes and allows the comb to glide smoothly. Using your regular comb, detangle the hair completely, then use clips to divide your hair into four or more manageable sections, starting with the crown or the top of your head. This systematic approach ensures that no part of the scalp is missed during the lengthy combing process.
Take the metal lice comb and place its tines flat against the scalp at the root of the first section. With slow, firm, and steady pressure, draw the comb all the way down the hair shaft to the very tip. After each complete pass, carefully wipe the comb onto a white paper towel, inspecting the residue for any nits or live lice. If you find anything, fold the tissue and discard it immediately into a sealed plastic bag.
As you move through the sections, pay special attention to the areas behind the ears and the nape of the neck, as these are the warmest spots where lice prefer to lay their eggs. Use the two-mirror setup to accurately check the back of your head, ensuring you fully comb from the scalp out to the ends in these hard-to-see areas. The entire process of thoroughly combing through all sections should take at least 15 to 20 minutes.
Immediate Next Steps After Finding Lice
If you confirm the presence of live lice or firmly attached nits, the first step is to contain the spread before starting any treatment. Immediately place the paper towels, tissues, and any discarded hair into a sealed plastic bag and dispose of it in an outside trash receptacle. Thoroughly clean the metal lice comb and any other tools you used by soaking them in hot water, at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit, for ten minutes, or in rubbing alcohol for one hour.
Next, it is important to notify any close contacts, such as household members, partners, or the school, camp, or daycare you have recently been in contact with, so they can also check for an infestation. This breaks the cycle of reinfestation, which is paramount to successful eradication. You should plan to begin a treatment protocol, which will likely involve another thorough wet-combing session.