How to Check Your Child’s Hair for Lice Like a Pro

That tell-tale scalp scratch from your child can send any parent into a mild panic. Before you jump to conclusions, learning how to perform a proper lice check on your child can give you clarity and peace of mind. A thorough inspection is the best way to confirm an infestation and begin treatment quickly.

Gather Your Tools

To start your lice-hunting mission, you need a few key items. Grab a fine-toothed nit-picking comb, which is essential for catching both lice and their eggs. You will also want a magnifying glass and a white paper towel to wipe the comb on.

Create the Right Environment

A successful lice check requires good visibility. Find a spot with bright, natural light, or use a strong lamp to illuminate your child’s scalp. To make the process smoother, you can wet your child’s hair and apply some conditioner, which helps slow down any live lice.

Step-by-Step Inspection

Begin by parting the hair into small sections. Focus your attention on the areas where lice love to hang out, such as behind the ears and at the nape of the neck. Place the nit comb as close to the scalp as possible and pull it firmly through the hair to the very end.

After each pass, wipe the comb on the white paper towel and inspect it for lice or nits. Live lice are tiny, tan or grayish-white insects about the size of a sesame seed. Nits, or lice eggs, are small, oval-shaped specks that stick firmly to the hair shaft and won’t easily flake off. This is a key way to tell the difference between lice and dandruff.

What to Do If You Find Lice

If you confirm the presence of lice or nits, take a deep breath. You can find effective over-the-counter treatments or contact a professional lice removal service for help. Remember to notify your child’s school and any recent playmates so other parents can check their children. Pass along these tips for checking your child’s hair for lice to other parents to help nip lice infestations in the bud.