How to Check Your Child for Lice: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Check Your Child for Lice: A Step-by-Step Guide

Your child mentioned their head is itchy. Or you got the note from school. Here is exactly how to check — and what you are actually looking for.

What you need:

A bright light (a phone flashlight works perfectly), a fine-tooth metal lice comb, and a white towel to lay across their shoulders.

Step 1: Start at the scalp, not the ends.

Lice live at the scalp. Eggs (nits) are laid on the hair shaft close to the scalp, usually within a quarter inch. You are not looking at the ends of the hair.

Step 2: Check the hot spots first.

Lice prefer warm areas: the nape of the neck, behind and around the ears, and the crown of the head. Start your check in these areas.

Step 3: Know the difference between lice and dandruff.

This is where most parents get confused. Dandruff flakes off easily when you blow on it or flick it. Nits do not — they are glued to the hair shaft with a substance that requires physical effort to remove. If it moves easily when you touch it, it is not a nit. If it stays firmly attached and is oval-shaped, it may be.

Step 4: Use the comb over the white towel.

Run the comb from the scalp to the ends over the towel. Small tan specks that move are likely lice. Oval specks that stay attached to the hair are likely nits.

What to do if you find something:

Take a breath. Lice are not dangerous and are very treatable. Two Nice Lice Ladies serves Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase, McLean, Arlington, and surrounding areas.

Not sure what you are seeing? Text us a photo at 202.540.0750.