How to Check for Lice & Nits (Lice Eggs)
Dry Checks vs Wet Checks
If you’re in a pinch for time, do a quick dry check.
If there is a high risk of exposure and you have time, do a wet lice check. We only do wet checks on our clients because they are much more accurate.
How to Do a Dry Check
- Go to a well lit area.
- Use a rat-tail comb or pencil and part the hair on the nape of the neck, around the ears, and the crown of the head.
- Inspect the scalp for anything in the lice identification section below.
How to Do a Wet Check
Supplies: paper towels, hair conditioner, detangling brush or comb, and a metal-toothed lice comb.
- Wet the hair and massage a small amount of conditioner throughout to prevent snagging.
- Hold the lice comb at a 15-degree angle to the scalp and comb from roots to end in one smooth motion.
- Wipe the comb with a paper tower and compare anything you find to the lice identification section below.
- Comb through the entire scalp in every direction, checking with the paper towel as you go.
A professional wet check takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on the thickness, length, and texture of the hair. Expect to take at least double that time for your checks.
How to Check for Lice and Nits (Lice Eggs)
Learning how to check for lice and how to check for nits is the most important skill for effective prevention. Missing even a few eggs can lead to a recurring infestation. Follow this professional guide to ensure your family stays lice-free.
Step-by-Step Instructions: The Professional Lice Check
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Set up for the Lice Check:
Find a room with bright, natural light or use a strong desk lamp. Proper lighting is essential because nits (lice eggs) are camouflaged and very small. -
Wet the Hair:
The most effective way to check for lice is on damp hair. Applying a little conditioner or oil slows the insects down, making them much easier to spot than on dry hair. -
Section the Hair:
Divide the hair into small, manageable sections using clips. Look closely at the hair shaft within one inch of the scalp—this is where lice lay their eggs. -
Use a Professional Lice Comb:
A fine-toothed metal lice comb is the gold standard. Run the comb from the scalp all the way to the ends to catch both live bugs and nits. -
Inspect the Evidence:
After each swipe, wipe the comb on a white paper towel. Dark-colored lice and tan/brown nits will stand out clearly against the white background.
Expert Tips for a Successful Search
Nits are often mistaken for dandruff or hairspray droplets. A quick way to tell the difference? Dandruff moves; nits stick. If you can’t easily flick the speck off the hair strand with your finger, it is likely a nit.
If you are still unsure or feeling overwhelmed, a professional screening is your best bet. Specialists can spot infestations that a home check might miss, saving you weeks of frustration.
Need a second opinion? Book a professional lice check with our experts today.
Lice & Nits Identification Mini-Guide
Head Lice
Nits
If it’s easily flicked or blown away from the hair, it is not a nit.