What Do Head Lice Look Like?

If you’re staring at your child’s scalp wondering, “Is that lice?” you’re not alone.

One of the biggest reasons lice infestations drag on is simple misidentification. Parents mistake dandruff for nits. They miss live lice because they move fast. Or they assume they’d be able to see them easily.

Here’s what head lice actually look like – and when it’s time to call in professionals.

What Do Live Head Lice Look Like?

Live lice are:

• About the size of a sesame seed
• Tan, grayish, or brown
• Six-legged
• Fast moving
• Found close to the scalp

They avoid light and move quickly when exposed. That’s why many parents never actually see one.

Lice are not black bugs. They are not tiny specks of dirt. And they do not jump or fly. They crawl.

What Do Lice Eggs (Nits) Look Like?

Nits are:

• Tiny oval-shaped eggs
• Firmly glued to one side of a hair shaft
• Located within ¼ inch of the scalp if viable
• Brown or tan if alive
• White or clear if hatched

The key word is glued.

If it flicks off easily, it is not a nit. Dandruff, hair spray flakes, and lint slide off. Nits do not.

Where Should You Look?

The most common areas:

• Behind the ears
• At the nape of the neck
• Along the hairline

These areas are warm and ideal for lice survival.

Why DIY Identification Often Fails

Even with good lighting, it can be difficult to determine:

• Whether lice are still active
• If nits are viable
• Whether a treatment worked

At PALS Lice Treatment & Removal, our technicians are trained to identify live lice, viable eggs, and empty casings. We provide thorough screenings at our Virginia Beach and Norfolk clinics, and we also offer mobile in-home lice treatment throughout Hampton Roads for convenience and privacy.

If you’re searching for lice treatment in Virginia Beach, lice removal in Norfolk, or in-home lice treatment near you, accurate identification is the first step to stopping the cycle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can lice look like dandruff?
Yes, but dandruff flakes move easily. Nits are cemented to hair.

Are lice visible to the naked eye?
Yes, but they move quickly and avoid light.

Do lice look different on different hair types?
No. Hair texture and color do not change their appearance

You can view more lice and nit pictures here

If you’re unsure what you’re seeing, schedule a professional lice screening with PALS. We serve Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and all of Hampton Roads with both clinic and mobile in-home treatment options.