To check for lice, you should look for lice crawling on the scalp where the hair is parted or on the hair shaft. The lice will be dark in color and the size of a poppy seed. You should also look for nits (lice eggs) near the hair follicle about ¼ inch from the scalp. Nits are often more easily seen than lice, especially when the person has dark hair. They will look like small white or yellow-brown specks and be firmly attached to the hair near the scalp. Here are some steps to follow when checking for lice:

1. Use bright light to look at the crown of the head, bangs, behind both ears, and the nape of the neck.
2. Place gloves on your hands and use your fingers to separate hair and create a part. The part should allow you to clearly see the person’s scalp.
3. Look for lice crawling on the scalp where the hair is parted or on the hair shaft. The lice will be dark in color and the size of a poppy seed.
4. Look for nits near the hair follicle about ¼ inch from the scalp. Nits (eggs) will be white or yellowish-brown. Nits are often more easily seen than lice, especially when the person has dark hair.
5. Also look behind both ears and near the back of the neck. You may see lice or nits.

You can also use a fine-tooth comb (such as a louse or nit comb) to help you search the scalp section by section. Wet your childs hair and comb through it in small sections. You can wipe the comb onto a tissue or paper towel where it will be easier to see the lice or nits.