Things You'll Need:
- Comb
- Clips or rubber bands
- magnifying glass (optional)
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Step 1
Brush all the tangles and snarls out of the persons hair before you attempt to check for head lice.
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Step 2
Sit the person you will be checking down in a area with comfortable seating and a good bright light. Head lice can sometimes be hard to see so you will need a really good light source.
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Step 3
Part the hair into small sections and clip up. Paying special attention to the areas behind the ears, the hairline and at the nape of the neck because this is where head lice is usually found most often during a head check.
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Step 4
Unclip one section of hair at a time and separate it further with your fingers looking near the hairs roots (nearest scalp) for any tiny white, brown or dark colored particles (eggs or nits) that may be attached to the hair.
If you find one use your fingers and grab a hold of it and try to remove it from the hair shaft. If there is resistance then most likely it is an egg as they are held to the hair by a thin glue like substance. -
Step 5
While preforming step 4 also check the scalp for any movement or bugs. Head lice can be almost clear when they are tiny and may only be seen by movement or if they have already fed which may leave them looking like small red or black specks on the scalp. If the lice bug is more advanced in size they can appear brown, gray or black in color and sometimes almost appear translucent so you really need to keep your eyes open.
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Step 6
Use a magnifying glass if you run across something that appears to be lice bug or nit if you have trouble seeing it.
