About Head Lice
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Checking for Head Lice Infestations
Head lice can be difficult to see, even with good eyesight, especially when they are young hatchlings the size of a small pin head. They hide when disturbed by combing, and depending on the colour of the hair and louse, they can be well camouflaged.
Also, depending on how long the subject may have had them, there might not be many, so just doing a quick check over is unlikely to detect them. A thorough inspection is essential.
Lice and Nit Check
Through experience we have found the following method of detection works well for us:
As it is easier for the lice to hide when hair is dry we recommend checking children's hair when they are in the bath, providing you have a good light source.
Shampoo the hair and detangle with a wide toothed comb. Depending on the hair type this may be easier using hair conditioner.
Once the hair is combed through, switch to a fine tooth nit comb. Make sure the teeth of the comb slot into the hair at the roots and draw down to the ends of the hair with every stroke, checking the comb for lice after each stroke.
Work through the whole head section by section, so that the whole head of hair is combed through, then rinse out the conditioner and repeat the combing procedure in the wet hair.
This should ideally be carried out on a regular basis, try to get into the habit of doing this every time you wash your child's hair. Incorporating this through check as part of your child's regular hygiene regime is the best way to detect the presence of lice before they can spread.
Check all family members at the same time and arrange treatment when any live lice are found.