Dealing with a hair lice infestation can be stressful, especially when you’re trying to determine if the lice products you used were effective. One of the key steps in managing head lice is understanding their life cycle, particularly, if lice eggs (nits) have hatched. Determining this can help you assess progress and decide if further action is needed. Let’s learn more about determining if lice eggs have hatched.

What are Lice Eggs (Nits)?

Lice eggs, or nits, are tiny, oval-shaped eggs that lice lay on hair shafts. They are incredibly small, about the size of a knot in thread, and are often mistaken for dandruff or droplets of hair spray. However, unlike dandruff, nits cannot be easily brushed out of the hair. Nits that are closer to the scalp are likely to be alive, whereas those further away are either hatched or dead. 

Visual Indicators of Hatched Nits 

Another thing to look for is the appearance of the nits. Unhatched nits are usually darker and have a shiny, pearly appearance. Hatched lice eggs are more opaque and white or clear. After the nit hatches, the shell remains attached to the hair shaft and appears as a tiny, empty oval. 

Checking for Hatched Nits 

• Step 1: Use a fine-toothed nit comb (like the one from My Hair Helpers.) This tool is crucial for effectively combing through the hair to find nits. Start at the scalp and comb through to the end of the hair. Be sure to do this in a well-lit area or use a magnifying glass for a better view.

• Step 2: Wet the hair. It’s recommended to check for nits on wet hair, as they are easier to see and manage. Another tip is to apply a conditioner to make the combing process easier.

• Step 3: Wipe the comb on a paper towel. After each pass through the hair, wipe the comb on a damp paper towel. Look closely at what comes off the comb. Live nits are brownish, while hatched shells are clear or white.

• Step 4: Repeat regularly. Checking for lice should be done daily during an infestation and for several days after you think the lice are gone. This ensures you catch any newly hatched lice before they grow and reproduce. 

If you find hatched nits after applying lice products, this doesn’t necessarily mean that your method didn’t work. Some eggs might have been missed during the initial application, or not all nits were combed out. Re-applying the solution is often necessary, usually around a week or so after the first application. This way, you can make sure that you catch newly hatched lice before they become adults and lay new eggs.