Do you have suspicions that your child has head lice? Perhaps they’ve been itching their head or complaining about a tickling feeling in their hair. Or maybe lice have been going around your child’s classroom and you’re concerned they have them, too. 

By identifying a potential lice infestation, you can comb out the lice using a steel lice comb and stop them from multiplying. Below is your step-by-step guide for checking for head lice in the comfort of your home. 

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies 

The first thing to do is gather the necessary items and supplies you’ll need to thoroughly check your child for head lice. Choose a brightly lit room and have your child sit on a chair so they are comfortable. You can even give them a book or iPad to look at to keep them busy. 

The supplies to have available are: 

• Magnifying glass
• Old towel
• Hair clips 
• Disposable gloves
• Sealable plastic bag (in case you find a louse) 
• Paper towels 
• Lice comb 
• Flashlight (the one on your phone is fine) 

Step 2: Inspect Your Child’s Hair 

Aside from the scalp, other places to look for lice are:

• Crown of head
• Bangs
• Behind both ears
• Nape of neck 

Step 3: Know What to Look For 

Nits look like small white or yellow-brown specks and are firmly attached to the hair near the scalp. Adult lice can be tan to grayish-white in color and about the size of a poppy seed. They’re most likely to be seen crawling on the scalp where the hair is parted. 

It’s possible to confuse lice with dandruff, hair spray droplets, or dirt particles, so using a bright light can help. If you notice any activity, wipe the comb on a paper towel after each comb-through. Confirmed lice activity will likely require natural lice products. 

My Hair Helpers offers a full line of head lice products. Take charge of head lice - they no longer have to affect your home!