Head lice are spread through contact with an infested person. The most common way for lice to transfer is head-to-head contact, though it is possible to get head lice from sharing brushes, hats, scarves, and sports helmets. Lice look for warm scalps and do not care if the hair is long, short, curly, straight, clean, or dirty. 

There are several ways to prevent the spread of head lice, such as limiting the sharing of items and avoiding head-to-head contact. However, one of the best things parents can do is perform regular lice checks. Once you learn how to do them, you’ll find this to be an easy way to keep your family lice-free. 

WHAT ARE LICE CHECKS? 

A head lice check is when you check your child’s hair for lice. Many parents perform these checks when they suspect head lice, but you should be doing them regularly. This way, you can find a louse or eggs before they turn into a full-blown infestation. 

Here are simple tips for performing a head lice check: 

• Gather your items: a nit comb, towel, hair clips, disposable gloves, magnifying glass, or flashlight. 
• Start at the base of the neck and divide the hair into small sections.
• Look for adult lice on the hair and scalp (they’re brown and look like sesame seeds).
• Look for lice eggs on the hair and scalp (they’re yellow, brown, or tan and look like tiny seeds).
• If you find lice or nits on your child, you can take them to your doctor or a professional lice expert to confirm. Or you can start treatment using a safe, natural product like My Hair Helpers.  

WHY LICE CHECKS SHOULD BE DONE REGULARLY 

If your child has been treated for head lice, you’ll want to check their hair every 2-3 days to prevent re-infestation. This can happen if the nits survive the treatment and re-hatch a few days later. Continue to check for signs of lice for 2-3 weeks. Also, be sure to follow the recommendations on the lice treatment product, as many suggest two treatments for the best results. 

But, even if your child doesn’t have lice, head lice checks should be part of your child’s regular hygiene routine. Comb through your child’s hair after their bath or shower once a week to look for signs of lice. If anything turns up, you can remove the louse and prevent an infestation. It’s a quick and easy way to keep your child and family lice-free.