Whether your child is scratching their head more than usual, a classmate was recently treated, or you just want peace of mind, doing a lice check at home can be a helpful first step. While not always easy to spot, head lice and their eggs (nits) can be found with the right tools and technique — especially when you know what to look for.

Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you check for lice at home.

What You’ll Need:

• A bright light (natural sunlight or a flashlight works well)
  
• A fine-toothed lice comb
  
• Hair clips (for sectioning)
  
• A bowl of warm water
  

Paper towel or white cloth (for inspecting anything you comb out)

Step 1: Start with Damp, Detangled Hair

Lightly damp hair makes it easier for the lice comb to glide through without pulling or tugging. This helps reduce discomfort and makes it more effective at removing lice and eggs. Make sure the hair is tangle-free before you begin.

Step 2: Work in Small Sections

Use clips to section the hair into 3–4 parts. Starting at the nape of the neck or behind the ears (lice’s favorite hiding spots), gently part the hair and look closely at the scalp.

Step 3: Look for Nits (Eggs)

Nits are tiny, oval-shaped eggs that are usually yellow, white, or tan. Unlike dandruff, they are stuck firmly to one side of the hair shaft — about ¼ inch from the scalp — and don’t flake off. They are easiest to see against darker hair.

Step 4: Comb Carefully

Run a lice comb through one small section at a time, from scalp to ends. After each pass, wipe the comb on a white cloth or rinse it in the bowl. Be sure to comb in all directions — up and down, left to right, and even from bottom to top. This helps ensure you’re covering every angle and don’t miss any eggs or lice hiding between strands.

Look for:

• Tiny bugs (lice) about the size of a sesame seed
  
• Oval eggs firmly attached to the hair
  
• Any movement on the scalp

Step 5: Repeat Around the Head

Continue moving through each section of hair, repeating the inspection and combing. Pay extra attention to the areas behind the ears and at the back of the neck.

What If You’re Not Sure What You’re Seeing?

You’re not alone — even experienced parents can mistake lint, dandruff, or dry scalp for lice. If you think you might be seeing something but aren’t sure, it’s best to have a professional screening.

At Lice Clinics 805, we confirm what’s going on and provide clear answers — no stress, no uncertainty.

When to Call the Clinic

• You find bugs or eggs during your at-home check
  
• You’re not sure what you’re seeing and want a second opinion
  
• Your child’s school or camp reported an exposure
  
• You want peace of mind before the school year ramps up
  

A calm head check today can prevent a stressful infestation later.

We are located across from the YMCA in Ventura!

???? Lice Clinics 805
3875 Telegraph Road, Suite J, Ventura, CA
???? (805) 334-0951
???? www.liceclinics805.com
???? Voted #1 Lice Clinic in Ventura County
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