The clearest sign of head lice is finding live lice or eggs (nits) firmly attached to the hair shaft close to the scalp. But itching, a tickling or crawling sensation, and small red bumps behind the ears or at the back of the neck can also be early clues - often before you've spotted anything visually at all.

The most reliable way to check for nits and head lice

A proper, systematic comb check is far more reliable than looking for symptoms alone. Lice move quickly and can be genuinely difficult to spot, which is why a fine-tooth comb through small sections of hair, checking the comb after every pass, is the most accurate way to know for sure.

What do live head lice look like?

An adult louse is small, greyish-white to tan in colour, and roughly the size of a sesame seed. They move fast, gripping tightly to the hair shaft, which makes them harder to spot than their eggs. In most cases, you'll find eggs well before you ever see a live louse crawling.

What do nits (eggs) look like

Nits are tiny, oval, and firmly attached to the hair shaft, usually within a centimetre or two of the scalp. Before hatching, they're typically yellow, tan, or brown. Once hatched, the empty casing left behind turns lighter, white or clear and stays attached to the hair as it grows out. Unlike dandruff or dry skin, a nit won't brush or shake off easily, because it's essentially glued to the hair shaft.

Itching and scalp irritation from nits and head lice

Itching is a common symptom, but it's not universal - plenty of children (and adults) feel nothing at all, especially the first time they're exposed. The itch is actually a reaction to louse saliva, and that sensitivity can take weeks to develop. So the absence of itching doesn't mean the absence of lice. Where itching does occur, it's most common behind the ears and at the nape of the neck, and persistent scratching can sometimes lead to irritation or a mild skin infection.

A “tickling” or crawling sensation

Older children in particular sometimes describe feeling something moving on their scalp before anything is visually confirmed. It's a reasonable reason to do a proper check, even without any other symptoms present.

Where to look if you think your kids or you have nits

Focus on the scalp itself, especially close to the roots, behind the ears, and around the nape of the neck - these warmer areas are where lice tend to lay eggs.

What isn't a sign of head lice

Dandruff, dry skin flakes, and product build-up can all look superficially similar to nits at a glance but they move freely when touched or brushed, where a nit stays firmly fixed in place. If you're not sure which you're looking at, that uncertainty is exactly what a proper check is for.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know for sure if my child has head lice?

The most reliable method is a fine-toothcomb check through small sections of hair, rather than relying on symptoms alone.

Does an itchy scalp always mean head lice?

No. Itching is common but not universal, and it can take weeks to develop after initial exposure. Many cases have no itching at all, especially early on.

Can my child have head lice without any visible live bugs?

Yes. It's far more common to spot eggs than live lice, since lice move quickly and are harder to see.

How often should I check my child's hair?

Roughly once a week is a sensible routine, or every few days if you know there's a case going around at school or in a friend group.

Not sure what you're looking at?

If you've found nits and/or head lice, we can check properly treat in the comfort of your own home. Book now and we'll take care of the rest. Here are all the suburbs we service. If you cannot find your suburb, feel free to contact us to get a custom quote or alternatively check out our recommended nit technique guides.