Think you might have lice but not totally sure what you're looking for? You're not alone. Head lice are sneaky, and unless you know what to look for, they can easily go unnoticed—until they start spreading. Whether you’re dealing with your child, yourself, or another family member, understanding what lice looks like at every stage can help you catch it early and take action fast.
First Things First: The Signs of Head Lice
Here are a few red flags that might mean you or your child has lice:
- Persistent itching (especially behind the ears or at the nape of the neck)
- Sensation of crawling on the scalp
- Redness or irritation from scratching
- White or tan specks on the hair that don’t flick off easily (hint: not dandruff!)
- Live bugs seen in the hair (yes, we know—ick)
If you’re noticing any of the above, it’s time to take a closer look.
What Does Lice Look Like at Every Stage?
1. Nits (Lice Eggs)
- What they look like: Tiny, oval-shaped specks that are white, yellowish, or tan
- Where you’ll find them: Attached to the hair shaft, usually within ¼ inch of the scalp
- Key sign: Nits are glued to the hair. If it doesn’t move when you try to flick it off, it’s likely a nit—not dandruff.
- Common areas: Behind the ears, along the neckline, and around the crown of the head
Nits usually hatch within 7–10 days, so if you miss even a few, the cycle continues.
2. Nymphs (Baby Lice)
- What they look like: Very small (about the size of a pinhead), translucent or grayish.
- Where they hide: Close to the scalp where they feed on blood.
- Why they’re tricky: They’re fast and hard to see unless you know what you’re looking for.
- How long they stay nymphs: About 7–10 days before maturing into adult lice.
3. Adult Lice
- What they look like: About the size of a sesame seed, brownish or gray, six legs, and fast-moving
- Where they hang out: On the scalp and in the hair, especially near warm spots like behind the ears and the neck
- How long they live: About 30 days—but they lay 6-7 eggs every day, so infestations can grow quickly
Not Sure What You’re Seeing?
It’s incredibly easy to mistake lice for dandruff, hair product buildup, or even just dry scalp. The best way to check is with a fine-toothed lice comb on dry hair under good lighting. Focus around the ears and neck. If you're seeing specks that don’t move or tiny bugs crawling, it's time to take action.
What to Do If You Spot Lice
First—don’t stress. Lice Mamas has your back. Whether you’re feeling totally overwhelmed or just a little unsure, we’re here to make this simple, effective, and as drama-free as possible.
At Lice Mamas, we offer two trusted, mama-approved ways to kick lice to the curb:
1. Come See Us for Professional Treatment
Let us handle it for you. Our experienced team uses safe, non-toxic products and gentle techniques that actually work. We do all the heavy lifting—from the FDA-Cleared heated air device that kills the nits to educating you each step of the way—so you can breathe easy knowing it’s being handled the right way, the first time.
2. Treat at Home with Our DIY Protocol—But Not Alone
Prefer to take care of it yourself? No problem. We’ve created an easy-to-follow, chemical-free treatment kit that comes with:
- Natural, effective Lice Mamas treatment and removal products
- Step-by-step instructions
- Real-time support from our team (aka your personal Lice Mamas hotline)
We don’t just give you a kit—we walk you through it, so you feel confident and supported the whole way.
We’re here to help you get through this quickly, safely, and lice-free—for good.
Questions or want to talk it through? Reach out anytime. The Lice Mamas are here for you—bugs and all.
Lice Removal in New York
We serve all of New York City including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx
Clinic Hours: Monday - Saturday: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM | Sunday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
All hair must be dry and clean (not oily) and tangle-free. There is a cost associated with not complying if we have to rigorously comb your hair or wash it at our clinic.
All household members must be screened and treated by Lice Mamas for the 30-day guarantee to apply.
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