How to check for Head Lice

Head lice are prevalent throughout the entire calendar year, however there seem to be an uplift in cases in the more humid months of the year.

Head lice are highly infectious and an individual is more likely to pick up nits and lice in highly populated areas such as in the school yards or play groups. Head lice do not much care whether hair is clean or dirty, however some do say that the head lice can hold onto cleaner hair as it is not so oily – or in the world of nits and lice – slippery.

Check for head lice regularly especially during the “back to school” seasons by separating the hair and combing through. Using a thick, white conditioner or combing solution will actually block the louse’ spiricles making it difficult for them to breath and in turn slow the head lice down allow you to see where they are and assist in head lice removal. As they do crawl exceptionally fast in some cases you may find them difficult to locate.

It's not difficult when you know how to check for head lice. Apply the combing solution (NitWits Combing Solution is ideal) and then work to untangle any knots which will help to make the combing a little easier.

The hair should be divided into 4cm sections and, using the metal teeth of the comb, run the comb from the root of the hair to the tip. After every comb wipe off the head lice and eggs on to a tissue and repeat until every strand of hair has been combed.

As the size of this pesty parasite is quite small (Nymph – between 1 and 2 millimeters and a Louse between 2 and 3 millimeters) try using a magnifying glass to help locate those hidden in behind the ears and towards to back of the neck.

NitWits have specially designed a Head Lice Comb which has been laboratory tested by the Insect Control & Research Inc. It is an all in one comb with detangling teeth to help remove knots, fine metal teeth to remove the head lice and their eggs plus a 5 x magnifying glass to help detect the lice and eggs and a long comfort grip handle. Find out where to buy NitWits

Most schools will send a letter home to parents to inform them if there has been a head lice case in the school. Being that they are extremely contagious it is important that parents make the effort to check their children in the case of this happening. If you do find head lice in your children report the infestation to the school so they can be vigilant in informing other parents.

Head lice prevention is highly recommended to parents especially during key infestation periods. There are products, natural oils and general practice that can be incorporated into a daily routine to discourage the louse from getting onto children’s hair. Try NitWits Anti-Lice and Detangling Spray – not only will it create a protection barrier against head lice but the special conditioning agents help to detangle knots and make the hair soft and manageable for everyday styling

* Always read the label. Use only as directed.