Are Head Lice Black?
WouterYou may wonder, “Are head lice black?” If you see a black bug in your child’s hair, this could mean that he or she has the pest. However, many sources online suggest that lice are actually tan or white, and that these insects blend into the scalp and hair. If you suspect your child has head lice, comb the child’s hair frequently, especially behind the ears and over the ears. Then, you can begin the treatment process.
Head lice eggs are small, oval-shaped, and 0.8 mm in size. They are difficult to see because they’re so tiny, but they can be very hard to spot. They’re easy to confuse with dandruff, hair spray droplets, or dirt particles. In addition, if the nits are more than a quarter-inch away from the scalp, they’re likely an old infestation.
African-American hair has a different shape than other hair types, making it difficult for lice to grasp their hooks around the shaft. They are also adapted to crawl on the hair shaft, which makes it more difficult for them to find their way around. Consequently, lice are less likely to affect African-Americans, despite being more common in other races.
Once the head lice have fed, they turn black and larger. However, many head lice also have a reddish hue. This reddish color may only last until they die. Then, the head lice will turn black or brown.
