Can You Have Head Lice Eggs Without Nits?

A common question is: Can you have head lice eggs without nits? The answer is “yes!” Although you can have head lice eggs without nits, you may not be able to identify the presence of the lice bugs until a month after a head lice infestation has taken hold. The first step in determining whether you have head lice is to examine your head thoroughly. Look for nits, which are tiny, hard shells that are similar to dirt or dandruff. You will likely see these in the nape of the neck or behind the ears.

When you see nits, you may have a live head louse. You can also detect them using a comb. Nits are small, yellow or white specks that are firmly attached to the hair shaft. These are often mistaken for dirt or dandruff, but they’re a sure sign of head lice infestation. If you find nits on your head, you will have to treat them with a live lice treatment.

Nits are not transferred from one head to another, but an adult female must lay eggs to produce nits. However, sometimes the adult female will lay her eggs on a different head. If you have head lice eggs without nits, then you may have a previous infestation. In this case, it is best to get the help of a professional to ensure you’re free from head lice.