How Do Head Lice Change Colour?

If you think you have head lice, you may be wondering how they change colour. The eggs of lice are brown, which means they show up against the lighter colour of the host’s hair. If you suspect that you have an infestation, you should get rid of any eggs you find on your head as soon as possible.

Head lice are small, parasitic insects that feed on human blood. They usually stay close to the scalp, behind the ears, and sometimes on eyelashes or eyebrows. They will remain on your head for at least 30 days before they fall off. But you can’t always see them, so it’s best to check your hair if you’re worried that you’ve picked up some of the bugs.

Lice eggs are very tiny – about the size of a pinhead. They’re round and oval in shape and are found on the first 1-2 inches of the hair shaft closest to the scalp. Lice will scurry away if disturbed, so it’s important to perform regular head lice checks. Look for dead lice eggs as well as dead lice. Usually, dead lice eggs will be white or flat, while healthy lice will have plump, golden or dark brown eggs.

Infections can be difficult to identify, even experienced parents can miss an infestation. But knowing what to look for can help you identify them easily. These tiny, round, cream-coloured nits are made of tiny, sticky particles. If they’re more than 1/4 inch long, then you’ve probably got an older infestation.