Tiny, wingless insects that live close to the human scalp.

Tiny, wingless insects that live close to the human scalp.

What Do Nits & Lice Look Like?

Head lice are tiny, wingless insects that live close to the human scalp. When checking for head lice, you may see several forms: nits (eggs), nymphs (baby lice) and adult lice.

Nits: The eggs of head lice, called nits, are tiny and tear-drop shaped and often appear yellowish or white. They often look like dandruff, but cannot be brushed off.

Nymphs: The nymph, or baby louse, is smaller and grows to adult size in one to two weeks.

Adult lice: Adult lice are the size of a sesame seed and usually appear tan to grayish-white, but can also appear similar in color to the person's hair because lice have a tendency to adapt to their surroundings.