Head lice feed on blood from the scalp. The female louse lays eggs (nits) that stick to hair shafts. Head lice are tiny insects that feed on blood from the human scalp.

Can you have nits without lice?

It's not uncommon to find nits in your hair without live lice. If you find only nits, you should still treat your hair as if you have lice. You should also avoid close contact with other people and sharing hats or brushes until you no longer see nits or lice in your hair.

Are nits and head lice the same thing?

Head lice are small insects, up to 3mm long. They can be difficult to spot in your hair. Head lice eggs (nits) are brown or white (empty shells) and attached to the hair.