🧫 Step 1: What Could It Be? (Common Hair Findings in Kids)
Here’s a breakdown of the most likely culprits—and how to tell them apart:
✅ 1. Head Lice (Pediculosis)
What they look like: Tiny brownish insects (~2–3 mm), fast-moving when wet
Nits (eggs): Small white or yellowish specks firmly glued to the hair shaft, usually within ¼ inch of the scalp
Signs: Intense itching, red bite marks on the neck/ears, “tickling” feeling
Where to check: Behind ears, back of neck, crown of head
🔍 Clue: Nits are hard to remove—unlike dandruff, they don’t flake off easily.
✅ 2. Dandruff (Dry Scalp)
What it looks like: Flaky, white or grayish clumps that sit on the scalp or hair
Behavior: Easily brushed away; often comes with dry skin
No movement. No eggs. No itching beyond mild irritation
✅ Good news: Harmless and easy to manage with gentle shampoo.
✅ 3. Hair Product Buildup
What it looks like: White, crusty residue near roots after gel, wax, or spray use
Behavior: Can feel sticky or stiff; wipes off with water
No bugs. No eggs. No live creatures.
✅ Tip: Clarifying shampoo removes buildup fast.
✅ 4. White Hairs or Split Ends
What it looks like: A single whitish strand or frayed tip that looks like an egg
Behavior: Part of the hair itself—not attached separately
Common in kids with dark hair under bright light
✅ Not a pest! Just a trick of the eye.
✅ 5. Scabies Mites (Rare in Hair, But Possible)
What they look like: Microscopic (0.2–0.4 mm)—you won’t see the mite, but may see signs
Signs: Severe itching, especially at night; tiny red bumps or burrow lines on skin (wrists, between fingers, waist)
In hair? Very rare—scabies prefers warm folds of skin, not scalp
🚨 If scabies is suspected: See a doctor. Contagious and needs prescription treatment.
🔎 How to Check Properly
Don’t panic—investigate calmly.
