How to Tell If Nits Are Dead or Alive
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Nits are head-lice eggs attached to individual hair shafts. Their appearance alone cannot always tell you whether an egg is viable, and seeing a nit does not automatically mean there are live crawling lice now. A careful inspection is more useful than relying on colour alone.
What nits can look like
Nits are small and firmly attached to a hair. They may be confused with dandruff, hair-product residue, or other debris. Dandruff and loose debris often move more easily, while a nit is attached to the shaft. This difference can help with identification, but it is not a perfect test of whether an egg is alive.
Why colour is not enough
Colour and distance from the scalp are not reliable by themselves for deciding whether a nit is viable. Lighting, hair colour, and the age of the egg can affect what you see. If you cannot confidently identify the material, ask a pharmacist or qualified healthcare professional for help.
What to do next
- Use bright light and separate hair into small sections.
- Inspect close to the scalp, especially behind the ears and around the nape.
- Look for live crawling lice as well as attached nits.
- If treatment is appropriate, follow the current Drug Facts label for the exact product.
After treatment, combing can help remove nits. KAKSHAL® product information uses the wording: Helps Remove Nits With a Comb After Treatment. This does not replace the complete product label or professional advice.
Avoid unsafe shortcuts
Do not use household chemicals, bleach, alcohol, or flammable products on the scalp to try to kill eggs. Do not increase the amount or frequency of a lice medicine beyond its label directions.
Related KAKSHAL® resources
Read the KAKSHAL® Head Lice Treatment Guide for general information, and review the KAKSHAL® Permethrin Lotion 1% product page and current Drug Facts label for product details.
Frequently asked questions
Can I tell a nit is dead just by its colour?
No. Colour alone is not a dependable way to determine viability.
Does finding nits prove there are live lice?
No. Inspect carefully for live crawling lice and get help if the finding is uncertain.
Should I apply treatment again to remove nits?
Do not repeat medicine solely because nits are visible. Follow the product label and seek professional guidance if needed.
Important reminder: This is general educational information, not a diagnosis. Always follow the current Drug Facts label.