Many people think that lice do not infest black children. This is false; lice are insects that can affect anyone of all races and nationalities as long as they have hair. Head lice are most common in preschool and elementary school children.
Exist 3 types of lice: body lice, pubic lice, and head lice. Head lice are the most common and are referred to by these myths that black children do not have lice.
Although lice infestation is less common in people of color in the United States, it does not mean that they cannot get lice. Lice have no breed preference and live on human hair, and are not known to transmit disease.
Can Black Kids Get Lice?
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The answer is yes; black children can get head lice. African Americans can also get a head lice infestation if they come into contact with an infected person.
Many have shown that blacks can get head lice as often as white people. There are a few reasons why black children did not have as much lice infestation, and it has to do with the treatment they use for their hair.
Black kids cut their hair more often, and this helps a bit with the problem. Whereas black girls straighten their hair and use a lot of oil that helps kill lice.
How Do Lice Look On Black Hair?
Lice are very small insects that are about the size of a sesame seed. However, its size may vary depending on its life cycle. Their color can vary and can be from tan gray to brown, and other times, they are translucent.
These insects are adept at hiding and mingling with your hair. Adult black lice will usually be dark gray to black. On the other hand, the lice on blonde hair will be light brown or tan. This means that the color of the lice matches the color of the infested hair.
Also Read: Does Hair Dye Kill Head Lice?
How Do Lice Eggs Look On The Black Hair?
As already mentioned, lice are very good insects to mix and hide. That is why they are so difficult to detect initially, and when people notice them, it is because there is an infestation.
At first, nits can be mistaken for dandruff or dirt in the hair. Nits or lice eggs cannot move and hide; they stick to the hair lock and do not fall out.
Nits will appear white or shiny on dark or black hair; they can also be light brown.
How Do You Check For Lice On The Black Hair?
If you want to check black hair for lice, you should start looking for lice eggs in the head’s hottest spots. These points are the nape, crown, and behind the ears.
You should start checking in a place with a lot of light so that you can see them. Go through section by section, so you don’t leave a spot on your head unchecked. It does not matter the breed because lice will be happy with anyone.
If you see the presence of lice and nits on your child’s head, you should seek an effective treatment to solve the problem as soon as possible. Remember that anyone with hair can get a lice infestation.
