Nits, or stages of lice are tiny, oval-shaped structures that cling tightly to individual strands of hair close to the scalp. They are usually yellow, tan, or white and about the size of a pinhead, making them difficult to see with the naked eye. Nits have a distinct oblong shape, resembling small sesame seeds, and are covered in a hard shell that protects the developing nymph inside. One of the main identifying features of nits is their firm attachment to the hair shaft. Unlike dandruff or dirt, which can be brushed or shaken out of hair, nits are glued to the hair with a sticky, glue-like substance that lice secrete, keeping them in place until they hatch.
Typically, nits are found within a quarter-inch from the scalp, which provides warmth and humidity for their development. Their location on the hair shaft can also help determine whether they are likely to hatch; nits found farther away from the scalp are often empty shells, as they were left behind after the lice nymph emerged. This close proximity to the scalp and their unique appearance make nits easier to spot when using a fine-tooth lice comb, though they are still challenging to remove due to their strong attachment.
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