How long do lice stay in your hair?

Lice can remain in the hair for an extended period if not treated. They feed on blood from the scalp and need a host to survive. Here are some key points regarding the lifespan of lice in the hair:

• Lifespan of adult lice: Adult lice can live on the scalp for up to 30 days. During this period, they can reproduce and lay eggs, allowing the infestation to continue.
• Lifespan of nits: Nits are the eggs laid by adult lice and are attached to the hair. It usually takes about 7-10 days for the nits to hatch and become adult lice. If the nits are not removed or killed, they can continue to hatch and produce new lice.
• Survival outside the hair: Lice are highly specialized to survive on the scalp and have difficulty surviving for extended periods outside the hair. They typically cannot survive longer than 1-2 days without a host. They need the warmth and nourishment of the scalp to thrive.

It's important to note that lice can reproduce quickly and easily spread from person to person, especially in situations where there is close contact, such as among children at school. Therefore, it's essential to take action quickly when infested with head lice and seek treatment to prevent further spread.

If you do nothing about head lice, they are likely to always remain in the hair!