Lice vs. Dandruff: How to Tell the Difference

Hair Wizards
26 minutes ago
2 min read

Why It Matters for Fast, Effective Treatment

When your child starts scratching their scalp, the big question is: Is it lice or dandruff? Both conditions cause itching and flaking, but the treatments are completely different. At Hair Wizards Salon in Encino, we’ve seen many cases where parents confuse the two. Here’s how to tell them apart—and what steps to take next.

What Are Lice?

Lice are tiny parasitic insects that live on the scalp and feed on human blood. They lay eggs, called nits, which cling firmly to hair shafts and are difficult to remove. Common signs of lice include:

Persistent itching, especially at the nape of the neck and behind the ears
Small red bumps or irritation caused by bites
Nits attached tightly to hair near the scalp
Live lice moving on the scalp (though they are quick and hard to see)

Learn more in our guide: How to Spot Head Lice Early.

What Is Dandruff?

Dandruff is caused by dry skin or conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis. Unlike lice, it is not contagious. Common symptoms include:

White or yellow flakes that easily fall onto shoulders
Mild itching without sores or irritation
Flakes that brush off easily from hair
No crawling bugs or tightly attached nits

Key Differences Between Lice and Dandruff

Feature	Lice	Dandruff
Cause	Parasitic insects	Dry skin or skin condition
Contagious?	Yes	No
Appearance	Nits stuck to hair shafts	Loose flakes on scalp and clothing
Movement	Live bugs present	No movement
Treatment	Professional lice removal	Medicated shampoo or scalp care

Why Misdiagnosis Is a Problem

If you treat dandruff when your child actually has lice, the infestation will continue to spread. On the other hand, using harsh lice treatments for dandruff can irritate the scalp unnecessarily. That’s why correct identification is essential.

How to Be Sure? Get a Professional Screening

If you’re unsure, don’t guess—book a professional check. At Hair Wizards Salon, our specialists provide quick, accurate screenings so you can start the right treatment immediately.

Safe, non-toxic lice removal for confirmed cases (Why Non-Toxic Treatment Matters)
Guidance on scalp care if it’s dandruff
Same-day appointments for peace of mind

Schedule your appointment now.

Final Word

Both lice and dandruff can be stressful, but they’re completely different conditions. Knowing the signs—and getting expert help—ensures quick, effective relief.

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Call Hair Wizards Salon today to schedule your screening and get expert care you can trust.