Lice, specifically head lice, surprisingly love clean hair.
Why Clean Hair?
It's a common misconception that lice prefer dirty hair. In reality:
- Attachment: Lice can grip clean hair more easily. The cleaner surface allows their claws to attach effectively for movement and egg-laying.
- Not a Hygiene Issue: A lice infestation is not an indicator of poor hygiene. Anyone can get head lice, regardless of how often they shower.
What Lice Need to Thrive
While clean hair is preferable for attachment, lice primarily need these things to survive:
- Human Blood: Lice are parasites and feed on human blood from the scalp. This is their sole source of nutrition.
- Warmth: They thrive in the warm environment close to the scalp.
- Proximity to Scalp: They need to be close to the scalp to feed and lay eggs (nits).
- Human Host: They are specific to humans and cannot survive long away from a human host.
Busting the Myths
Let's clear up some common misunderstandings:
- Dirty Hair Doesn't Attract Lice: While extremely oily hair might make it slightly harder for lice to grip, it doesn't deter them. Clean hair is simply easier for them to navigate.
- Lice Don't Discriminate: Lice are not picky about hair length, color, or texture.
- Lice Don't Jump or Fly: They crawl from person to person, usually through head-to-head contact.
In summary, while lice can infest any head of hair, they find it easier to move and attach to clean hair, dispelling the myth that lice are only attracted to dirty hair. Their survival depends on accessing human blood and warmth near the scalp.
