Head lice are tiny insects that live in hair. Although they aren’t dangerous, they can be irritating to the health and cause itching and difficulty sleeping. Head lice can also be contagious and spread easily between people living in the same house or school.

Head lice can affect some people more than others. This article explains how head lice can affect African Americans with curly hair.

Do African American people get head lice?

African Americans can still contract head lice. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that head lice are more common in African Americans than in other races. This could be because most American head lice claws are more able to grip uncoiled hair.

Prevalence among African Americans

A 2018 article in the British Journal of Family Medicine states that head lice are less common among African Americans than other people. Researchers believe this may be due to the way head lice claws are shaped and the length and shape of the hair shafts in coiled hair.

Coil hair tends to have a round cross-section. Other hair types have a more circular shaft. Head lice prefer to grasp circular hair shafts.

Researchers also note that hair oils may play a role in this phenomenon. Petroleum jelly, for example, makes hair smoother, less brittle and easier to grasp by head lice. Research shows that African American women tend to use hair products more often than other women and use them earlier in life.

Head lice are more common among Caucasian, Hispanic and Asian Americans than African Americans. Head lice are less common in African Americans than in other races, with only 0.5% experiencing the condition.

According to 2012 research, some head lice are adapted to living with coily hair. Head lice were found in four African countries, including Senegal, Burundi, Rwanda and Ethiopia.

Head lice signs in coily hair

Head lice symptoms include:

  • There are either black or gray insects in color and approximately 2-3 millimeters long (mm), with six clawed legs.
  • A sensation of itching or tickling in the hair
  • Feeling or seeing movement in the hair, including crawling and not hopping.
  • Head lice can cause sleep problems, and they are most active in the dark.
  • Scratching can cause sores on your head, leading to an infection.

People can also detect head lice eggs. It may be easier for people with dark hair to spot empty egg cases than lice. They usually appear white. The eggs are approximately 0.8 mm wide by 0.3mm high and can be found within 4 mm of your scalp.

How to test for lice

The following areas can be checked for lice:

  • The crown and scalp of the head
  • Around and behind the ears
  • The neckline is at the back of your head

How to get rid of head lice from coily hair

Head lice treatment is the same regardless of hair type.

Before treating hair lice, people who have hair extensions, hairpieces, or wigs must remove them. Then, they can find a spot with good lighting to get rid of head lice.

  • Wetting your hair and dividing it into sections
  • Coconut oil is a home remedy or lice treatment.
  • To remove head lice and eggs, use a louse comb to comb the hair.
  • Use a running tap or a shower head to rinse out the excess product.
  • To prevent head lice from spreading further, make sure you check anyone in your home.

After treatment, it is important to check your hair once more. To remove dead lice, you must continue combing your hair at least once per day.

If home remedies fail, patients may need to visit a healthcare professional.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, African Americans should follow additional hair care tips.

  • Wash your hair at least once per week, or every other week
  • Use conditioner after every hair wash. Make sure to get the ends coated.
  • Hot oil treatment twice a month
  • Before styling your hair, use a heat-protecting shampoo to dampen it.
  • Use a ceramic or iron hair comb to press your hair.
  • Make sure that your braids, cornrows or weaves don’t get too tight.

Summary

Head lice are more common in African Americans than in others. This is likely because the lice struggle to grip on to coily hairs. Head lice can still be a problem for African Americans, so it is important to continue testing for the condition.

Head lice can be treated by anyone with any hair type. Head lice can spread between individuals, so it is important to inspect everyone in the house. If head lice treatments aren’t working, a person should consult a doctor.