They are usually gray, white, or brown in color but can appear rust-colored after feeding. They can be hard to see on the head Nits are tiny, white, brown, yellow or gray, and oval-shaped. Sometimes they appear silvery and resemble dandruff. They are usually attached to the hair shaft by nature's own superglue. They are usually found within a half inch of the scalp, often behind the ears or at the back of the neck.
Nits are very difficult to remove from hair while drandruff is easy to remove.
Head lice are easily spread by close body contact or by sharing clothing, bed linens, towels, and personal items, such as hats, combs, brushes or ribbons. Lice do not fly or jump, but they do fall and crawl. Upholstered furniture, carpeting, and hooks for hanging clothing or towels can help to spread lice. Even a stray hair with nits can spread head lice. Persistent itching of the head and back of the neck are signs of head lice.