06/23/2026
It's an easy mistake to make — but knowing the difference matters. Dandruff flakes off the hair shaft easily and can be found anywhere on the scalp. Nits, on the other hand, are firmly attached to the hair shaft, have a tiny teardrop shape, and are usually found close to the scalp — especially behind the ears. Live lice and nymphs also move quickly, which is a telltale sign. If you're not sure what you're looking at, a professional head check takes just a few minutes and removes all the guesswork.