Checking guideWorldwide

How should long hair be checked for ticks?

Use bright light and divide the hair into small sections, checking the scalp, hairline, behind the ears and back of the neck with both sight and touch.

Reviewed by VuxLore® Knowledge Team For Everyone

Short answer

Use bright light and divide the hair into small sections, checking the scalp, hairline, behind the ears and back of the neck with both sight and touch.

At a glance

A small tick can be hidden by thick, dark, curly or long hair, so a quick surface look is not enough.

Key takeaways

• Separate hair methodically.

• Use a mirror or trusted helper.

• Do not mistake every skin mark for a tick.

Start around common hiding areas

Inspect around and behind the ears, along the hairline and at the nape before working across the scalp in sections. Feel for unfamiliar small bumps.

Confirm before pulling

Use magnification if needed to distinguish a tick from a mole, scab or debris. If an attached tick cannot be accessed safely, seek appropriate professional help.