How do head lice spread?

Head lice do not jump, hop, or fly – they crawl. Lice are spread mostly through direct head to head contact. The transfer of a louse is quick and only takes several seconds. It is possible, although unlikely, that head lice may spread through sharing hair accessories such as hairbrushes and hair clips, hats, scarves, pillows, blankets and other items, which had direct contact with the infested person. A healthy louse is clinging on to an individual’s hair as this is where their home is, and will not willingly leave to go onto an inanimate object. When a louse is found on an object, it is likely in the process of dying.