Tick Check for Hair & Scalp: Your Summer Safety Guide

As the warmer months bring us outdoors — whether it's hiking, camping, or simply enjoying a backyard barbecue — one health concern tends to go overlooked until it becomes a problem: ticks. At L'Elegance Salon, we care about the whole health of our clients, and that includes your scalp. Here's what every outdoor enthusiast should know about checking for ticks in and around the hair.

Why the Scalp Is a High-Risk Area

Ticks seek out warm, hidden areas of the body — and the scalp, hairline, and behind the ears are among their preferred destinations. The dense coverage of hair makes these areas especially difficult to inspect on your own. Ticks can attach and go unnoticed for days, which is precisely when the risk of disease transmission is highest.

How to Do a Tick Check on Hair and Scalp

After time outdoors, conduct a full-body tick check as soon as possible — ideally within two hours. For the scalp and hair, follow these steps:

• Use a fine-tooth comb or your fingertips to methodically part the hair in sections.

• Pay close attention to the hairline at the forehead, temples, and nape of the neck.

• Check behind both ears and along the part line.

• Have a trusted person assist you, as self-checks of the scalp are difficult to perform thoroughly.

• Use a handheld mirror or a well-lit bathroom to aid visibility.

What a Tick Looks Like

Ticks range in size depending on their life stage and how recently they have fed. An unfed deer tick — the primary carrier of Lyme disease — is roughly the size of a poppy seed. After feeding, they swell and become easier to spot. They are brown to reddish-brown in color and have eight legs.

If You Find a Tick

Remove the tick promptly using fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp it as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Do not twist or jerk. Clean the area with rubbing alcohol or soap and water. If a rash, fever, or flu-like symptoms develop within days to weeks, consult a healthcare provider.

When Your Stylist Can Help

During your appointment at L'Elegance, our stylists work closely with the scalp and are well-positioned to notice irregularities. If we ever spot something of concern, we will always bring it to your attention. Any suspicious findings should be followed up with your doctor.