Head Lice: Transmission, Prevention & What You Need to Know

* Head-to-head contact. Head lice are most commonly spread through direct head-to-head contact with someone who is already infested. This can happen during activities such as playing, hugging, or sharing hats or brushes.

* Sharing personal items. Lice can also be spread through sharing personal items that have been in contact with an infested person's head, such as hats, scarves, combs, brushes, or headphones.

* Infested furniture or bedding. Head lice can also survive for a short time on furniture or bedding that has been in contact with an infested person's head. This means that lice can be spread if you lie down on a bed or sit on a couch that has been used by someone who is infested.