Lice eggs, also called nits, typically take about 6 to 10 days to hatch. Most sources agree that the eggs hatch within this timeframe when kept warm by the scalp. For example:
- Eggs usually hatch in 7 to 10 days
- Nits take about 6 to 9 days to hatch
- Another source says about 8 to 9 days
- Some mention a range of 7 to 12 days depending on temperature
The eggs are laid close to the scalp (within about 4 to 6 mm) to maintain the warmth necessary for incubation. If eggs become dislodged from the hair or are too far from the scalp, they usually die and do not hatch
. In summary, lice eggs hatch roughly within one week to 10 days after being laid, with the most common estimate around 7 to 9 days under normal scalp conditions.
