Can men get head lice?

Men and boys do get head lice; boys are more likely to get lice than men, possibly because head lice dislike testosterone. Women are more likely to get lice than men, possibly because lice are able to climb up their long hair more easily.

Girls may be more likely to get lice because they are more likely to share brushes or groom one another during playtime, spreading the lice from one girl to another. It is often easier to find lice and nits in men's and boys' hair than in women's because the hair is typically shorter. However, even a man or boy with a buzz cut can have nits.