Would it be nearly impossible to remove a tick from afro hair?

Question

The other answers that detail how to remove ticks from the scalp prescribe combing through the hair carefully, however with afro hair this is not possible, especially with locs (dreadlocks). What should someone with afro hair do in an environment with ticks?

Answer 1

I can't give an answer from experience with an Afro, but although I have had many, many ticks over the years, I haven't had any on my scalp, that I know of. I am very sensitive to the itching of a tick when it burrows in -- that is how I find my ticks -- so I am pretty confident that I haven't had any on my scalp.

To what do I attribute a tick-free scalp? I cover my hair completely with a scarf or a small towel -- sort of like a turban -- when I am working in the garden or my woods. I might find several itching spots a day after a long session working outdoors, and -- voila -- ticks! But over many years, none have been on the scalp. So, my answer is that prevention is most of the battle. You might also consider spraying your turban-like covering with permethrin. @Ian Campbell says permethrin is preferable to DEET for ticks. See his comment, below.)

As for what to do if your scalp develops an itch, I have found that it is easy to feel the tick with my fingertip even if I can't see it. So you might be able to localize the tick by touch and then guide a friend with tweezers to the tick. No matter what kind of hair you have, you will need help.

If you don't feel the itch -- not everybody does -- I don't know what to say.

PS I live in an area -- Northern Virginia -- with lots of ticks.

Answer 2

I live in an area with lots of ticks and I've had many attach to me over the years, including on my scalp. I never use a comb. I find them by feel and then remove them with my fingers. A tick can be distinguished from a mole or other bump easily even if you can't see it because a tick can be flipped back and forth.

I can't imagine any reason why someone with afro hair couldn't do the same.