There is a common misconception that lice begin in the homes of dirty people, and that we can protect ourselves by not sharing hats, scarves, and other clothing that touch near the head. Though these precautions can help prevent the spread of lice, it is patently absurd to believe that lice spontaneously appear on the heads of dirty people. They are insects. Like all insects, the only way they are going to get into your hair, is by crawling or flying into it. Since they don't fly, the most common way you'll get lice is by the above ways. You put on a hat that someone with lice wore, and those lice mosey on into your hair. But there is a grander picture I want you to see. A topic that usually gets skirted over when you read anything about lice. Namely, where do lice come from?