Small size up to 21cm TL. Five lines starting behind the head and down the tail is distinctive. Older males may lose these lines and become drab olive to brown, with a red/orange head during breeding season. The scales are smooth and shiny. Hatchlings are dark with 5 lines down the back and sides and sporting a blue tail.

*Similar to the Five Lined skink facial scales are the distinction. Five lined skinks have two postlabial scales on top of each other between the ear and lip scales. These are single or absent on Broad-Headed Skinks.