types of hairs primordial hairs - appear as early as the beginning of the third month of gestation;...
TRANSCRIPT
TYPES OF HAIRS
Primordial hairs - appear as early as the beginning of the third month of gestation grows on the upper lip eyebrows palms and soles of the fetus
Lanugo hairs - found in fetal life are shed after the sixth month of gestation and are often found on aborted fetuses
Vellus hairs - are spread uniformly over the bodyrsquos surface except the soles of the feet
Terminal hairs - replace the vellus hairs at specific sites and points of life are found mainly on the scalp on the face chest back arms and legs and are sex-limited
HAIR STRUCTURE
Hair is an appendage of the skin that grows out of the hair follicle
Hair is composed of a group of keratins that interacts and interconnect to from stable fibrils and is comprised of
Cuticle Cortex Medulla
HAIR STRUCTURE
Diagram of Hair in Skin
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cuticle - a thin translucent layer surrounding the hair shaftconsists of overlapping non-nucleated
pigment-free cells which form scales the scales point away from the root
towards the tip of the hair shaft
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cuticle Structure
Coronal
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cuticle Structure
Spinous
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cuticle Structure
Imbricate
HAIR STRUCTURE
Medulla - a cellular column running through the center of the cortex Its presence varies from person to
person and between hair of a given individual
The medulla originates from matrix cells closest to the dermal papilla and large amounts of glycogen are found in medullary cells
HAIR STRUCTURE
Medulla (continued)Main function is to increase the
protective properties of the hair by adding internal air spaces to the hair
It occupies about one-third of the hairrsquos width
Can be classified as absent fragmented discontinuous or continuous
Medulla Structure
HAIR STRUCTURE
CortexThe cortex is the main body of the hair
composed of elongated and fusiform (spindle-shaped) cells It may contain cortical fusi pigment granules andor large oval-to-round-shaped structures called ovoid bodies
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex
Cortical fusi are irregular-shaped airspaces of varying sizes They are commonly found near the root of a mature human hair although they may be present throughout the length of the hair
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex
Pigment granules are small dark and solid structures that are granular in appearance and considerably smaller than cortical fusi They vary in color size and distribution in a single hair
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex
In humans pigment granules are commonly distributed toward the cuticle as shown in except in red-haired individuals
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex
Animal hairs have the pigment granules commonly distributed toward the medulla
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex Ovoid bodies are large (larger
than pigment granules) solid structures that are spherical to oval in shape with very regular margins They are abundant in some cattle and dog hairs as well as in other animal hairs
HAIR STRUCTURE
CortexOvoid bodies are also found in human
hairs
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
Mammalian hair follicles go through three (3) distinct growth cycles Anagen Catagen Telogen
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
Anagen The active growth phase
human head hairs spend about two to four months in this phase 80 to 90 of the hairs are in this growth cycle
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
Catagen
The breakdown phase lasts two to four weeks 2 of the hairs are in this phase
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
TelogenThe resting phase lasts two to
four months until they fall out naturally or are forcibly removed about 10 to 18 of the hairs are in this phase
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
The first step of forensic identification and comparison of hairs begins with whole mount light microscopy
The hair(s) in question must be identified as to species race and body (somatic) origin
Human hairs can be readily distinguished from animal hairs in several ways mainly by examining the cuticles and medullae
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial Origin Caucasian - Indo European
Shaft diameter moderate with minimal variation (mean diameter for human head hairs - 80um)
Pigment granules sparse to moderately dense with fairly even distribution
Cross-sectional shape oval
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial OriginNegroid ndash African
1048698 Shaft diameter moderate to fine with considerable variation
1048698 Pigment granules densely distributed (hair shaft may be opaque) and arranged in prominent clumps
1048698 Shaft prominent twist and curl1048698 Cross-sectional shape
flattened
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial Origin Mongoloid - Eastern Asian
Eskimo-Aleutian and Native American
Shaft diameter coarse and usually with little or no variation
Pigment granules densely distributed and often arranged in large patchy
areas or streaksMedulla prominent (often broad
and continuous)Cuticle thickCross-sectional shape round
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic Origin Head
Long with moderate shaft diameter and diameter variation
Medulla absent to continuous and relatively narrow when compared to the structure of hairs from other body areas
Often with cut or split tipsCan show artificial treatment solar bleaching or
mechanical damageSoft texture pliable
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginPubic
Shaft diameter coarse with wide variations and buckling
Medulla relatively broad and usually continuous when present
Root frequently with tagTip usually tapered rounded or
abradedStiff texture wiry
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginLimb hairs (arm or leg)
Diameter fine with little variationGross appearance of hair is arc-like in
shapeMedulla is discontinuous to trace with a
granular appearanceTips usually tapered often blunt and
abraded rounded scale ends due to wear
Soft texture
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginBeard or Mustache hairs
Diameter very coarse with irregular or triangular cross-sectional shape
Medulla very broad and continuous may be doubled
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginChest hairs
Shaft diameter moderate and variableTip often darker in color long and fine arc-likeMedulla may be granularStiff texture
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginUnderarm hairs
Resemble pubic hairs in general appearance but less wiry
Medullary appearance similar to limb hairsDiameter moderate and variable with less
buckling than pubic hairsTips long and fine frequently with bleached
appearance
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginOther
Eyebrow Stubby some diameter fluctuation saber-like in appearance
Eyelash Short stubby with little shaft diameter fluctuation saber-like in appearance
Trunk A combination of features of limb and pubic hairs a transitional hair
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
As a rule most forensic comparisons are conducted using scalp or pubic hairs Body and limb hairs are generally considered unsuitable for comparison purposes Artificial Treatment
Bleached Dyed
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Caucasian
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Negroid
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Mongoloid
VARIATIONS IN COLOR
COLLECTION AND EXAMINATION OF HAIR
Always photograph the item and note its location first before collecting it
Always be sensitive to cross-contamination issues Always wear gloves to collect evidence Always use clean unused paper bindles or containers
Use fingers or tweezers to collect crime scene evidence Collect good representative exemplary (known) hairs from the
scalp andor pubic region Collect exemplars from both the victim and suspect Always maintain the chain of custody
CONCLUSION AND REPORT WRITING
Forensic laboratory reports of hair comparisons normally will provide one of three answers The hairs matched in microscopic characteristics
indicating an association The hairs are not alike and therefore did not come
from the same person No conclusion can be drawn from the evidence
This may be due to insufficient specimen racial mixtures or unsuitable exemplars
CONCLUSION
Types of hairs Hair structure and growth Race and body origin Evidence collection procedures Microscopy and results
REFERENCES
Saferstein R Forensic Science Handbook 1992 Prentice - Hall Inc Englewood Cliffs NJ pp 185-212
Deadman HA Human Hair Comparison Based on Microscopic Characteristics Proceedings of the International Symposium on Forensic Hair Comparisons (Washington DC Government Printing Office 1985) pp 45-49
Linch Charles A et Al Evaluation of the Human Hair Root for DNA Typing subsequent to Microscopic Comparison JFS 1998 43 (2) pp 305-314
Bisbing RE The Forensic Identification and Association of Human Hair Forensic Science Handbook Saferstein R ed Englewood Clifffs NJ Prentice-Hall Inc 1982 pp 209-272
Gaudette BD An Attempt at Determining Probabilities in Human Scalp Hair Comparison JFS 1973 pp 599-605
FBI Microscopy of Hairs A Practical Guide and Manual Issue 2 1977 Washington DC pp 1-24
HAIR STRUCTURE
Hair is an appendage of the skin that grows out of the hair follicle
Hair is composed of a group of keratins that interacts and interconnect to from stable fibrils and is comprised of
Cuticle Cortex Medulla
HAIR STRUCTURE
Diagram of Hair in Skin
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cuticle - a thin translucent layer surrounding the hair shaftconsists of overlapping non-nucleated
pigment-free cells which form scales the scales point away from the root
towards the tip of the hair shaft
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cuticle Structure
Coronal
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cuticle Structure
Spinous
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cuticle Structure
Imbricate
HAIR STRUCTURE
Medulla - a cellular column running through the center of the cortex Its presence varies from person to
person and between hair of a given individual
The medulla originates from matrix cells closest to the dermal papilla and large amounts of glycogen are found in medullary cells
HAIR STRUCTURE
Medulla (continued)Main function is to increase the
protective properties of the hair by adding internal air spaces to the hair
It occupies about one-third of the hairrsquos width
Can be classified as absent fragmented discontinuous or continuous
Medulla Structure
HAIR STRUCTURE
CortexThe cortex is the main body of the hair
composed of elongated and fusiform (spindle-shaped) cells It may contain cortical fusi pigment granules andor large oval-to-round-shaped structures called ovoid bodies
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex
Cortical fusi are irregular-shaped airspaces of varying sizes They are commonly found near the root of a mature human hair although they may be present throughout the length of the hair
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex
Pigment granules are small dark and solid structures that are granular in appearance and considerably smaller than cortical fusi They vary in color size and distribution in a single hair
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex
In humans pigment granules are commonly distributed toward the cuticle as shown in except in red-haired individuals
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex
Animal hairs have the pigment granules commonly distributed toward the medulla
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex Ovoid bodies are large (larger
than pigment granules) solid structures that are spherical to oval in shape with very regular margins They are abundant in some cattle and dog hairs as well as in other animal hairs
HAIR STRUCTURE
CortexOvoid bodies are also found in human
hairs
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
Mammalian hair follicles go through three (3) distinct growth cycles Anagen Catagen Telogen
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
Anagen The active growth phase
human head hairs spend about two to four months in this phase 80 to 90 of the hairs are in this growth cycle
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
Catagen
The breakdown phase lasts two to four weeks 2 of the hairs are in this phase
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
TelogenThe resting phase lasts two to
four months until they fall out naturally or are forcibly removed about 10 to 18 of the hairs are in this phase
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
The first step of forensic identification and comparison of hairs begins with whole mount light microscopy
The hair(s) in question must be identified as to species race and body (somatic) origin
Human hairs can be readily distinguished from animal hairs in several ways mainly by examining the cuticles and medullae
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial Origin Caucasian - Indo European
Shaft diameter moderate with minimal variation (mean diameter for human head hairs - 80um)
Pigment granules sparse to moderately dense with fairly even distribution
Cross-sectional shape oval
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial OriginNegroid ndash African
1048698 Shaft diameter moderate to fine with considerable variation
1048698 Pigment granules densely distributed (hair shaft may be opaque) and arranged in prominent clumps
1048698 Shaft prominent twist and curl1048698 Cross-sectional shape
flattened
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial Origin Mongoloid - Eastern Asian
Eskimo-Aleutian and Native American
Shaft diameter coarse and usually with little or no variation
Pigment granules densely distributed and often arranged in large patchy
areas or streaksMedulla prominent (often broad
and continuous)Cuticle thickCross-sectional shape round
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic Origin Head
Long with moderate shaft diameter and diameter variation
Medulla absent to continuous and relatively narrow when compared to the structure of hairs from other body areas
Often with cut or split tipsCan show artificial treatment solar bleaching or
mechanical damageSoft texture pliable
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginPubic
Shaft diameter coarse with wide variations and buckling
Medulla relatively broad and usually continuous when present
Root frequently with tagTip usually tapered rounded or
abradedStiff texture wiry
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginLimb hairs (arm or leg)
Diameter fine with little variationGross appearance of hair is arc-like in
shapeMedulla is discontinuous to trace with a
granular appearanceTips usually tapered often blunt and
abraded rounded scale ends due to wear
Soft texture
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginBeard or Mustache hairs
Diameter very coarse with irregular or triangular cross-sectional shape
Medulla very broad and continuous may be doubled
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginChest hairs
Shaft diameter moderate and variableTip often darker in color long and fine arc-likeMedulla may be granularStiff texture
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginUnderarm hairs
Resemble pubic hairs in general appearance but less wiry
Medullary appearance similar to limb hairsDiameter moderate and variable with less
buckling than pubic hairsTips long and fine frequently with bleached
appearance
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginOther
Eyebrow Stubby some diameter fluctuation saber-like in appearance
Eyelash Short stubby with little shaft diameter fluctuation saber-like in appearance
Trunk A combination of features of limb and pubic hairs a transitional hair
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
As a rule most forensic comparisons are conducted using scalp or pubic hairs Body and limb hairs are generally considered unsuitable for comparison purposes Artificial Treatment
Bleached Dyed
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Caucasian
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Negroid
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Mongoloid
VARIATIONS IN COLOR
COLLECTION AND EXAMINATION OF HAIR
Always photograph the item and note its location first before collecting it
Always be sensitive to cross-contamination issues Always wear gloves to collect evidence Always use clean unused paper bindles or containers
Use fingers or tweezers to collect crime scene evidence Collect good representative exemplary (known) hairs from the
scalp andor pubic region Collect exemplars from both the victim and suspect Always maintain the chain of custody
CONCLUSION AND REPORT WRITING
Forensic laboratory reports of hair comparisons normally will provide one of three answers The hairs matched in microscopic characteristics
indicating an association The hairs are not alike and therefore did not come
from the same person No conclusion can be drawn from the evidence
This may be due to insufficient specimen racial mixtures or unsuitable exemplars
CONCLUSION
Types of hairs Hair structure and growth Race and body origin Evidence collection procedures Microscopy and results
REFERENCES
Saferstein R Forensic Science Handbook 1992 Prentice - Hall Inc Englewood Cliffs NJ pp 185-212
Deadman HA Human Hair Comparison Based on Microscopic Characteristics Proceedings of the International Symposium on Forensic Hair Comparisons (Washington DC Government Printing Office 1985) pp 45-49
Linch Charles A et Al Evaluation of the Human Hair Root for DNA Typing subsequent to Microscopic Comparison JFS 1998 43 (2) pp 305-314
Bisbing RE The Forensic Identification and Association of Human Hair Forensic Science Handbook Saferstein R ed Englewood Clifffs NJ Prentice-Hall Inc 1982 pp 209-272
Gaudette BD An Attempt at Determining Probabilities in Human Scalp Hair Comparison JFS 1973 pp 599-605
FBI Microscopy of Hairs A Practical Guide and Manual Issue 2 1977 Washington DC pp 1-24
HAIR STRUCTURE
Diagram of Hair in Skin
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cuticle - a thin translucent layer surrounding the hair shaftconsists of overlapping non-nucleated
pigment-free cells which form scales the scales point away from the root
towards the tip of the hair shaft
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cuticle Structure
Coronal
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cuticle Structure
Spinous
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cuticle Structure
Imbricate
HAIR STRUCTURE
Medulla - a cellular column running through the center of the cortex Its presence varies from person to
person and between hair of a given individual
The medulla originates from matrix cells closest to the dermal papilla and large amounts of glycogen are found in medullary cells
HAIR STRUCTURE
Medulla (continued)Main function is to increase the
protective properties of the hair by adding internal air spaces to the hair
It occupies about one-third of the hairrsquos width
Can be classified as absent fragmented discontinuous or continuous
Medulla Structure
HAIR STRUCTURE
CortexThe cortex is the main body of the hair
composed of elongated and fusiform (spindle-shaped) cells It may contain cortical fusi pigment granules andor large oval-to-round-shaped structures called ovoid bodies
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex
Cortical fusi are irregular-shaped airspaces of varying sizes They are commonly found near the root of a mature human hair although they may be present throughout the length of the hair
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex
Pigment granules are small dark and solid structures that are granular in appearance and considerably smaller than cortical fusi They vary in color size and distribution in a single hair
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex
In humans pigment granules are commonly distributed toward the cuticle as shown in except in red-haired individuals
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex
Animal hairs have the pigment granules commonly distributed toward the medulla
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex Ovoid bodies are large (larger
than pigment granules) solid structures that are spherical to oval in shape with very regular margins They are abundant in some cattle and dog hairs as well as in other animal hairs
HAIR STRUCTURE
CortexOvoid bodies are also found in human
hairs
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
Mammalian hair follicles go through three (3) distinct growth cycles Anagen Catagen Telogen
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
Anagen The active growth phase
human head hairs spend about two to four months in this phase 80 to 90 of the hairs are in this growth cycle
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
Catagen
The breakdown phase lasts two to four weeks 2 of the hairs are in this phase
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
TelogenThe resting phase lasts two to
four months until they fall out naturally or are forcibly removed about 10 to 18 of the hairs are in this phase
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
The first step of forensic identification and comparison of hairs begins with whole mount light microscopy
The hair(s) in question must be identified as to species race and body (somatic) origin
Human hairs can be readily distinguished from animal hairs in several ways mainly by examining the cuticles and medullae
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial Origin Caucasian - Indo European
Shaft diameter moderate with minimal variation (mean diameter for human head hairs - 80um)
Pigment granules sparse to moderately dense with fairly even distribution
Cross-sectional shape oval
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial OriginNegroid ndash African
1048698 Shaft diameter moderate to fine with considerable variation
1048698 Pigment granules densely distributed (hair shaft may be opaque) and arranged in prominent clumps
1048698 Shaft prominent twist and curl1048698 Cross-sectional shape
flattened
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial Origin Mongoloid - Eastern Asian
Eskimo-Aleutian and Native American
Shaft diameter coarse and usually with little or no variation
Pigment granules densely distributed and often arranged in large patchy
areas or streaksMedulla prominent (often broad
and continuous)Cuticle thickCross-sectional shape round
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic Origin Head
Long with moderate shaft diameter and diameter variation
Medulla absent to continuous and relatively narrow when compared to the structure of hairs from other body areas
Often with cut or split tipsCan show artificial treatment solar bleaching or
mechanical damageSoft texture pliable
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginPubic
Shaft diameter coarse with wide variations and buckling
Medulla relatively broad and usually continuous when present
Root frequently with tagTip usually tapered rounded or
abradedStiff texture wiry
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginLimb hairs (arm or leg)
Diameter fine with little variationGross appearance of hair is arc-like in
shapeMedulla is discontinuous to trace with a
granular appearanceTips usually tapered often blunt and
abraded rounded scale ends due to wear
Soft texture
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginBeard or Mustache hairs
Diameter very coarse with irregular or triangular cross-sectional shape
Medulla very broad and continuous may be doubled
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginChest hairs
Shaft diameter moderate and variableTip often darker in color long and fine arc-likeMedulla may be granularStiff texture
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginUnderarm hairs
Resemble pubic hairs in general appearance but less wiry
Medullary appearance similar to limb hairsDiameter moderate and variable with less
buckling than pubic hairsTips long and fine frequently with bleached
appearance
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginOther
Eyebrow Stubby some diameter fluctuation saber-like in appearance
Eyelash Short stubby with little shaft diameter fluctuation saber-like in appearance
Trunk A combination of features of limb and pubic hairs a transitional hair
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
As a rule most forensic comparisons are conducted using scalp or pubic hairs Body and limb hairs are generally considered unsuitable for comparison purposes Artificial Treatment
Bleached Dyed
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Caucasian
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Negroid
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Mongoloid
VARIATIONS IN COLOR
COLLECTION AND EXAMINATION OF HAIR
Always photograph the item and note its location first before collecting it
Always be sensitive to cross-contamination issues Always wear gloves to collect evidence Always use clean unused paper bindles or containers
Use fingers or tweezers to collect crime scene evidence Collect good representative exemplary (known) hairs from the
scalp andor pubic region Collect exemplars from both the victim and suspect Always maintain the chain of custody
CONCLUSION AND REPORT WRITING
Forensic laboratory reports of hair comparisons normally will provide one of three answers The hairs matched in microscopic characteristics
indicating an association The hairs are not alike and therefore did not come
from the same person No conclusion can be drawn from the evidence
This may be due to insufficient specimen racial mixtures or unsuitable exemplars
CONCLUSION
Types of hairs Hair structure and growth Race and body origin Evidence collection procedures Microscopy and results
REFERENCES
Saferstein R Forensic Science Handbook 1992 Prentice - Hall Inc Englewood Cliffs NJ pp 185-212
Deadman HA Human Hair Comparison Based on Microscopic Characteristics Proceedings of the International Symposium on Forensic Hair Comparisons (Washington DC Government Printing Office 1985) pp 45-49
Linch Charles A et Al Evaluation of the Human Hair Root for DNA Typing subsequent to Microscopic Comparison JFS 1998 43 (2) pp 305-314
Bisbing RE The Forensic Identification and Association of Human Hair Forensic Science Handbook Saferstein R ed Englewood Clifffs NJ Prentice-Hall Inc 1982 pp 209-272
Gaudette BD An Attempt at Determining Probabilities in Human Scalp Hair Comparison JFS 1973 pp 599-605
FBI Microscopy of Hairs A Practical Guide and Manual Issue 2 1977 Washington DC pp 1-24
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cuticle - a thin translucent layer surrounding the hair shaftconsists of overlapping non-nucleated
pigment-free cells which form scales the scales point away from the root
towards the tip of the hair shaft
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cuticle Structure
Coronal
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cuticle Structure
Spinous
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cuticle Structure
Imbricate
HAIR STRUCTURE
Medulla - a cellular column running through the center of the cortex Its presence varies from person to
person and between hair of a given individual
The medulla originates from matrix cells closest to the dermal papilla and large amounts of glycogen are found in medullary cells
HAIR STRUCTURE
Medulla (continued)Main function is to increase the
protective properties of the hair by adding internal air spaces to the hair
It occupies about one-third of the hairrsquos width
Can be classified as absent fragmented discontinuous or continuous
Medulla Structure
HAIR STRUCTURE
CortexThe cortex is the main body of the hair
composed of elongated and fusiform (spindle-shaped) cells It may contain cortical fusi pigment granules andor large oval-to-round-shaped structures called ovoid bodies
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex
Cortical fusi are irregular-shaped airspaces of varying sizes They are commonly found near the root of a mature human hair although they may be present throughout the length of the hair
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex
Pigment granules are small dark and solid structures that are granular in appearance and considerably smaller than cortical fusi They vary in color size and distribution in a single hair
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex
In humans pigment granules are commonly distributed toward the cuticle as shown in except in red-haired individuals
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex
Animal hairs have the pigment granules commonly distributed toward the medulla
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex Ovoid bodies are large (larger
than pigment granules) solid structures that are spherical to oval in shape with very regular margins They are abundant in some cattle and dog hairs as well as in other animal hairs
HAIR STRUCTURE
CortexOvoid bodies are also found in human
hairs
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
Mammalian hair follicles go through three (3) distinct growth cycles Anagen Catagen Telogen
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
Anagen The active growth phase
human head hairs spend about two to four months in this phase 80 to 90 of the hairs are in this growth cycle
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
Catagen
The breakdown phase lasts two to four weeks 2 of the hairs are in this phase
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
TelogenThe resting phase lasts two to
four months until they fall out naturally or are forcibly removed about 10 to 18 of the hairs are in this phase
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
The first step of forensic identification and comparison of hairs begins with whole mount light microscopy
The hair(s) in question must be identified as to species race and body (somatic) origin
Human hairs can be readily distinguished from animal hairs in several ways mainly by examining the cuticles and medullae
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial Origin Caucasian - Indo European
Shaft diameter moderate with minimal variation (mean diameter for human head hairs - 80um)
Pigment granules sparse to moderately dense with fairly even distribution
Cross-sectional shape oval
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial OriginNegroid ndash African
1048698 Shaft diameter moderate to fine with considerable variation
1048698 Pigment granules densely distributed (hair shaft may be opaque) and arranged in prominent clumps
1048698 Shaft prominent twist and curl1048698 Cross-sectional shape
flattened
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial Origin Mongoloid - Eastern Asian
Eskimo-Aleutian and Native American
Shaft diameter coarse and usually with little or no variation
Pigment granules densely distributed and often arranged in large patchy
areas or streaksMedulla prominent (often broad
and continuous)Cuticle thickCross-sectional shape round
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic Origin Head
Long with moderate shaft diameter and diameter variation
Medulla absent to continuous and relatively narrow when compared to the structure of hairs from other body areas
Often with cut or split tipsCan show artificial treatment solar bleaching or
mechanical damageSoft texture pliable
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginPubic
Shaft diameter coarse with wide variations and buckling
Medulla relatively broad and usually continuous when present
Root frequently with tagTip usually tapered rounded or
abradedStiff texture wiry
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginLimb hairs (arm or leg)
Diameter fine with little variationGross appearance of hair is arc-like in
shapeMedulla is discontinuous to trace with a
granular appearanceTips usually tapered often blunt and
abraded rounded scale ends due to wear
Soft texture
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginBeard or Mustache hairs
Diameter very coarse with irregular or triangular cross-sectional shape
Medulla very broad and continuous may be doubled
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginChest hairs
Shaft diameter moderate and variableTip often darker in color long and fine arc-likeMedulla may be granularStiff texture
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginUnderarm hairs
Resemble pubic hairs in general appearance but less wiry
Medullary appearance similar to limb hairsDiameter moderate and variable with less
buckling than pubic hairsTips long and fine frequently with bleached
appearance
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginOther
Eyebrow Stubby some diameter fluctuation saber-like in appearance
Eyelash Short stubby with little shaft diameter fluctuation saber-like in appearance
Trunk A combination of features of limb and pubic hairs a transitional hair
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
As a rule most forensic comparisons are conducted using scalp or pubic hairs Body and limb hairs are generally considered unsuitable for comparison purposes Artificial Treatment
Bleached Dyed
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Caucasian
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Negroid
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Mongoloid
VARIATIONS IN COLOR
COLLECTION AND EXAMINATION OF HAIR
Always photograph the item and note its location first before collecting it
Always be sensitive to cross-contamination issues Always wear gloves to collect evidence Always use clean unused paper bindles or containers
Use fingers or tweezers to collect crime scene evidence Collect good representative exemplary (known) hairs from the
scalp andor pubic region Collect exemplars from both the victim and suspect Always maintain the chain of custody
CONCLUSION AND REPORT WRITING
Forensic laboratory reports of hair comparisons normally will provide one of three answers The hairs matched in microscopic characteristics
indicating an association The hairs are not alike and therefore did not come
from the same person No conclusion can be drawn from the evidence
This may be due to insufficient specimen racial mixtures or unsuitable exemplars
CONCLUSION
Types of hairs Hair structure and growth Race and body origin Evidence collection procedures Microscopy and results
REFERENCES
Saferstein R Forensic Science Handbook 1992 Prentice - Hall Inc Englewood Cliffs NJ pp 185-212
Deadman HA Human Hair Comparison Based on Microscopic Characteristics Proceedings of the International Symposium on Forensic Hair Comparisons (Washington DC Government Printing Office 1985) pp 45-49
Linch Charles A et Al Evaluation of the Human Hair Root for DNA Typing subsequent to Microscopic Comparison JFS 1998 43 (2) pp 305-314
Bisbing RE The Forensic Identification and Association of Human Hair Forensic Science Handbook Saferstein R ed Englewood Clifffs NJ Prentice-Hall Inc 1982 pp 209-272
Gaudette BD An Attempt at Determining Probabilities in Human Scalp Hair Comparison JFS 1973 pp 599-605
FBI Microscopy of Hairs A Practical Guide and Manual Issue 2 1977 Washington DC pp 1-24
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cuticle Structure
Coronal
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cuticle Structure
Spinous
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cuticle Structure
Imbricate
HAIR STRUCTURE
Medulla - a cellular column running through the center of the cortex Its presence varies from person to
person and between hair of a given individual
The medulla originates from matrix cells closest to the dermal papilla and large amounts of glycogen are found in medullary cells
HAIR STRUCTURE
Medulla (continued)Main function is to increase the
protective properties of the hair by adding internal air spaces to the hair
It occupies about one-third of the hairrsquos width
Can be classified as absent fragmented discontinuous or continuous
Medulla Structure
HAIR STRUCTURE
CortexThe cortex is the main body of the hair
composed of elongated and fusiform (spindle-shaped) cells It may contain cortical fusi pigment granules andor large oval-to-round-shaped structures called ovoid bodies
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex
Cortical fusi are irregular-shaped airspaces of varying sizes They are commonly found near the root of a mature human hair although they may be present throughout the length of the hair
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex
Pigment granules are small dark and solid structures that are granular in appearance and considerably smaller than cortical fusi They vary in color size and distribution in a single hair
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex
In humans pigment granules are commonly distributed toward the cuticle as shown in except in red-haired individuals
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex
Animal hairs have the pigment granules commonly distributed toward the medulla
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex Ovoid bodies are large (larger
than pigment granules) solid structures that are spherical to oval in shape with very regular margins They are abundant in some cattle and dog hairs as well as in other animal hairs
HAIR STRUCTURE
CortexOvoid bodies are also found in human
hairs
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
Mammalian hair follicles go through three (3) distinct growth cycles Anagen Catagen Telogen
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
Anagen The active growth phase
human head hairs spend about two to four months in this phase 80 to 90 of the hairs are in this growth cycle
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
Catagen
The breakdown phase lasts two to four weeks 2 of the hairs are in this phase
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
TelogenThe resting phase lasts two to
four months until they fall out naturally or are forcibly removed about 10 to 18 of the hairs are in this phase
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
The first step of forensic identification and comparison of hairs begins with whole mount light microscopy
The hair(s) in question must be identified as to species race and body (somatic) origin
Human hairs can be readily distinguished from animal hairs in several ways mainly by examining the cuticles and medullae
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial Origin Caucasian - Indo European
Shaft diameter moderate with minimal variation (mean diameter for human head hairs - 80um)
Pigment granules sparse to moderately dense with fairly even distribution
Cross-sectional shape oval
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial OriginNegroid ndash African
1048698 Shaft diameter moderate to fine with considerable variation
1048698 Pigment granules densely distributed (hair shaft may be opaque) and arranged in prominent clumps
1048698 Shaft prominent twist and curl1048698 Cross-sectional shape
flattened
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial Origin Mongoloid - Eastern Asian
Eskimo-Aleutian and Native American
Shaft diameter coarse and usually with little or no variation
Pigment granules densely distributed and often arranged in large patchy
areas or streaksMedulla prominent (often broad
and continuous)Cuticle thickCross-sectional shape round
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic Origin Head
Long with moderate shaft diameter and diameter variation
Medulla absent to continuous and relatively narrow when compared to the structure of hairs from other body areas
Often with cut or split tipsCan show artificial treatment solar bleaching or
mechanical damageSoft texture pliable
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginPubic
Shaft diameter coarse with wide variations and buckling
Medulla relatively broad and usually continuous when present
Root frequently with tagTip usually tapered rounded or
abradedStiff texture wiry
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginLimb hairs (arm or leg)
Diameter fine with little variationGross appearance of hair is arc-like in
shapeMedulla is discontinuous to trace with a
granular appearanceTips usually tapered often blunt and
abraded rounded scale ends due to wear
Soft texture
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginBeard or Mustache hairs
Diameter very coarse with irregular or triangular cross-sectional shape
Medulla very broad and continuous may be doubled
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginChest hairs
Shaft diameter moderate and variableTip often darker in color long and fine arc-likeMedulla may be granularStiff texture
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginUnderarm hairs
Resemble pubic hairs in general appearance but less wiry
Medullary appearance similar to limb hairsDiameter moderate and variable with less
buckling than pubic hairsTips long and fine frequently with bleached
appearance
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginOther
Eyebrow Stubby some diameter fluctuation saber-like in appearance
Eyelash Short stubby with little shaft diameter fluctuation saber-like in appearance
Trunk A combination of features of limb and pubic hairs a transitional hair
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
As a rule most forensic comparisons are conducted using scalp or pubic hairs Body and limb hairs are generally considered unsuitable for comparison purposes Artificial Treatment
Bleached Dyed
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Caucasian
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Negroid
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Mongoloid
VARIATIONS IN COLOR
COLLECTION AND EXAMINATION OF HAIR
Always photograph the item and note its location first before collecting it
Always be sensitive to cross-contamination issues Always wear gloves to collect evidence Always use clean unused paper bindles or containers
Use fingers or tweezers to collect crime scene evidence Collect good representative exemplary (known) hairs from the
scalp andor pubic region Collect exemplars from both the victim and suspect Always maintain the chain of custody
CONCLUSION AND REPORT WRITING
Forensic laboratory reports of hair comparisons normally will provide one of three answers The hairs matched in microscopic characteristics
indicating an association The hairs are not alike and therefore did not come
from the same person No conclusion can be drawn from the evidence
This may be due to insufficient specimen racial mixtures or unsuitable exemplars
CONCLUSION
Types of hairs Hair structure and growth Race and body origin Evidence collection procedures Microscopy and results
REFERENCES
Saferstein R Forensic Science Handbook 1992 Prentice - Hall Inc Englewood Cliffs NJ pp 185-212
Deadman HA Human Hair Comparison Based on Microscopic Characteristics Proceedings of the International Symposium on Forensic Hair Comparisons (Washington DC Government Printing Office 1985) pp 45-49
Linch Charles A et Al Evaluation of the Human Hair Root for DNA Typing subsequent to Microscopic Comparison JFS 1998 43 (2) pp 305-314
Bisbing RE The Forensic Identification and Association of Human Hair Forensic Science Handbook Saferstein R ed Englewood Clifffs NJ Prentice-Hall Inc 1982 pp 209-272
Gaudette BD An Attempt at Determining Probabilities in Human Scalp Hair Comparison JFS 1973 pp 599-605
FBI Microscopy of Hairs A Practical Guide and Manual Issue 2 1977 Washington DC pp 1-24
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cuticle Structure
Spinous
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cuticle Structure
Imbricate
HAIR STRUCTURE
Medulla - a cellular column running through the center of the cortex Its presence varies from person to
person and between hair of a given individual
The medulla originates from matrix cells closest to the dermal papilla and large amounts of glycogen are found in medullary cells
HAIR STRUCTURE
Medulla (continued)Main function is to increase the
protective properties of the hair by adding internal air spaces to the hair
It occupies about one-third of the hairrsquos width
Can be classified as absent fragmented discontinuous or continuous
Medulla Structure
HAIR STRUCTURE
CortexThe cortex is the main body of the hair
composed of elongated and fusiform (spindle-shaped) cells It may contain cortical fusi pigment granules andor large oval-to-round-shaped structures called ovoid bodies
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex
Cortical fusi are irregular-shaped airspaces of varying sizes They are commonly found near the root of a mature human hair although they may be present throughout the length of the hair
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex
Pigment granules are small dark and solid structures that are granular in appearance and considerably smaller than cortical fusi They vary in color size and distribution in a single hair
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex
In humans pigment granules are commonly distributed toward the cuticle as shown in except in red-haired individuals
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex
Animal hairs have the pigment granules commonly distributed toward the medulla
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex Ovoid bodies are large (larger
than pigment granules) solid structures that are spherical to oval in shape with very regular margins They are abundant in some cattle and dog hairs as well as in other animal hairs
HAIR STRUCTURE
CortexOvoid bodies are also found in human
hairs
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
Mammalian hair follicles go through three (3) distinct growth cycles Anagen Catagen Telogen
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
Anagen The active growth phase
human head hairs spend about two to four months in this phase 80 to 90 of the hairs are in this growth cycle
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
Catagen
The breakdown phase lasts two to four weeks 2 of the hairs are in this phase
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
TelogenThe resting phase lasts two to
four months until they fall out naturally or are forcibly removed about 10 to 18 of the hairs are in this phase
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
The first step of forensic identification and comparison of hairs begins with whole mount light microscopy
The hair(s) in question must be identified as to species race and body (somatic) origin
Human hairs can be readily distinguished from animal hairs in several ways mainly by examining the cuticles and medullae
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial Origin Caucasian - Indo European
Shaft diameter moderate with minimal variation (mean diameter for human head hairs - 80um)
Pigment granules sparse to moderately dense with fairly even distribution
Cross-sectional shape oval
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial OriginNegroid ndash African
1048698 Shaft diameter moderate to fine with considerable variation
1048698 Pigment granules densely distributed (hair shaft may be opaque) and arranged in prominent clumps
1048698 Shaft prominent twist and curl1048698 Cross-sectional shape
flattened
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial Origin Mongoloid - Eastern Asian
Eskimo-Aleutian and Native American
Shaft diameter coarse and usually with little or no variation
Pigment granules densely distributed and often arranged in large patchy
areas or streaksMedulla prominent (often broad
and continuous)Cuticle thickCross-sectional shape round
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic Origin Head
Long with moderate shaft diameter and diameter variation
Medulla absent to continuous and relatively narrow when compared to the structure of hairs from other body areas
Often with cut or split tipsCan show artificial treatment solar bleaching or
mechanical damageSoft texture pliable
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginPubic
Shaft diameter coarse with wide variations and buckling
Medulla relatively broad and usually continuous when present
Root frequently with tagTip usually tapered rounded or
abradedStiff texture wiry
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginLimb hairs (arm or leg)
Diameter fine with little variationGross appearance of hair is arc-like in
shapeMedulla is discontinuous to trace with a
granular appearanceTips usually tapered often blunt and
abraded rounded scale ends due to wear
Soft texture
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginBeard or Mustache hairs
Diameter very coarse with irregular or triangular cross-sectional shape
Medulla very broad and continuous may be doubled
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginChest hairs
Shaft diameter moderate and variableTip often darker in color long and fine arc-likeMedulla may be granularStiff texture
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginUnderarm hairs
Resemble pubic hairs in general appearance but less wiry
Medullary appearance similar to limb hairsDiameter moderate and variable with less
buckling than pubic hairsTips long and fine frequently with bleached
appearance
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginOther
Eyebrow Stubby some diameter fluctuation saber-like in appearance
Eyelash Short stubby with little shaft diameter fluctuation saber-like in appearance
Trunk A combination of features of limb and pubic hairs a transitional hair
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
As a rule most forensic comparisons are conducted using scalp or pubic hairs Body and limb hairs are generally considered unsuitable for comparison purposes Artificial Treatment
Bleached Dyed
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Caucasian
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Negroid
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Mongoloid
VARIATIONS IN COLOR
COLLECTION AND EXAMINATION OF HAIR
Always photograph the item and note its location first before collecting it
Always be sensitive to cross-contamination issues Always wear gloves to collect evidence Always use clean unused paper bindles or containers
Use fingers or tweezers to collect crime scene evidence Collect good representative exemplary (known) hairs from the
scalp andor pubic region Collect exemplars from both the victim and suspect Always maintain the chain of custody
CONCLUSION AND REPORT WRITING
Forensic laboratory reports of hair comparisons normally will provide one of three answers The hairs matched in microscopic characteristics
indicating an association The hairs are not alike and therefore did not come
from the same person No conclusion can be drawn from the evidence
This may be due to insufficient specimen racial mixtures or unsuitable exemplars
CONCLUSION
Types of hairs Hair structure and growth Race and body origin Evidence collection procedures Microscopy and results
REFERENCES
Saferstein R Forensic Science Handbook 1992 Prentice - Hall Inc Englewood Cliffs NJ pp 185-212
Deadman HA Human Hair Comparison Based on Microscopic Characteristics Proceedings of the International Symposium on Forensic Hair Comparisons (Washington DC Government Printing Office 1985) pp 45-49
Linch Charles A et Al Evaluation of the Human Hair Root for DNA Typing subsequent to Microscopic Comparison JFS 1998 43 (2) pp 305-314
Bisbing RE The Forensic Identification and Association of Human Hair Forensic Science Handbook Saferstein R ed Englewood Clifffs NJ Prentice-Hall Inc 1982 pp 209-272
Gaudette BD An Attempt at Determining Probabilities in Human Scalp Hair Comparison JFS 1973 pp 599-605
FBI Microscopy of Hairs A Practical Guide and Manual Issue 2 1977 Washington DC pp 1-24
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cuticle Structure
Imbricate
HAIR STRUCTURE
Medulla - a cellular column running through the center of the cortex Its presence varies from person to
person and between hair of a given individual
The medulla originates from matrix cells closest to the dermal papilla and large amounts of glycogen are found in medullary cells
HAIR STRUCTURE
Medulla (continued)Main function is to increase the
protective properties of the hair by adding internal air spaces to the hair
It occupies about one-third of the hairrsquos width
Can be classified as absent fragmented discontinuous or continuous
Medulla Structure
HAIR STRUCTURE
CortexThe cortex is the main body of the hair
composed of elongated and fusiform (spindle-shaped) cells It may contain cortical fusi pigment granules andor large oval-to-round-shaped structures called ovoid bodies
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex
Cortical fusi are irregular-shaped airspaces of varying sizes They are commonly found near the root of a mature human hair although they may be present throughout the length of the hair
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex
Pigment granules are small dark and solid structures that are granular in appearance and considerably smaller than cortical fusi They vary in color size and distribution in a single hair
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex
In humans pigment granules are commonly distributed toward the cuticle as shown in except in red-haired individuals
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex
Animal hairs have the pigment granules commonly distributed toward the medulla
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex Ovoid bodies are large (larger
than pigment granules) solid structures that are spherical to oval in shape with very regular margins They are abundant in some cattle and dog hairs as well as in other animal hairs
HAIR STRUCTURE
CortexOvoid bodies are also found in human
hairs
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
Mammalian hair follicles go through three (3) distinct growth cycles Anagen Catagen Telogen
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
Anagen The active growth phase
human head hairs spend about two to four months in this phase 80 to 90 of the hairs are in this growth cycle
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
Catagen
The breakdown phase lasts two to four weeks 2 of the hairs are in this phase
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
TelogenThe resting phase lasts two to
four months until they fall out naturally or are forcibly removed about 10 to 18 of the hairs are in this phase
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
The first step of forensic identification and comparison of hairs begins with whole mount light microscopy
The hair(s) in question must be identified as to species race and body (somatic) origin
Human hairs can be readily distinguished from animal hairs in several ways mainly by examining the cuticles and medullae
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial Origin Caucasian - Indo European
Shaft diameter moderate with minimal variation (mean diameter for human head hairs - 80um)
Pigment granules sparse to moderately dense with fairly even distribution
Cross-sectional shape oval
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial OriginNegroid ndash African
1048698 Shaft diameter moderate to fine with considerable variation
1048698 Pigment granules densely distributed (hair shaft may be opaque) and arranged in prominent clumps
1048698 Shaft prominent twist and curl1048698 Cross-sectional shape
flattened
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial Origin Mongoloid - Eastern Asian
Eskimo-Aleutian and Native American
Shaft diameter coarse and usually with little or no variation
Pigment granules densely distributed and often arranged in large patchy
areas or streaksMedulla prominent (often broad
and continuous)Cuticle thickCross-sectional shape round
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic Origin Head
Long with moderate shaft diameter and diameter variation
Medulla absent to continuous and relatively narrow when compared to the structure of hairs from other body areas
Often with cut or split tipsCan show artificial treatment solar bleaching or
mechanical damageSoft texture pliable
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginPubic
Shaft diameter coarse with wide variations and buckling
Medulla relatively broad and usually continuous when present
Root frequently with tagTip usually tapered rounded or
abradedStiff texture wiry
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginLimb hairs (arm or leg)
Diameter fine with little variationGross appearance of hair is arc-like in
shapeMedulla is discontinuous to trace with a
granular appearanceTips usually tapered often blunt and
abraded rounded scale ends due to wear
Soft texture
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginBeard or Mustache hairs
Diameter very coarse with irregular or triangular cross-sectional shape
Medulla very broad and continuous may be doubled
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginChest hairs
Shaft diameter moderate and variableTip often darker in color long and fine arc-likeMedulla may be granularStiff texture
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginUnderarm hairs
Resemble pubic hairs in general appearance but less wiry
Medullary appearance similar to limb hairsDiameter moderate and variable with less
buckling than pubic hairsTips long and fine frequently with bleached
appearance
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginOther
Eyebrow Stubby some diameter fluctuation saber-like in appearance
Eyelash Short stubby with little shaft diameter fluctuation saber-like in appearance
Trunk A combination of features of limb and pubic hairs a transitional hair
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
As a rule most forensic comparisons are conducted using scalp or pubic hairs Body and limb hairs are generally considered unsuitable for comparison purposes Artificial Treatment
Bleached Dyed
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Caucasian
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Negroid
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Mongoloid
VARIATIONS IN COLOR
COLLECTION AND EXAMINATION OF HAIR
Always photograph the item and note its location first before collecting it
Always be sensitive to cross-contamination issues Always wear gloves to collect evidence Always use clean unused paper bindles or containers
Use fingers or tweezers to collect crime scene evidence Collect good representative exemplary (known) hairs from the
scalp andor pubic region Collect exemplars from both the victim and suspect Always maintain the chain of custody
CONCLUSION AND REPORT WRITING
Forensic laboratory reports of hair comparisons normally will provide one of three answers The hairs matched in microscopic characteristics
indicating an association The hairs are not alike and therefore did not come
from the same person No conclusion can be drawn from the evidence
This may be due to insufficient specimen racial mixtures or unsuitable exemplars
CONCLUSION
Types of hairs Hair structure and growth Race and body origin Evidence collection procedures Microscopy and results
REFERENCES
Saferstein R Forensic Science Handbook 1992 Prentice - Hall Inc Englewood Cliffs NJ pp 185-212
Deadman HA Human Hair Comparison Based on Microscopic Characteristics Proceedings of the International Symposium on Forensic Hair Comparisons (Washington DC Government Printing Office 1985) pp 45-49
Linch Charles A et Al Evaluation of the Human Hair Root for DNA Typing subsequent to Microscopic Comparison JFS 1998 43 (2) pp 305-314
Bisbing RE The Forensic Identification and Association of Human Hair Forensic Science Handbook Saferstein R ed Englewood Clifffs NJ Prentice-Hall Inc 1982 pp 209-272
Gaudette BD An Attempt at Determining Probabilities in Human Scalp Hair Comparison JFS 1973 pp 599-605
FBI Microscopy of Hairs A Practical Guide and Manual Issue 2 1977 Washington DC pp 1-24
HAIR STRUCTURE
Medulla - a cellular column running through the center of the cortex Its presence varies from person to
person and between hair of a given individual
The medulla originates from matrix cells closest to the dermal papilla and large amounts of glycogen are found in medullary cells
HAIR STRUCTURE
Medulla (continued)Main function is to increase the
protective properties of the hair by adding internal air spaces to the hair
It occupies about one-third of the hairrsquos width
Can be classified as absent fragmented discontinuous or continuous
Medulla Structure
HAIR STRUCTURE
CortexThe cortex is the main body of the hair
composed of elongated and fusiform (spindle-shaped) cells It may contain cortical fusi pigment granules andor large oval-to-round-shaped structures called ovoid bodies
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex
Cortical fusi are irregular-shaped airspaces of varying sizes They are commonly found near the root of a mature human hair although they may be present throughout the length of the hair
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex
Pigment granules are small dark and solid structures that are granular in appearance and considerably smaller than cortical fusi They vary in color size and distribution in a single hair
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex
In humans pigment granules are commonly distributed toward the cuticle as shown in except in red-haired individuals
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex
Animal hairs have the pigment granules commonly distributed toward the medulla
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex Ovoid bodies are large (larger
than pigment granules) solid structures that are spherical to oval in shape with very regular margins They are abundant in some cattle and dog hairs as well as in other animal hairs
HAIR STRUCTURE
CortexOvoid bodies are also found in human
hairs
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
Mammalian hair follicles go through three (3) distinct growth cycles Anagen Catagen Telogen
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
Anagen The active growth phase
human head hairs spend about two to four months in this phase 80 to 90 of the hairs are in this growth cycle
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
Catagen
The breakdown phase lasts two to four weeks 2 of the hairs are in this phase
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
TelogenThe resting phase lasts two to
four months until they fall out naturally or are forcibly removed about 10 to 18 of the hairs are in this phase
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
The first step of forensic identification and comparison of hairs begins with whole mount light microscopy
The hair(s) in question must be identified as to species race and body (somatic) origin
Human hairs can be readily distinguished from animal hairs in several ways mainly by examining the cuticles and medullae
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial Origin Caucasian - Indo European
Shaft diameter moderate with minimal variation (mean diameter for human head hairs - 80um)
Pigment granules sparse to moderately dense with fairly even distribution
Cross-sectional shape oval
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial OriginNegroid ndash African
1048698 Shaft diameter moderate to fine with considerable variation
1048698 Pigment granules densely distributed (hair shaft may be opaque) and arranged in prominent clumps
1048698 Shaft prominent twist and curl1048698 Cross-sectional shape
flattened
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial Origin Mongoloid - Eastern Asian
Eskimo-Aleutian and Native American
Shaft diameter coarse and usually with little or no variation
Pigment granules densely distributed and often arranged in large patchy
areas or streaksMedulla prominent (often broad
and continuous)Cuticle thickCross-sectional shape round
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic Origin Head
Long with moderate shaft diameter and diameter variation
Medulla absent to continuous and relatively narrow when compared to the structure of hairs from other body areas
Often with cut or split tipsCan show artificial treatment solar bleaching or
mechanical damageSoft texture pliable
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginPubic
Shaft diameter coarse with wide variations and buckling
Medulla relatively broad and usually continuous when present
Root frequently with tagTip usually tapered rounded or
abradedStiff texture wiry
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginLimb hairs (arm or leg)
Diameter fine with little variationGross appearance of hair is arc-like in
shapeMedulla is discontinuous to trace with a
granular appearanceTips usually tapered often blunt and
abraded rounded scale ends due to wear
Soft texture
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginBeard or Mustache hairs
Diameter very coarse with irregular or triangular cross-sectional shape
Medulla very broad and continuous may be doubled
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginChest hairs
Shaft diameter moderate and variableTip often darker in color long and fine arc-likeMedulla may be granularStiff texture
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginUnderarm hairs
Resemble pubic hairs in general appearance but less wiry
Medullary appearance similar to limb hairsDiameter moderate and variable with less
buckling than pubic hairsTips long and fine frequently with bleached
appearance
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginOther
Eyebrow Stubby some diameter fluctuation saber-like in appearance
Eyelash Short stubby with little shaft diameter fluctuation saber-like in appearance
Trunk A combination of features of limb and pubic hairs a transitional hair
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
As a rule most forensic comparisons are conducted using scalp or pubic hairs Body and limb hairs are generally considered unsuitable for comparison purposes Artificial Treatment
Bleached Dyed
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Caucasian
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Negroid
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Mongoloid
VARIATIONS IN COLOR
COLLECTION AND EXAMINATION OF HAIR
Always photograph the item and note its location first before collecting it
Always be sensitive to cross-contamination issues Always wear gloves to collect evidence Always use clean unused paper bindles or containers
Use fingers or tweezers to collect crime scene evidence Collect good representative exemplary (known) hairs from the
scalp andor pubic region Collect exemplars from both the victim and suspect Always maintain the chain of custody
CONCLUSION AND REPORT WRITING
Forensic laboratory reports of hair comparisons normally will provide one of three answers The hairs matched in microscopic characteristics
indicating an association The hairs are not alike and therefore did not come
from the same person No conclusion can be drawn from the evidence
This may be due to insufficient specimen racial mixtures or unsuitable exemplars
CONCLUSION
Types of hairs Hair structure and growth Race and body origin Evidence collection procedures Microscopy and results
REFERENCES
Saferstein R Forensic Science Handbook 1992 Prentice - Hall Inc Englewood Cliffs NJ pp 185-212
Deadman HA Human Hair Comparison Based on Microscopic Characteristics Proceedings of the International Symposium on Forensic Hair Comparisons (Washington DC Government Printing Office 1985) pp 45-49
Linch Charles A et Al Evaluation of the Human Hair Root for DNA Typing subsequent to Microscopic Comparison JFS 1998 43 (2) pp 305-314
Bisbing RE The Forensic Identification and Association of Human Hair Forensic Science Handbook Saferstein R ed Englewood Clifffs NJ Prentice-Hall Inc 1982 pp 209-272
Gaudette BD An Attempt at Determining Probabilities in Human Scalp Hair Comparison JFS 1973 pp 599-605
FBI Microscopy of Hairs A Practical Guide and Manual Issue 2 1977 Washington DC pp 1-24
HAIR STRUCTURE
Medulla (continued)Main function is to increase the
protective properties of the hair by adding internal air spaces to the hair
It occupies about one-third of the hairrsquos width
Can be classified as absent fragmented discontinuous or continuous
Medulla Structure
HAIR STRUCTURE
CortexThe cortex is the main body of the hair
composed of elongated and fusiform (spindle-shaped) cells It may contain cortical fusi pigment granules andor large oval-to-round-shaped structures called ovoid bodies
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex
Cortical fusi are irregular-shaped airspaces of varying sizes They are commonly found near the root of a mature human hair although they may be present throughout the length of the hair
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex
Pigment granules are small dark and solid structures that are granular in appearance and considerably smaller than cortical fusi They vary in color size and distribution in a single hair
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex
In humans pigment granules are commonly distributed toward the cuticle as shown in except in red-haired individuals
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex
Animal hairs have the pigment granules commonly distributed toward the medulla
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex Ovoid bodies are large (larger
than pigment granules) solid structures that are spherical to oval in shape with very regular margins They are abundant in some cattle and dog hairs as well as in other animal hairs
HAIR STRUCTURE
CortexOvoid bodies are also found in human
hairs
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
Mammalian hair follicles go through three (3) distinct growth cycles Anagen Catagen Telogen
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
Anagen The active growth phase
human head hairs spend about two to four months in this phase 80 to 90 of the hairs are in this growth cycle
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
Catagen
The breakdown phase lasts two to four weeks 2 of the hairs are in this phase
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
TelogenThe resting phase lasts two to
four months until they fall out naturally or are forcibly removed about 10 to 18 of the hairs are in this phase
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
The first step of forensic identification and comparison of hairs begins with whole mount light microscopy
The hair(s) in question must be identified as to species race and body (somatic) origin
Human hairs can be readily distinguished from animal hairs in several ways mainly by examining the cuticles and medullae
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial Origin Caucasian - Indo European
Shaft diameter moderate with minimal variation (mean diameter for human head hairs - 80um)
Pigment granules sparse to moderately dense with fairly even distribution
Cross-sectional shape oval
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial OriginNegroid ndash African
1048698 Shaft diameter moderate to fine with considerable variation
1048698 Pigment granules densely distributed (hair shaft may be opaque) and arranged in prominent clumps
1048698 Shaft prominent twist and curl1048698 Cross-sectional shape
flattened
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial Origin Mongoloid - Eastern Asian
Eskimo-Aleutian and Native American
Shaft diameter coarse and usually with little or no variation
Pigment granules densely distributed and often arranged in large patchy
areas or streaksMedulla prominent (often broad
and continuous)Cuticle thickCross-sectional shape round
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic Origin Head
Long with moderate shaft diameter and diameter variation
Medulla absent to continuous and relatively narrow when compared to the structure of hairs from other body areas
Often with cut or split tipsCan show artificial treatment solar bleaching or
mechanical damageSoft texture pliable
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginPubic
Shaft diameter coarse with wide variations and buckling
Medulla relatively broad and usually continuous when present
Root frequently with tagTip usually tapered rounded or
abradedStiff texture wiry
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginLimb hairs (arm or leg)
Diameter fine with little variationGross appearance of hair is arc-like in
shapeMedulla is discontinuous to trace with a
granular appearanceTips usually tapered often blunt and
abraded rounded scale ends due to wear
Soft texture
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginBeard or Mustache hairs
Diameter very coarse with irregular or triangular cross-sectional shape
Medulla very broad and continuous may be doubled
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginChest hairs
Shaft diameter moderate and variableTip often darker in color long and fine arc-likeMedulla may be granularStiff texture
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginUnderarm hairs
Resemble pubic hairs in general appearance but less wiry
Medullary appearance similar to limb hairsDiameter moderate and variable with less
buckling than pubic hairsTips long and fine frequently with bleached
appearance
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginOther
Eyebrow Stubby some diameter fluctuation saber-like in appearance
Eyelash Short stubby with little shaft diameter fluctuation saber-like in appearance
Trunk A combination of features of limb and pubic hairs a transitional hair
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
As a rule most forensic comparisons are conducted using scalp or pubic hairs Body and limb hairs are generally considered unsuitable for comparison purposes Artificial Treatment
Bleached Dyed
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Caucasian
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Negroid
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Mongoloid
VARIATIONS IN COLOR
COLLECTION AND EXAMINATION OF HAIR
Always photograph the item and note its location first before collecting it
Always be sensitive to cross-contamination issues Always wear gloves to collect evidence Always use clean unused paper bindles or containers
Use fingers or tweezers to collect crime scene evidence Collect good representative exemplary (known) hairs from the
scalp andor pubic region Collect exemplars from both the victim and suspect Always maintain the chain of custody
CONCLUSION AND REPORT WRITING
Forensic laboratory reports of hair comparisons normally will provide one of three answers The hairs matched in microscopic characteristics
indicating an association The hairs are not alike and therefore did not come
from the same person No conclusion can be drawn from the evidence
This may be due to insufficient specimen racial mixtures or unsuitable exemplars
CONCLUSION
Types of hairs Hair structure and growth Race and body origin Evidence collection procedures Microscopy and results
REFERENCES
Saferstein R Forensic Science Handbook 1992 Prentice - Hall Inc Englewood Cliffs NJ pp 185-212
Deadman HA Human Hair Comparison Based on Microscopic Characteristics Proceedings of the International Symposium on Forensic Hair Comparisons (Washington DC Government Printing Office 1985) pp 45-49
Linch Charles A et Al Evaluation of the Human Hair Root for DNA Typing subsequent to Microscopic Comparison JFS 1998 43 (2) pp 305-314
Bisbing RE The Forensic Identification and Association of Human Hair Forensic Science Handbook Saferstein R ed Englewood Clifffs NJ Prentice-Hall Inc 1982 pp 209-272
Gaudette BD An Attempt at Determining Probabilities in Human Scalp Hair Comparison JFS 1973 pp 599-605
FBI Microscopy of Hairs A Practical Guide and Manual Issue 2 1977 Washington DC pp 1-24
Medulla Structure
HAIR STRUCTURE
CortexThe cortex is the main body of the hair
composed of elongated and fusiform (spindle-shaped) cells It may contain cortical fusi pigment granules andor large oval-to-round-shaped structures called ovoid bodies
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex
Cortical fusi are irregular-shaped airspaces of varying sizes They are commonly found near the root of a mature human hair although they may be present throughout the length of the hair
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex
Pigment granules are small dark and solid structures that are granular in appearance and considerably smaller than cortical fusi They vary in color size and distribution in a single hair
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex
In humans pigment granules are commonly distributed toward the cuticle as shown in except in red-haired individuals
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex
Animal hairs have the pigment granules commonly distributed toward the medulla
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex Ovoid bodies are large (larger
than pigment granules) solid structures that are spherical to oval in shape with very regular margins They are abundant in some cattle and dog hairs as well as in other animal hairs
HAIR STRUCTURE
CortexOvoid bodies are also found in human
hairs
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
Mammalian hair follicles go through three (3) distinct growth cycles Anagen Catagen Telogen
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
Anagen The active growth phase
human head hairs spend about two to four months in this phase 80 to 90 of the hairs are in this growth cycle
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
Catagen
The breakdown phase lasts two to four weeks 2 of the hairs are in this phase
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
TelogenThe resting phase lasts two to
four months until they fall out naturally or are forcibly removed about 10 to 18 of the hairs are in this phase
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
The first step of forensic identification and comparison of hairs begins with whole mount light microscopy
The hair(s) in question must be identified as to species race and body (somatic) origin
Human hairs can be readily distinguished from animal hairs in several ways mainly by examining the cuticles and medullae
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial Origin Caucasian - Indo European
Shaft diameter moderate with minimal variation (mean diameter for human head hairs - 80um)
Pigment granules sparse to moderately dense with fairly even distribution
Cross-sectional shape oval
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial OriginNegroid ndash African
1048698 Shaft diameter moderate to fine with considerable variation
1048698 Pigment granules densely distributed (hair shaft may be opaque) and arranged in prominent clumps
1048698 Shaft prominent twist and curl1048698 Cross-sectional shape
flattened
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial Origin Mongoloid - Eastern Asian
Eskimo-Aleutian and Native American
Shaft diameter coarse and usually with little or no variation
Pigment granules densely distributed and often arranged in large patchy
areas or streaksMedulla prominent (often broad
and continuous)Cuticle thickCross-sectional shape round
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic Origin Head
Long with moderate shaft diameter and diameter variation
Medulla absent to continuous and relatively narrow when compared to the structure of hairs from other body areas
Often with cut or split tipsCan show artificial treatment solar bleaching or
mechanical damageSoft texture pliable
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginPubic
Shaft diameter coarse with wide variations and buckling
Medulla relatively broad and usually continuous when present
Root frequently with tagTip usually tapered rounded or
abradedStiff texture wiry
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginLimb hairs (arm or leg)
Diameter fine with little variationGross appearance of hair is arc-like in
shapeMedulla is discontinuous to trace with a
granular appearanceTips usually tapered often blunt and
abraded rounded scale ends due to wear
Soft texture
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginBeard or Mustache hairs
Diameter very coarse with irregular or triangular cross-sectional shape
Medulla very broad and continuous may be doubled
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginChest hairs
Shaft diameter moderate and variableTip often darker in color long and fine arc-likeMedulla may be granularStiff texture
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginUnderarm hairs
Resemble pubic hairs in general appearance but less wiry
Medullary appearance similar to limb hairsDiameter moderate and variable with less
buckling than pubic hairsTips long and fine frequently with bleached
appearance
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginOther
Eyebrow Stubby some diameter fluctuation saber-like in appearance
Eyelash Short stubby with little shaft diameter fluctuation saber-like in appearance
Trunk A combination of features of limb and pubic hairs a transitional hair
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
As a rule most forensic comparisons are conducted using scalp or pubic hairs Body and limb hairs are generally considered unsuitable for comparison purposes Artificial Treatment
Bleached Dyed
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Caucasian
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Negroid
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Mongoloid
VARIATIONS IN COLOR
COLLECTION AND EXAMINATION OF HAIR
Always photograph the item and note its location first before collecting it
Always be sensitive to cross-contamination issues Always wear gloves to collect evidence Always use clean unused paper bindles or containers
Use fingers or tweezers to collect crime scene evidence Collect good representative exemplary (known) hairs from the
scalp andor pubic region Collect exemplars from both the victim and suspect Always maintain the chain of custody
CONCLUSION AND REPORT WRITING
Forensic laboratory reports of hair comparisons normally will provide one of three answers The hairs matched in microscopic characteristics
indicating an association The hairs are not alike and therefore did not come
from the same person No conclusion can be drawn from the evidence
This may be due to insufficient specimen racial mixtures or unsuitable exemplars
CONCLUSION
Types of hairs Hair structure and growth Race and body origin Evidence collection procedures Microscopy and results
REFERENCES
Saferstein R Forensic Science Handbook 1992 Prentice - Hall Inc Englewood Cliffs NJ pp 185-212
Deadman HA Human Hair Comparison Based on Microscopic Characteristics Proceedings of the International Symposium on Forensic Hair Comparisons (Washington DC Government Printing Office 1985) pp 45-49
Linch Charles A et Al Evaluation of the Human Hair Root for DNA Typing subsequent to Microscopic Comparison JFS 1998 43 (2) pp 305-314
Bisbing RE The Forensic Identification and Association of Human Hair Forensic Science Handbook Saferstein R ed Englewood Clifffs NJ Prentice-Hall Inc 1982 pp 209-272
Gaudette BD An Attempt at Determining Probabilities in Human Scalp Hair Comparison JFS 1973 pp 599-605
FBI Microscopy of Hairs A Practical Guide and Manual Issue 2 1977 Washington DC pp 1-24
HAIR STRUCTURE
CortexThe cortex is the main body of the hair
composed of elongated and fusiform (spindle-shaped) cells It may contain cortical fusi pigment granules andor large oval-to-round-shaped structures called ovoid bodies
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex
Cortical fusi are irregular-shaped airspaces of varying sizes They are commonly found near the root of a mature human hair although they may be present throughout the length of the hair
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex
Pigment granules are small dark and solid structures that are granular in appearance and considerably smaller than cortical fusi They vary in color size and distribution in a single hair
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex
In humans pigment granules are commonly distributed toward the cuticle as shown in except in red-haired individuals
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex
Animal hairs have the pigment granules commonly distributed toward the medulla
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex Ovoid bodies are large (larger
than pigment granules) solid structures that are spherical to oval in shape with very regular margins They are abundant in some cattle and dog hairs as well as in other animal hairs
HAIR STRUCTURE
CortexOvoid bodies are also found in human
hairs
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
Mammalian hair follicles go through three (3) distinct growth cycles Anagen Catagen Telogen
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
Anagen The active growth phase
human head hairs spend about two to four months in this phase 80 to 90 of the hairs are in this growth cycle
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
Catagen
The breakdown phase lasts two to four weeks 2 of the hairs are in this phase
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
TelogenThe resting phase lasts two to
four months until they fall out naturally or are forcibly removed about 10 to 18 of the hairs are in this phase
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
The first step of forensic identification and comparison of hairs begins with whole mount light microscopy
The hair(s) in question must be identified as to species race and body (somatic) origin
Human hairs can be readily distinguished from animal hairs in several ways mainly by examining the cuticles and medullae
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial Origin Caucasian - Indo European
Shaft diameter moderate with minimal variation (mean diameter for human head hairs - 80um)
Pigment granules sparse to moderately dense with fairly even distribution
Cross-sectional shape oval
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial OriginNegroid ndash African
1048698 Shaft diameter moderate to fine with considerable variation
1048698 Pigment granules densely distributed (hair shaft may be opaque) and arranged in prominent clumps
1048698 Shaft prominent twist and curl1048698 Cross-sectional shape
flattened
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial Origin Mongoloid - Eastern Asian
Eskimo-Aleutian and Native American
Shaft diameter coarse and usually with little or no variation
Pigment granules densely distributed and often arranged in large patchy
areas or streaksMedulla prominent (often broad
and continuous)Cuticle thickCross-sectional shape round
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic Origin Head
Long with moderate shaft diameter and diameter variation
Medulla absent to continuous and relatively narrow when compared to the structure of hairs from other body areas
Often with cut or split tipsCan show artificial treatment solar bleaching or
mechanical damageSoft texture pliable
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginPubic
Shaft diameter coarse with wide variations and buckling
Medulla relatively broad and usually continuous when present
Root frequently with tagTip usually tapered rounded or
abradedStiff texture wiry
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginLimb hairs (arm or leg)
Diameter fine with little variationGross appearance of hair is arc-like in
shapeMedulla is discontinuous to trace with a
granular appearanceTips usually tapered often blunt and
abraded rounded scale ends due to wear
Soft texture
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginBeard or Mustache hairs
Diameter very coarse with irregular or triangular cross-sectional shape
Medulla very broad and continuous may be doubled
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginChest hairs
Shaft diameter moderate and variableTip often darker in color long and fine arc-likeMedulla may be granularStiff texture
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginUnderarm hairs
Resemble pubic hairs in general appearance but less wiry
Medullary appearance similar to limb hairsDiameter moderate and variable with less
buckling than pubic hairsTips long and fine frequently with bleached
appearance
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginOther
Eyebrow Stubby some diameter fluctuation saber-like in appearance
Eyelash Short stubby with little shaft diameter fluctuation saber-like in appearance
Trunk A combination of features of limb and pubic hairs a transitional hair
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
As a rule most forensic comparisons are conducted using scalp or pubic hairs Body and limb hairs are generally considered unsuitable for comparison purposes Artificial Treatment
Bleached Dyed
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Caucasian
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Negroid
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Mongoloid
VARIATIONS IN COLOR
COLLECTION AND EXAMINATION OF HAIR
Always photograph the item and note its location first before collecting it
Always be sensitive to cross-contamination issues Always wear gloves to collect evidence Always use clean unused paper bindles or containers
Use fingers or tweezers to collect crime scene evidence Collect good representative exemplary (known) hairs from the
scalp andor pubic region Collect exemplars from both the victim and suspect Always maintain the chain of custody
CONCLUSION AND REPORT WRITING
Forensic laboratory reports of hair comparisons normally will provide one of three answers The hairs matched in microscopic characteristics
indicating an association The hairs are not alike and therefore did not come
from the same person No conclusion can be drawn from the evidence
This may be due to insufficient specimen racial mixtures or unsuitable exemplars
CONCLUSION
Types of hairs Hair structure and growth Race and body origin Evidence collection procedures Microscopy and results
REFERENCES
Saferstein R Forensic Science Handbook 1992 Prentice - Hall Inc Englewood Cliffs NJ pp 185-212
Deadman HA Human Hair Comparison Based on Microscopic Characteristics Proceedings of the International Symposium on Forensic Hair Comparisons (Washington DC Government Printing Office 1985) pp 45-49
Linch Charles A et Al Evaluation of the Human Hair Root for DNA Typing subsequent to Microscopic Comparison JFS 1998 43 (2) pp 305-314
Bisbing RE The Forensic Identification and Association of Human Hair Forensic Science Handbook Saferstein R ed Englewood Clifffs NJ Prentice-Hall Inc 1982 pp 209-272
Gaudette BD An Attempt at Determining Probabilities in Human Scalp Hair Comparison JFS 1973 pp 599-605
FBI Microscopy of Hairs A Practical Guide and Manual Issue 2 1977 Washington DC pp 1-24
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex
Cortical fusi are irregular-shaped airspaces of varying sizes They are commonly found near the root of a mature human hair although they may be present throughout the length of the hair
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex
Pigment granules are small dark and solid structures that are granular in appearance and considerably smaller than cortical fusi They vary in color size and distribution in a single hair
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex
In humans pigment granules are commonly distributed toward the cuticle as shown in except in red-haired individuals
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex
Animal hairs have the pigment granules commonly distributed toward the medulla
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex Ovoid bodies are large (larger
than pigment granules) solid structures that are spherical to oval in shape with very regular margins They are abundant in some cattle and dog hairs as well as in other animal hairs
HAIR STRUCTURE
CortexOvoid bodies are also found in human
hairs
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
Mammalian hair follicles go through three (3) distinct growth cycles Anagen Catagen Telogen
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
Anagen The active growth phase
human head hairs spend about two to four months in this phase 80 to 90 of the hairs are in this growth cycle
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
Catagen
The breakdown phase lasts two to four weeks 2 of the hairs are in this phase
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
TelogenThe resting phase lasts two to
four months until they fall out naturally or are forcibly removed about 10 to 18 of the hairs are in this phase
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
The first step of forensic identification and comparison of hairs begins with whole mount light microscopy
The hair(s) in question must be identified as to species race and body (somatic) origin
Human hairs can be readily distinguished from animal hairs in several ways mainly by examining the cuticles and medullae
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial Origin Caucasian - Indo European
Shaft diameter moderate with minimal variation (mean diameter for human head hairs - 80um)
Pigment granules sparse to moderately dense with fairly even distribution
Cross-sectional shape oval
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial OriginNegroid ndash African
1048698 Shaft diameter moderate to fine with considerable variation
1048698 Pigment granules densely distributed (hair shaft may be opaque) and arranged in prominent clumps
1048698 Shaft prominent twist and curl1048698 Cross-sectional shape
flattened
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial Origin Mongoloid - Eastern Asian
Eskimo-Aleutian and Native American
Shaft diameter coarse and usually with little or no variation
Pigment granules densely distributed and often arranged in large patchy
areas or streaksMedulla prominent (often broad
and continuous)Cuticle thickCross-sectional shape round
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic Origin Head
Long with moderate shaft diameter and diameter variation
Medulla absent to continuous and relatively narrow when compared to the structure of hairs from other body areas
Often with cut or split tipsCan show artificial treatment solar bleaching or
mechanical damageSoft texture pliable
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginPubic
Shaft diameter coarse with wide variations and buckling
Medulla relatively broad and usually continuous when present
Root frequently with tagTip usually tapered rounded or
abradedStiff texture wiry
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginLimb hairs (arm or leg)
Diameter fine with little variationGross appearance of hair is arc-like in
shapeMedulla is discontinuous to trace with a
granular appearanceTips usually tapered often blunt and
abraded rounded scale ends due to wear
Soft texture
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginBeard or Mustache hairs
Diameter very coarse with irregular or triangular cross-sectional shape
Medulla very broad and continuous may be doubled
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginChest hairs
Shaft diameter moderate and variableTip often darker in color long and fine arc-likeMedulla may be granularStiff texture
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginUnderarm hairs
Resemble pubic hairs in general appearance but less wiry
Medullary appearance similar to limb hairsDiameter moderate and variable with less
buckling than pubic hairsTips long and fine frequently with bleached
appearance
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginOther
Eyebrow Stubby some diameter fluctuation saber-like in appearance
Eyelash Short stubby with little shaft diameter fluctuation saber-like in appearance
Trunk A combination of features of limb and pubic hairs a transitional hair
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
As a rule most forensic comparisons are conducted using scalp or pubic hairs Body and limb hairs are generally considered unsuitable for comparison purposes Artificial Treatment
Bleached Dyed
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Caucasian
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Negroid
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Mongoloid
VARIATIONS IN COLOR
COLLECTION AND EXAMINATION OF HAIR
Always photograph the item and note its location first before collecting it
Always be sensitive to cross-contamination issues Always wear gloves to collect evidence Always use clean unused paper bindles or containers
Use fingers or tweezers to collect crime scene evidence Collect good representative exemplary (known) hairs from the
scalp andor pubic region Collect exemplars from both the victim and suspect Always maintain the chain of custody
CONCLUSION AND REPORT WRITING
Forensic laboratory reports of hair comparisons normally will provide one of three answers The hairs matched in microscopic characteristics
indicating an association The hairs are not alike and therefore did not come
from the same person No conclusion can be drawn from the evidence
This may be due to insufficient specimen racial mixtures or unsuitable exemplars
CONCLUSION
Types of hairs Hair structure and growth Race and body origin Evidence collection procedures Microscopy and results
REFERENCES
Saferstein R Forensic Science Handbook 1992 Prentice - Hall Inc Englewood Cliffs NJ pp 185-212
Deadman HA Human Hair Comparison Based on Microscopic Characteristics Proceedings of the International Symposium on Forensic Hair Comparisons (Washington DC Government Printing Office 1985) pp 45-49
Linch Charles A et Al Evaluation of the Human Hair Root for DNA Typing subsequent to Microscopic Comparison JFS 1998 43 (2) pp 305-314
Bisbing RE The Forensic Identification and Association of Human Hair Forensic Science Handbook Saferstein R ed Englewood Clifffs NJ Prentice-Hall Inc 1982 pp 209-272
Gaudette BD An Attempt at Determining Probabilities in Human Scalp Hair Comparison JFS 1973 pp 599-605
FBI Microscopy of Hairs A Practical Guide and Manual Issue 2 1977 Washington DC pp 1-24
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex
Pigment granules are small dark and solid structures that are granular in appearance and considerably smaller than cortical fusi They vary in color size and distribution in a single hair
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex
In humans pigment granules are commonly distributed toward the cuticle as shown in except in red-haired individuals
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex
Animal hairs have the pigment granules commonly distributed toward the medulla
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex Ovoid bodies are large (larger
than pigment granules) solid structures that are spherical to oval in shape with very regular margins They are abundant in some cattle and dog hairs as well as in other animal hairs
HAIR STRUCTURE
CortexOvoid bodies are also found in human
hairs
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
Mammalian hair follicles go through three (3) distinct growth cycles Anagen Catagen Telogen
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
Anagen The active growth phase
human head hairs spend about two to four months in this phase 80 to 90 of the hairs are in this growth cycle
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
Catagen
The breakdown phase lasts two to four weeks 2 of the hairs are in this phase
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
TelogenThe resting phase lasts two to
four months until they fall out naturally or are forcibly removed about 10 to 18 of the hairs are in this phase
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
The first step of forensic identification and comparison of hairs begins with whole mount light microscopy
The hair(s) in question must be identified as to species race and body (somatic) origin
Human hairs can be readily distinguished from animal hairs in several ways mainly by examining the cuticles and medullae
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial Origin Caucasian - Indo European
Shaft diameter moderate with minimal variation (mean diameter for human head hairs - 80um)
Pigment granules sparse to moderately dense with fairly even distribution
Cross-sectional shape oval
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial OriginNegroid ndash African
1048698 Shaft diameter moderate to fine with considerable variation
1048698 Pigment granules densely distributed (hair shaft may be opaque) and arranged in prominent clumps
1048698 Shaft prominent twist and curl1048698 Cross-sectional shape
flattened
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial Origin Mongoloid - Eastern Asian
Eskimo-Aleutian and Native American
Shaft diameter coarse and usually with little or no variation
Pigment granules densely distributed and often arranged in large patchy
areas or streaksMedulla prominent (often broad
and continuous)Cuticle thickCross-sectional shape round
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic Origin Head
Long with moderate shaft diameter and diameter variation
Medulla absent to continuous and relatively narrow when compared to the structure of hairs from other body areas
Often with cut or split tipsCan show artificial treatment solar bleaching or
mechanical damageSoft texture pliable
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginPubic
Shaft diameter coarse with wide variations and buckling
Medulla relatively broad and usually continuous when present
Root frequently with tagTip usually tapered rounded or
abradedStiff texture wiry
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginLimb hairs (arm or leg)
Diameter fine with little variationGross appearance of hair is arc-like in
shapeMedulla is discontinuous to trace with a
granular appearanceTips usually tapered often blunt and
abraded rounded scale ends due to wear
Soft texture
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginBeard or Mustache hairs
Diameter very coarse with irregular or triangular cross-sectional shape
Medulla very broad and continuous may be doubled
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginChest hairs
Shaft diameter moderate and variableTip often darker in color long and fine arc-likeMedulla may be granularStiff texture
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginUnderarm hairs
Resemble pubic hairs in general appearance but less wiry
Medullary appearance similar to limb hairsDiameter moderate and variable with less
buckling than pubic hairsTips long and fine frequently with bleached
appearance
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginOther
Eyebrow Stubby some diameter fluctuation saber-like in appearance
Eyelash Short stubby with little shaft diameter fluctuation saber-like in appearance
Trunk A combination of features of limb and pubic hairs a transitional hair
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
As a rule most forensic comparisons are conducted using scalp or pubic hairs Body and limb hairs are generally considered unsuitable for comparison purposes Artificial Treatment
Bleached Dyed
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Caucasian
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Negroid
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Mongoloid
VARIATIONS IN COLOR
COLLECTION AND EXAMINATION OF HAIR
Always photograph the item and note its location first before collecting it
Always be sensitive to cross-contamination issues Always wear gloves to collect evidence Always use clean unused paper bindles or containers
Use fingers or tweezers to collect crime scene evidence Collect good representative exemplary (known) hairs from the
scalp andor pubic region Collect exemplars from both the victim and suspect Always maintain the chain of custody
CONCLUSION AND REPORT WRITING
Forensic laboratory reports of hair comparisons normally will provide one of three answers The hairs matched in microscopic characteristics
indicating an association The hairs are not alike and therefore did not come
from the same person No conclusion can be drawn from the evidence
This may be due to insufficient specimen racial mixtures or unsuitable exemplars
CONCLUSION
Types of hairs Hair structure and growth Race and body origin Evidence collection procedures Microscopy and results
REFERENCES
Saferstein R Forensic Science Handbook 1992 Prentice - Hall Inc Englewood Cliffs NJ pp 185-212
Deadman HA Human Hair Comparison Based on Microscopic Characteristics Proceedings of the International Symposium on Forensic Hair Comparisons (Washington DC Government Printing Office 1985) pp 45-49
Linch Charles A et Al Evaluation of the Human Hair Root for DNA Typing subsequent to Microscopic Comparison JFS 1998 43 (2) pp 305-314
Bisbing RE The Forensic Identification and Association of Human Hair Forensic Science Handbook Saferstein R ed Englewood Clifffs NJ Prentice-Hall Inc 1982 pp 209-272
Gaudette BD An Attempt at Determining Probabilities in Human Scalp Hair Comparison JFS 1973 pp 599-605
FBI Microscopy of Hairs A Practical Guide and Manual Issue 2 1977 Washington DC pp 1-24
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex
In humans pigment granules are commonly distributed toward the cuticle as shown in except in red-haired individuals
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex
Animal hairs have the pigment granules commonly distributed toward the medulla
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex Ovoid bodies are large (larger
than pigment granules) solid structures that are spherical to oval in shape with very regular margins They are abundant in some cattle and dog hairs as well as in other animal hairs
HAIR STRUCTURE
CortexOvoid bodies are also found in human
hairs
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
Mammalian hair follicles go through three (3) distinct growth cycles Anagen Catagen Telogen
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
Anagen The active growth phase
human head hairs spend about two to four months in this phase 80 to 90 of the hairs are in this growth cycle
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
Catagen
The breakdown phase lasts two to four weeks 2 of the hairs are in this phase
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
TelogenThe resting phase lasts two to
four months until they fall out naturally or are forcibly removed about 10 to 18 of the hairs are in this phase
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
The first step of forensic identification and comparison of hairs begins with whole mount light microscopy
The hair(s) in question must be identified as to species race and body (somatic) origin
Human hairs can be readily distinguished from animal hairs in several ways mainly by examining the cuticles and medullae
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial Origin Caucasian - Indo European
Shaft diameter moderate with minimal variation (mean diameter for human head hairs - 80um)
Pigment granules sparse to moderately dense with fairly even distribution
Cross-sectional shape oval
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial OriginNegroid ndash African
1048698 Shaft diameter moderate to fine with considerable variation
1048698 Pigment granules densely distributed (hair shaft may be opaque) and arranged in prominent clumps
1048698 Shaft prominent twist and curl1048698 Cross-sectional shape
flattened
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial Origin Mongoloid - Eastern Asian
Eskimo-Aleutian and Native American
Shaft diameter coarse and usually with little or no variation
Pigment granules densely distributed and often arranged in large patchy
areas or streaksMedulla prominent (often broad
and continuous)Cuticle thickCross-sectional shape round
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic Origin Head
Long with moderate shaft diameter and diameter variation
Medulla absent to continuous and relatively narrow when compared to the structure of hairs from other body areas
Often with cut or split tipsCan show artificial treatment solar bleaching or
mechanical damageSoft texture pliable
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginPubic
Shaft diameter coarse with wide variations and buckling
Medulla relatively broad and usually continuous when present
Root frequently with tagTip usually tapered rounded or
abradedStiff texture wiry
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginLimb hairs (arm or leg)
Diameter fine with little variationGross appearance of hair is arc-like in
shapeMedulla is discontinuous to trace with a
granular appearanceTips usually tapered often blunt and
abraded rounded scale ends due to wear
Soft texture
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginBeard or Mustache hairs
Diameter very coarse with irregular or triangular cross-sectional shape
Medulla very broad and continuous may be doubled
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginChest hairs
Shaft diameter moderate and variableTip often darker in color long and fine arc-likeMedulla may be granularStiff texture
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginUnderarm hairs
Resemble pubic hairs in general appearance but less wiry
Medullary appearance similar to limb hairsDiameter moderate and variable with less
buckling than pubic hairsTips long and fine frequently with bleached
appearance
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginOther
Eyebrow Stubby some diameter fluctuation saber-like in appearance
Eyelash Short stubby with little shaft diameter fluctuation saber-like in appearance
Trunk A combination of features of limb and pubic hairs a transitional hair
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
As a rule most forensic comparisons are conducted using scalp or pubic hairs Body and limb hairs are generally considered unsuitable for comparison purposes Artificial Treatment
Bleached Dyed
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Caucasian
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Negroid
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Mongoloid
VARIATIONS IN COLOR
COLLECTION AND EXAMINATION OF HAIR
Always photograph the item and note its location first before collecting it
Always be sensitive to cross-contamination issues Always wear gloves to collect evidence Always use clean unused paper bindles or containers
Use fingers or tweezers to collect crime scene evidence Collect good representative exemplary (known) hairs from the
scalp andor pubic region Collect exemplars from both the victim and suspect Always maintain the chain of custody
CONCLUSION AND REPORT WRITING
Forensic laboratory reports of hair comparisons normally will provide one of three answers The hairs matched in microscopic characteristics
indicating an association The hairs are not alike and therefore did not come
from the same person No conclusion can be drawn from the evidence
This may be due to insufficient specimen racial mixtures or unsuitable exemplars
CONCLUSION
Types of hairs Hair structure and growth Race and body origin Evidence collection procedures Microscopy and results
REFERENCES
Saferstein R Forensic Science Handbook 1992 Prentice - Hall Inc Englewood Cliffs NJ pp 185-212
Deadman HA Human Hair Comparison Based on Microscopic Characteristics Proceedings of the International Symposium on Forensic Hair Comparisons (Washington DC Government Printing Office 1985) pp 45-49
Linch Charles A et Al Evaluation of the Human Hair Root for DNA Typing subsequent to Microscopic Comparison JFS 1998 43 (2) pp 305-314
Bisbing RE The Forensic Identification and Association of Human Hair Forensic Science Handbook Saferstein R ed Englewood Clifffs NJ Prentice-Hall Inc 1982 pp 209-272
Gaudette BD An Attempt at Determining Probabilities in Human Scalp Hair Comparison JFS 1973 pp 599-605
FBI Microscopy of Hairs A Practical Guide and Manual Issue 2 1977 Washington DC pp 1-24
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex
Animal hairs have the pigment granules commonly distributed toward the medulla
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex Ovoid bodies are large (larger
than pigment granules) solid structures that are spherical to oval in shape with very regular margins They are abundant in some cattle and dog hairs as well as in other animal hairs
HAIR STRUCTURE
CortexOvoid bodies are also found in human
hairs
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
Mammalian hair follicles go through three (3) distinct growth cycles Anagen Catagen Telogen
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
Anagen The active growth phase
human head hairs spend about two to four months in this phase 80 to 90 of the hairs are in this growth cycle
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
Catagen
The breakdown phase lasts two to four weeks 2 of the hairs are in this phase
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
TelogenThe resting phase lasts two to
four months until they fall out naturally or are forcibly removed about 10 to 18 of the hairs are in this phase
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
The first step of forensic identification and comparison of hairs begins with whole mount light microscopy
The hair(s) in question must be identified as to species race and body (somatic) origin
Human hairs can be readily distinguished from animal hairs in several ways mainly by examining the cuticles and medullae
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial Origin Caucasian - Indo European
Shaft diameter moderate with minimal variation (mean diameter for human head hairs - 80um)
Pigment granules sparse to moderately dense with fairly even distribution
Cross-sectional shape oval
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial OriginNegroid ndash African
1048698 Shaft diameter moderate to fine with considerable variation
1048698 Pigment granules densely distributed (hair shaft may be opaque) and arranged in prominent clumps
1048698 Shaft prominent twist and curl1048698 Cross-sectional shape
flattened
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial Origin Mongoloid - Eastern Asian
Eskimo-Aleutian and Native American
Shaft diameter coarse and usually with little or no variation
Pigment granules densely distributed and often arranged in large patchy
areas or streaksMedulla prominent (often broad
and continuous)Cuticle thickCross-sectional shape round
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic Origin Head
Long with moderate shaft diameter and diameter variation
Medulla absent to continuous and relatively narrow when compared to the structure of hairs from other body areas
Often with cut or split tipsCan show artificial treatment solar bleaching or
mechanical damageSoft texture pliable
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginPubic
Shaft diameter coarse with wide variations and buckling
Medulla relatively broad and usually continuous when present
Root frequently with tagTip usually tapered rounded or
abradedStiff texture wiry
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginLimb hairs (arm or leg)
Diameter fine with little variationGross appearance of hair is arc-like in
shapeMedulla is discontinuous to trace with a
granular appearanceTips usually tapered often blunt and
abraded rounded scale ends due to wear
Soft texture
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginBeard or Mustache hairs
Diameter very coarse with irregular or triangular cross-sectional shape
Medulla very broad and continuous may be doubled
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginChest hairs
Shaft diameter moderate and variableTip often darker in color long and fine arc-likeMedulla may be granularStiff texture
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginUnderarm hairs
Resemble pubic hairs in general appearance but less wiry
Medullary appearance similar to limb hairsDiameter moderate and variable with less
buckling than pubic hairsTips long and fine frequently with bleached
appearance
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginOther
Eyebrow Stubby some diameter fluctuation saber-like in appearance
Eyelash Short stubby with little shaft diameter fluctuation saber-like in appearance
Trunk A combination of features of limb and pubic hairs a transitional hair
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
As a rule most forensic comparisons are conducted using scalp or pubic hairs Body and limb hairs are generally considered unsuitable for comparison purposes Artificial Treatment
Bleached Dyed
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Caucasian
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Negroid
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Mongoloid
VARIATIONS IN COLOR
COLLECTION AND EXAMINATION OF HAIR
Always photograph the item and note its location first before collecting it
Always be sensitive to cross-contamination issues Always wear gloves to collect evidence Always use clean unused paper bindles or containers
Use fingers or tweezers to collect crime scene evidence Collect good representative exemplary (known) hairs from the
scalp andor pubic region Collect exemplars from both the victim and suspect Always maintain the chain of custody
CONCLUSION AND REPORT WRITING
Forensic laboratory reports of hair comparisons normally will provide one of three answers The hairs matched in microscopic characteristics
indicating an association The hairs are not alike and therefore did not come
from the same person No conclusion can be drawn from the evidence
This may be due to insufficient specimen racial mixtures or unsuitable exemplars
CONCLUSION
Types of hairs Hair structure and growth Race and body origin Evidence collection procedures Microscopy and results
REFERENCES
Saferstein R Forensic Science Handbook 1992 Prentice - Hall Inc Englewood Cliffs NJ pp 185-212
Deadman HA Human Hair Comparison Based on Microscopic Characteristics Proceedings of the International Symposium on Forensic Hair Comparisons (Washington DC Government Printing Office 1985) pp 45-49
Linch Charles A et Al Evaluation of the Human Hair Root for DNA Typing subsequent to Microscopic Comparison JFS 1998 43 (2) pp 305-314
Bisbing RE The Forensic Identification and Association of Human Hair Forensic Science Handbook Saferstein R ed Englewood Clifffs NJ Prentice-Hall Inc 1982 pp 209-272
Gaudette BD An Attempt at Determining Probabilities in Human Scalp Hair Comparison JFS 1973 pp 599-605
FBI Microscopy of Hairs A Practical Guide and Manual Issue 2 1977 Washington DC pp 1-24
HAIR STRUCTURE
Cortex Ovoid bodies are large (larger
than pigment granules) solid structures that are spherical to oval in shape with very regular margins They are abundant in some cattle and dog hairs as well as in other animal hairs
HAIR STRUCTURE
CortexOvoid bodies are also found in human
hairs
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
Mammalian hair follicles go through three (3) distinct growth cycles Anagen Catagen Telogen
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
Anagen The active growth phase
human head hairs spend about two to four months in this phase 80 to 90 of the hairs are in this growth cycle
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
Catagen
The breakdown phase lasts two to four weeks 2 of the hairs are in this phase
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
TelogenThe resting phase lasts two to
four months until they fall out naturally or are forcibly removed about 10 to 18 of the hairs are in this phase
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
The first step of forensic identification and comparison of hairs begins with whole mount light microscopy
The hair(s) in question must be identified as to species race and body (somatic) origin
Human hairs can be readily distinguished from animal hairs in several ways mainly by examining the cuticles and medullae
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial Origin Caucasian - Indo European
Shaft diameter moderate with minimal variation (mean diameter for human head hairs - 80um)
Pigment granules sparse to moderately dense with fairly even distribution
Cross-sectional shape oval
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial OriginNegroid ndash African
1048698 Shaft diameter moderate to fine with considerable variation
1048698 Pigment granules densely distributed (hair shaft may be opaque) and arranged in prominent clumps
1048698 Shaft prominent twist and curl1048698 Cross-sectional shape
flattened
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial Origin Mongoloid - Eastern Asian
Eskimo-Aleutian and Native American
Shaft diameter coarse and usually with little or no variation
Pigment granules densely distributed and often arranged in large patchy
areas or streaksMedulla prominent (often broad
and continuous)Cuticle thickCross-sectional shape round
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic Origin Head
Long with moderate shaft diameter and diameter variation
Medulla absent to continuous and relatively narrow when compared to the structure of hairs from other body areas
Often with cut or split tipsCan show artificial treatment solar bleaching or
mechanical damageSoft texture pliable
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginPubic
Shaft diameter coarse with wide variations and buckling
Medulla relatively broad and usually continuous when present
Root frequently with tagTip usually tapered rounded or
abradedStiff texture wiry
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginLimb hairs (arm or leg)
Diameter fine with little variationGross appearance of hair is arc-like in
shapeMedulla is discontinuous to trace with a
granular appearanceTips usually tapered often blunt and
abraded rounded scale ends due to wear
Soft texture
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginBeard or Mustache hairs
Diameter very coarse with irregular or triangular cross-sectional shape
Medulla very broad and continuous may be doubled
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginChest hairs
Shaft diameter moderate and variableTip often darker in color long and fine arc-likeMedulla may be granularStiff texture
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginUnderarm hairs
Resemble pubic hairs in general appearance but less wiry
Medullary appearance similar to limb hairsDiameter moderate and variable with less
buckling than pubic hairsTips long and fine frequently with bleached
appearance
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginOther
Eyebrow Stubby some diameter fluctuation saber-like in appearance
Eyelash Short stubby with little shaft diameter fluctuation saber-like in appearance
Trunk A combination of features of limb and pubic hairs a transitional hair
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
As a rule most forensic comparisons are conducted using scalp or pubic hairs Body and limb hairs are generally considered unsuitable for comparison purposes Artificial Treatment
Bleached Dyed
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Caucasian
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Negroid
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Mongoloid
VARIATIONS IN COLOR
COLLECTION AND EXAMINATION OF HAIR
Always photograph the item and note its location first before collecting it
Always be sensitive to cross-contamination issues Always wear gloves to collect evidence Always use clean unused paper bindles or containers
Use fingers or tweezers to collect crime scene evidence Collect good representative exemplary (known) hairs from the
scalp andor pubic region Collect exemplars from both the victim and suspect Always maintain the chain of custody
CONCLUSION AND REPORT WRITING
Forensic laboratory reports of hair comparisons normally will provide one of three answers The hairs matched in microscopic characteristics
indicating an association The hairs are not alike and therefore did not come
from the same person No conclusion can be drawn from the evidence
This may be due to insufficient specimen racial mixtures or unsuitable exemplars
CONCLUSION
Types of hairs Hair structure and growth Race and body origin Evidence collection procedures Microscopy and results
REFERENCES
Saferstein R Forensic Science Handbook 1992 Prentice - Hall Inc Englewood Cliffs NJ pp 185-212
Deadman HA Human Hair Comparison Based on Microscopic Characteristics Proceedings of the International Symposium on Forensic Hair Comparisons (Washington DC Government Printing Office 1985) pp 45-49
Linch Charles A et Al Evaluation of the Human Hair Root for DNA Typing subsequent to Microscopic Comparison JFS 1998 43 (2) pp 305-314
Bisbing RE The Forensic Identification and Association of Human Hair Forensic Science Handbook Saferstein R ed Englewood Clifffs NJ Prentice-Hall Inc 1982 pp 209-272
Gaudette BD An Attempt at Determining Probabilities in Human Scalp Hair Comparison JFS 1973 pp 599-605
FBI Microscopy of Hairs A Practical Guide and Manual Issue 2 1977 Washington DC pp 1-24
HAIR STRUCTURE
CortexOvoid bodies are also found in human
hairs
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
Mammalian hair follicles go through three (3) distinct growth cycles Anagen Catagen Telogen
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
Anagen The active growth phase
human head hairs spend about two to four months in this phase 80 to 90 of the hairs are in this growth cycle
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
Catagen
The breakdown phase lasts two to four weeks 2 of the hairs are in this phase
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
TelogenThe resting phase lasts two to
four months until they fall out naturally or are forcibly removed about 10 to 18 of the hairs are in this phase
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
The first step of forensic identification and comparison of hairs begins with whole mount light microscopy
The hair(s) in question must be identified as to species race and body (somatic) origin
Human hairs can be readily distinguished from animal hairs in several ways mainly by examining the cuticles and medullae
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial Origin Caucasian - Indo European
Shaft diameter moderate with minimal variation (mean diameter for human head hairs - 80um)
Pigment granules sparse to moderately dense with fairly even distribution
Cross-sectional shape oval
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial OriginNegroid ndash African
1048698 Shaft diameter moderate to fine with considerable variation
1048698 Pigment granules densely distributed (hair shaft may be opaque) and arranged in prominent clumps
1048698 Shaft prominent twist and curl1048698 Cross-sectional shape
flattened
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial Origin Mongoloid - Eastern Asian
Eskimo-Aleutian and Native American
Shaft diameter coarse and usually with little or no variation
Pigment granules densely distributed and often arranged in large patchy
areas or streaksMedulla prominent (often broad
and continuous)Cuticle thickCross-sectional shape round
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic Origin Head
Long with moderate shaft diameter and diameter variation
Medulla absent to continuous and relatively narrow when compared to the structure of hairs from other body areas
Often with cut or split tipsCan show artificial treatment solar bleaching or
mechanical damageSoft texture pliable
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginPubic
Shaft diameter coarse with wide variations and buckling
Medulla relatively broad and usually continuous when present
Root frequently with tagTip usually tapered rounded or
abradedStiff texture wiry
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginLimb hairs (arm or leg)
Diameter fine with little variationGross appearance of hair is arc-like in
shapeMedulla is discontinuous to trace with a
granular appearanceTips usually tapered often blunt and
abraded rounded scale ends due to wear
Soft texture
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginBeard or Mustache hairs
Diameter very coarse with irregular or triangular cross-sectional shape
Medulla very broad and continuous may be doubled
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginChest hairs
Shaft diameter moderate and variableTip often darker in color long and fine arc-likeMedulla may be granularStiff texture
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginUnderarm hairs
Resemble pubic hairs in general appearance but less wiry
Medullary appearance similar to limb hairsDiameter moderate and variable with less
buckling than pubic hairsTips long and fine frequently with bleached
appearance
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginOther
Eyebrow Stubby some diameter fluctuation saber-like in appearance
Eyelash Short stubby with little shaft diameter fluctuation saber-like in appearance
Trunk A combination of features of limb and pubic hairs a transitional hair
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
As a rule most forensic comparisons are conducted using scalp or pubic hairs Body and limb hairs are generally considered unsuitable for comparison purposes Artificial Treatment
Bleached Dyed
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Caucasian
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Negroid
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Mongoloid
VARIATIONS IN COLOR
COLLECTION AND EXAMINATION OF HAIR
Always photograph the item and note its location first before collecting it
Always be sensitive to cross-contamination issues Always wear gloves to collect evidence Always use clean unused paper bindles or containers
Use fingers or tweezers to collect crime scene evidence Collect good representative exemplary (known) hairs from the
scalp andor pubic region Collect exemplars from both the victim and suspect Always maintain the chain of custody
CONCLUSION AND REPORT WRITING
Forensic laboratory reports of hair comparisons normally will provide one of three answers The hairs matched in microscopic characteristics
indicating an association The hairs are not alike and therefore did not come
from the same person No conclusion can be drawn from the evidence
This may be due to insufficient specimen racial mixtures or unsuitable exemplars
CONCLUSION
Types of hairs Hair structure and growth Race and body origin Evidence collection procedures Microscopy and results
REFERENCES
Saferstein R Forensic Science Handbook 1992 Prentice - Hall Inc Englewood Cliffs NJ pp 185-212
Deadman HA Human Hair Comparison Based on Microscopic Characteristics Proceedings of the International Symposium on Forensic Hair Comparisons (Washington DC Government Printing Office 1985) pp 45-49
Linch Charles A et Al Evaluation of the Human Hair Root for DNA Typing subsequent to Microscopic Comparison JFS 1998 43 (2) pp 305-314
Bisbing RE The Forensic Identification and Association of Human Hair Forensic Science Handbook Saferstein R ed Englewood Clifffs NJ Prentice-Hall Inc 1982 pp 209-272
Gaudette BD An Attempt at Determining Probabilities in Human Scalp Hair Comparison JFS 1973 pp 599-605
FBI Microscopy of Hairs A Practical Guide and Manual Issue 2 1977 Washington DC pp 1-24
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
Mammalian hair follicles go through three (3) distinct growth cycles Anagen Catagen Telogen
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
Anagen The active growth phase
human head hairs spend about two to four months in this phase 80 to 90 of the hairs are in this growth cycle
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
Catagen
The breakdown phase lasts two to four weeks 2 of the hairs are in this phase
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
TelogenThe resting phase lasts two to
four months until they fall out naturally or are forcibly removed about 10 to 18 of the hairs are in this phase
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
The first step of forensic identification and comparison of hairs begins with whole mount light microscopy
The hair(s) in question must be identified as to species race and body (somatic) origin
Human hairs can be readily distinguished from animal hairs in several ways mainly by examining the cuticles and medullae
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial Origin Caucasian - Indo European
Shaft diameter moderate with minimal variation (mean diameter for human head hairs - 80um)
Pigment granules sparse to moderately dense with fairly even distribution
Cross-sectional shape oval
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial OriginNegroid ndash African
1048698 Shaft diameter moderate to fine with considerable variation
1048698 Pigment granules densely distributed (hair shaft may be opaque) and arranged in prominent clumps
1048698 Shaft prominent twist and curl1048698 Cross-sectional shape
flattened
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial Origin Mongoloid - Eastern Asian
Eskimo-Aleutian and Native American
Shaft diameter coarse and usually with little or no variation
Pigment granules densely distributed and often arranged in large patchy
areas or streaksMedulla prominent (often broad
and continuous)Cuticle thickCross-sectional shape round
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic Origin Head
Long with moderate shaft diameter and diameter variation
Medulla absent to continuous and relatively narrow when compared to the structure of hairs from other body areas
Often with cut or split tipsCan show artificial treatment solar bleaching or
mechanical damageSoft texture pliable
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginPubic
Shaft diameter coarse with wide variations and buckling
Medulla relatively broad and usually continuous when present
Root frequently with tagTip usually tapered rounded or
abradedStiff texture wiry
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginLimb hairs (arm or leg)
Diameter fine with little variationGross appearance of hair is arc-like in
shapeMedulla is discontinuous to trace with a
granular appearanceTips usually tapered often blunt and
abraded rounded scale ends due to wear
Soft texture
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginBeard or Mustache hairs
Diameter very coarse with irregular or triangular cross-sectional shape
Medulla very broad and continuous may be doubled
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginChest hairs
Shaft diameter moderate and variableTip often darker in color long and fine arc-likeMedulla may be granularStiff texture
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginUnderarm hairs
Resemble pubic hairs in general appearance but less wiry
Medullary appearance similar to limb hairsDiameter moderate and variable with less
buckling than pubic hairsTips long and fine frequently with bleached
appearance
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginOther
Eyebrow Stubby some diameter fluctuation saber-like in appearance
Eyelash Short stubby with little shaft diameter fluctuation saber-like in appearance
Trunk A combination of features of limb and pubic hairs a transitional hair
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
As a rule most forensic comparisons are conducted using scalp or pubic hairs Body and limb hairs are generally considered unsuitable for comparison purposes Artificial Treatment
Bleached Dyed
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Caucasian
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Negroid
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Mongoloid
VARIATIONS IN COLOR
COLLECTION AND EXAMINATION OF HAIR
Always photograph the item and note its location first before collecting it
Always be sensitive to cross-contamination issues Always wear gloves to collect evidence Always use clean unused paper bindles or containers
Use fingers or tweezers to collect crime scene evidence Collect good representative exemplary (known) hairs from the
scalp andor pubic region Collect exemplars from both the victim and suspect Always maintain the chain of custody
CONCLUSION AND REPORT WRITING
Forensic laboratory reports of hair comparisons normally will provide one of three answers The hairs matched in microscopic characteristics
indicating an association The hairs are not alike and therefore did not come
from the same person No conclusion can be drawn from the evidence
This may be due to insufficient specimen racial mixtures or unsuitable exemplars
CONCLUSION
Types of hairs Hair structure and growth Race and body origin Evidence collection procedures Microscopy and results
REFERENCES
Saferstein R Forensic Science Handbook 1992 Prentice - Hall Inc Englewood Cliffs NJ pp 185-212
Deadman HA Human Hair Comparison Based on Microscopic Characteristics Proceedings of the International Symposium on Forensic Hair Comparisons (Washington DC Government Printing Office 1985) pp 45-49
Linch Charles A et Al Evaluation of the Human Hair Root for DNA Typing subsequent to Microscopic Comparison JFS 1998 43 (2) pp 305-314
Bisbing RE The Forensic Identification and Association of Human Hair Forensic Science Handbook Saferstein R ed Englewood Clifffs NJ Prentice-Hall Inc 1982 pp 209-272
Gaudette BD An Attempt at Determining Probabilities in Human Scalp Hair Comparison JFS 1973 pp 599-605
FBI Microscopy of Hairs A Practical Guide and Manual Issue 2 1977 Washington DC pp 1-24
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
Anagen The active growth phase
human head hairs spend about two to four months in this phase 80 to 90 of the hairs are in this growth cycle
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
Catagen
The breakdown phase lasts two to four weeks 2 of the hairs are in this phase
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
TelogenThe resting phase lasts two to
four months until they fall out naturally or are forcibly removed about 10 to 18 of the hairs are in this phase
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
The first step of forensic identification and comparison of hairs begins with whole mount light microscopy
The hair(s) in question must be identified as to species race and body (somatic) origin
Human hairs can be readily distinguished from animal hairs in several ways mainly by examining the cuticles and medullae
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial Origin Caucasian - Indo European
Shaft diameter moderate with minimal variation (mean diameter for human head hairs - 80um)
Pigment granules sparse to moderately dense with fairly even distribution
Cross-sectional shape oval
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial OriginNegroid ndash African
1048698 Shaft diameter moderate to fine with considerable variation
1048698 Pigment granules densely distributed (hair shaft may be opaque) and arranged in prominent clumps
1048698 Shaft prominent twist and curl1048698 Cross-sectional shape
flattened
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial Origin Mongoloid - Eastern Asian
Eskimo-Aleutian and Native American
Shaft diameter coarse and usually with little or no variation
Pigment granules densely distributed and often arranged in large patchy
areas or streaksMedulla prominent (often broad
and continuous)Cuticle thickCross-sectional shape round
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic Origin Head
Long with moderate shaft diameter and diameter variation
Medulla absent to continuous and relatively narrow when compared to the structure of hairs from other body areas
Often with cut or split tipsCan show artificial treatment solar bleaching or
mechanical damageSoft texture pliable
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginPubic
Shaft diameter coarse with wide variations and buckling
Medulla relatively broad and usually continuous when present
Root frequently with tagTip usually tapered rounded or
abradedStiff texture wiry
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginLimb hairs (arm or leg)
Diameter fine with little variationGross appearance of hair is arc-like in
shapeMedulla is discontinuous to trace with a
granular appearanceTips usually tapered often blunt and
abraded rounded scale ends due to wear
Soft texture
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginBeard or Mustache hairs
Diameter very coarse with irregular or triangular cross-sectional shape
Medulla very broad and continuous may be doubled
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginChest hairs
Shaft diameter moderate and variableTip often darker in color long and fine arc-likeMedulla may be granularStiff texture
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginUnderarm hairs
Resemble pubic hairs in general appearance but less wiry
Medullary appearance similar to limb hairsDiameter moderate and variable with less
buckling than pubic hairsTips long and fine frequently with bleached
appearance
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginOther
Eyebrow Stubby some diameter fluctuation saber-like in appearance
Eyelash Short stubby with little shaft diameter fluctuation saber-like in appearance
Trunk A combination of features of limb and pubic hairs a transitional hair
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
As a rule most forensic comparisons are conducted using scalp or pubic hairs Body and limb hairs are generally considered unsuitable for comparison purposes Artificial Treatment
Bleached Dyed
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Caucasian
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Negroid
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Mongoloid
VARIATIONS IN COLOR
COLLECTION AND EXAMINATION OF HAIR
Always photograph the item and note its location first before collecting it
Always be sensitive to cross-contamination issues Always wear gloves to collect evidence Always use clean unused paper bindles or containers
Use fingers or tweezers to collect crime scene evidence Collect good representative exemplary (known) hairs from the
scalp andor pubic region Collect exemplars from both the victim and suspect Always maintain the chain of custody
CONCLUSION AND REPORT WRITING
Forensic laboratory reports of hair comparisons normally will provide one of three answers The hairs matched in microscopic characteristics
indicating an association The hairs are not alike and therefore did not come
from the same person No conclusion can be drawn from the evidence
This may be due to insufficient specimen racial mixtures or unsuitable exemplars
CONCLUSION
Types of hairs Hair structure and growth Race and body origin Evidence collection procedures Microscopy and results
REFERENCES
Saferstein R Forensic Science Handbook 1992 Prentice - Hall Inc Englewood Cliffs NJ pp 185-212
Deadman HA Human Hair Comparison Based on Microscopic Characteristics Proceedings of the International Symposium on Forensic Hair Comparisons (Washington DC Government Printing Office 1985) pp 45-49
Linch Charles A et Al Evaluation of the Human Hair Root for DNA Typing subsequent to Microscopic Comparison JFS 1998 43 (2) pp 305-314
Bisbing RE The Forensic Identification and Association of Human Hair Forensic Science Handbook Saferstein R ed Englewood Clifffs NJ Prentice-Hall Inc 1982 pp 209-272
Gaudette BD An Attempt at Determining Probabilities in Human Scalp Hair Comparison JFS 1973 pp 599-605
FBI Microscopy of Hairs A Practical Guide and Manual Issue 2 1977 Washington DC pp 1-24
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
Catagen
The breakdown phase lasts two to four weeks 2 of the hairs are in this phase
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
TelogenThe resting phase lasts two to
four months until they fall out naturally or are forcibly removed about 10 to 18 of the hairs are in this phase
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
The first step of forensic identification and comparison of hairs begins with whole mount light microscopy
The hair(s) in question must be identified as to species race and body (somatic) origin
Human hairs can be readily distinguished from animal hairs in several ways mainly by examining the cuticles and medullae
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial Origin Caucasian - Indo European
Shaft diameter moderate with minimal variation (mean diameter for human head hairs - 80um)
Pigment granules sparse to moderately dense with fairly even distribution
Cross-sectional shape oval
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial OriginNegroid ndash African
1048698 Shaft diameter moderate to fine with considerable variation
1048698 Pigment granules densely distributed (hair shaft may be opaque) and arranged in prominent clumps
1048698 Shaft prominent twist and curl1048698 Cross-sectional shape
flattened
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial Origin Mongoloid - Eastern Asian
Eskimo-Aleutian and Native American
Shaft diameter coarse and usually with little or no variation
Pigment granules densely distributed and often arranged in large patchy
areas or streaksMedulla prominent (often broad
and continuous)Cuticle thickCross-sectional shape round
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic Origin Head
Long with moderate shaft diameter and diameter variation
Medulla absent to continuous and relatively narrow when compared to the structure of hairs from other body areas
Often with cut or split tipsCan show artificial treatment solar bleaching or
mechanical damageSoft texture pliable
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginPubic
Shaft diameter coarse with wide variations and buckling
Medulla relatively broad and usually continuous when present
Root frequently with tagTip usually tapered rounded or
abradedStiff texture wiry
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginLimb hairs (arm or leg)
Diameter fine with little variationGross appearance of hair is arc-like in
shapeMedulla is discontinuous to trace with a
granular appearanceTips usually tapered often blunt and
abraded rounded scale ends due to wear
Soft texture
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginBeard or Mustache hairs
Diameter very coarse with irregular or triangular cross-sectional shape
Medulla very broad and continuous may be doubled
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginChest hairs
Shaft diameter moderate and variableTip often darker in color long and fine arc-likeMedulla may be granularStiff texture
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginUnderarm hairs
Resemble pubic hairs in general appearance but less wiry
Medullary appearance similar to limb hairsDiameter moderate and variable with less
buckling than pubic hairsTips long and fine frequently with bleached
appearance
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginOther
Eyebrow Stubby some diameter fluctuation saber-like in appearance
Eyelash Short stubby with little shaft diameter fluctuation saber-like in appearance
Trunk A combination of features of limb and pubic hairs a transitional hair
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
As a rule most forensic comparisons are conducted using scalp or pubic hairs Body and limb hairs are generally considered unsuitable for comparison purposes Artificial Treatment
Bleached Dyed
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Caucasian
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Negroid
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Mongoloid
VARIATIONS IN COLOR
COLLECTION AND EXAMINATION OF HAIR
Always photograph the item and note its location first before collecting it
Always be sensitive to cross-contamination issues Always wear gloves to collect evidence Always use clean unused paper bindles or containers
Use fingers or tweezers to collect crime scene evidence Collect good representative exemplary (known) hairs from the
scalp andor pubic region Collect exemplars from both the victim and suspect Always maintain the chain of custody
CONCLUSION AND REPORT WRITING
Forensic laboratory reports of hair comparisons normally will provide one of three answers The hairs matched in microscopic characteristics
indicating an association The hairs are not alike and therefore did not come
from the same person No conclusion can be drawn from the evidence
This may be due to insufficient specimen racial mixtures or unsuitable exemplars
CONCLUSION
Types of hairs Hair structure and growth Race and body origin Evidence collection procedures Microscopy and results
REFERENCES
Saferstein R Forensic Science Handbook 1992 Prentice - Hall Inc Englewood Cliffs NJ pp 185-212
Deadman HA Human Hair Comparison Based on Microscopic Characteristics Proceedings of the International Symposium on Forensic Hair Comparisons (Washington DC Government Printing Office 1985) pp 45-49
Linch Charles A et Al Evaluation of the Human Hair Root for DNA Typing subsequent to Microscopic Comparison JFS 1998 43 (2) pp 305-314
Bisbing RE The Forensic Identification and Association of Human Hair Forensic Science Handbook Saferstein R ed Englewood Clifffs NJ Prentice-Hall Inc 1982 pp 209-272
Gaudette BD An Attempt at Determining Probabilities in Human Scalp Hair Comparison JFS 1973 pp 599-605
FBI Microscopy of Hairs A Practical Guide and Manual Issue 2 1977 Washington DC pp 1-24
GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT OF HAIR
TelogenThe resting phase lasts two to
four months until they fall out naturally or are forcibly removed about 10 to 18 of the hairs are in this phase
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
The first step of forensic identification and comparison of hairs begins with whole mount light microscopy
The hair(s) in question must be identified as to species race and body (somatic) origin
Human hairs can be readily distinguished from animal hairs in several ways mainly by examining the cuticles and medullae
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial Origin Caucasian - Indo European
Shaft diameter moderate with minimal variation (mean diameter for human head hairs - 80um)
Pigment granules sparse to moderately dense with fairly even distribution
Cross-sectional shape oval
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial OriginNegroid ndash African
1048698 Shaft diameter moderate to fine with considerable variation
1048698 Pigment granules densely distributed (hair shaft may be opaque) and arranged in prominent clumps
1048698 Shaft prominent twist and curl1048698 Cross-sectional shape
flattened
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial Origin Mongoloid - Eastern Asian
Eskimo-Aleutian and Native American
Shaft diameter coarse and usually with little or no variation
Pigment granules densely distributed and often arranged in large patchy
areas or streaksMedulla prominent (often broad
and continuous)Cuticle thickCross-sectional shape round
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic Origin Head
Long with moderate shaft diameter and diameter variation
Medulla absent to continuous and relatively narrow when compared to the structure of hairs from other body areas
Often with cut or split tipsCan show artificial treatment solar bleaching or
mechanical damageSoft texture pliable
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginPubic
Shaft diameter coarse with wide variations and buckling
Medulla relatively broad and usually continuous when present
Root frequently with tagTip usually tapered rounded or
abradedStiff texture wiry
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginLimb hairs (arm or leg)
Diameter fine with little variationGross appearance of hair is arc-like in
shapeMedulla is discontinuous to trace with a
granular appearanceTips usually tapered often blunt and
abraded rounded scale ends due to wear
Soft texture
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginBeard or Mustache hairs
Diameter very coarse with irregular or triangular cross-sectional shape
Medulla very broad and continuous may be doubled
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginChest hairs
Shaft diameter moderate and variableTip often darker in color long and fine arc-likeMedulla may be granularStiff texture
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginUnderarm hairs
Resemble pubic hairs in general appearance but less wiry
Medullary appearance similar to limb hairsDiameter moderate and variable with less
buckling than pubic hairsTips long and fine frequently with bleached
appearance
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginOther
Eyebrow Stubby some diameter fluctuation saber-like in appearance
Eyelash Short stubby with little shaft diameter fluctuation saber-like in appearance
Trunk A combination of features of limb and pubic hairs a transitional hair
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
As a rule most forensic comparisons are conducted using scalp or pubic hairs Body and limb hairs are generally considered unsuitable for comparison purposes Artificial Treatment
Bleached Dyed
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Caucasian
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Negroid
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Mongoloid
VARIATIONS IN COLOR
COLLECTION AND EXAMINATION OF HAIR
Always photograph the item and note its location first before collecting it
Always be sensitive to cross-contamination issues Always wear gloves to collect evidence Always use clean unused paper bindles or containers
Use fingers or tweezers to collect crime scene evidence Collect good representative exemplary (known) hairs from the
scalp andor pubic region Collect exemplars from both the victim and suspect Always maintain the chain of custody
CONCLUSION AND REPORT WRITING
Forensic laboratory reports of hair comparisons normally will provide one of three answers The hairs matched in microscopic characteristics
indicating an association The hairs are not alike and therefore did not come
from the same person No conclusion can be drawn from the evidence
This may be due to insufficient specimen racial mixtures or unsuitable exemplars
CONCLUSION
Types of hairs Hair structure and growth Race and body origin Evidence collection procedures Microscopy and results
REFERENCES
Saferstein R Forensic Science Handbook 1992 Prentice - Hall Inc Englewood Cliffs NJ pp 185-212
Deadman HA Human Hair Comparison Based on Microscopic Characteristics Proceedings of the International Symposium on Forensic Hair Comparisons (Washington DC Government Printing Office 1985) pp 45-49
Linch Charles A et Al Evaluation of the Human Hair Root for DNA Typing subsequent to Microscopic Comparison JFS 1998 43 (2) pp 305-314
Bisbing RE The Forensic Identification and Association of Human Hair Forensic Science Handbook Saferstein R ed Englewood Clifffs NJ Prentice-Hall Inc 1982 pp 209-272
Gaudette BD An Attempt at Determining Probabilities in Human Scalp Hair Comparison JFS 1973 pp 599-605
FBI Microscopy of Hairs A Practical Guide and Manual Issue 2 1977 Washington DC pp 1-24
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
The first step of forensic identification and comparison of hairs begins with whole mount light microscopy
The hair(s) in question must be identified as to species race and body (somatic) origin
Human hairs can be readily distinguished from animal hairs in several ways mainly by examining the cuticles and medullae
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial Origin Caucasian - Indo European
Shaft diameter moderate with minimal variation (mean diameter for human head hairs - 80um)
Pigment granules sparse to moderately dense with fairly even distribution
Cross-sectional shape oval
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial OriginNegroid ndash African
1048698 Shaft diameter moderate to fine with considerable variation
1048698 Pigment granules densely distributed (hair shaft may be opaque) and arranged in prominent clumps
1048698 Shaft prominent twist and curl1048698 Cross-sectional shape
flattened
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial Origin Mongoloid - Eastern Asian
Eskimo-Aleutian and Native American
Shaft diameter coarse and usually with little or no variation
Pigment granules densely distributed and often arranged in large patchy
areas or streaksMedulla prominent (often broad
and continuous)Cuticle thickCross-sectional shape round
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic Origin Head
Long with moderate shaft diameter and diameter variation
Medulla absent to continuous and relatively narrow when compared to the structure of hairs from other body areas
Often with cut or split tipsCan show artificial treatment solar bleaching or
mechanical damageSoft texture pliable
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginPubic
Shaft diameter coarse with wide variations and buckling
Medulla relatively broad and usually continuous when present
Root frequently with tagTip usually tapered rounded or
abradedStiff texture wiry
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginLimb hairs (arm or leg)
Diameter fine with little variationGross appearance of hair is arc-like in
shapeMedulla is discontinuous to trace with a
granular appearanceTips usually tapered often blunt and
abraded rounded scale ends due to wear
Soft texture
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginBeard or Mustache hairs
Diameter very coarse with irregular or triangular cross-sectional shape
Medulla very broad and continuous may be doubled
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginChest hairs
Shaft diameter moderate and variableTip often darker in color long and fine arc-likeMedulla may be granularStiff texture
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginUnderarm hairs
Resemble pubic hairs in general appearance but less wiry
Medullary appearance similar to limb hairsDiameter moderate and variable with less
buckling than pubic hairsTips long and fine frequently with bleached
appearance
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginOther
Eyebrow Stubby some diameter fluctuation saber-like in appearance
Eyelash Short stubby with little shaft diameter fluctuation saber-like in appearance
Trunk A combination of features of limb and pubic hairs a transitional hair
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
As a rule most forensic comparisons are conducted using scalp or pubic hairs Body and limb hairs are generally considered unsuitable for comparison purposes Artificial Treatment
Bleached Dyed
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Caucasian
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Negroid
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Mongoloid
VARIATIONS IN COLOR
COLLECTION AND EXAMINATION OF HAIR
Always photograph the item and note its location first before collecting it
Always be sensitive to cross-contamination issues Always wear gloves to collect evidence Always use clean unused paper bindles or containers
Use fingers or tweezers to collect crime scene evidence Collect good representative exemplary (known) hairs from the
scalp andor pubic region Collect exemplars from both the victim and suspect Always maintain the chain of custody
CONCLUSION AND REPORT WRITING
Forensic laboratory reports of hair comparisons normally will provide one of three answers The hairs matched in microscopic characteristics
indicating an association The hairs are not alike and therefore did not come
from the same person No conclusion can be drawn from the evidence
This may be due to insufficient specimen racial mixtures or unsuitable exemplars
CONCLUSION
Types of hairs Hair structure and growth Race and body origin Evidence collection procedures Microscopy and results
REFERENCES
Saferstein R Forensic Science Handbook 1992 Prentice - Hall Inc Englewood Cliffs NJ pp 185-212
Deadman HA Human Hair Comparison Based on Microscopic Characteristics Proceedings of the International Symposium on Forensic Hair Comparisons (Washington DC Government Printing Office 1985) pp 45-49
Linch Charles A et Al Evaluation of the Human Hair Root for DNA Typing subsequent to Microscopic Comparison JFS 1998 43 (2) pp 305-314
Bisbing RE The Forensic Identification and Association of Human Hair Forensic Science Handbook Saferstein R ed Englewood Clifffs NJ Prentice-Hall Inc 1982 pp 209-272
Gaudette BD An Attempt at Determining Probabilities in Human Scalp Hair Comparison JFS 1973 pp 599-605
FBI Microscopy of Hairs A Practical Guide and Manual Issue 2 1977 Washington DC pp 1-24
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial Origin Caucasian - Indo European
Shaft diameter moderate with minimal variation (mean diameter for human head hairs - 80um)
Pigment granules sparse to moderately dense with fairly even distribution
Cross-sectional shape oval
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial OriginNegroid ndash African
1048698 Shaft diameter moderate to fine with considerable variation
1048698 Pigment granules densely distributed (hair shaft may be opaque) and arranged in prominent clumps
1048698 Shaft prominent twist and curl1048698 Cross-sectional shape
flattened
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial Origin Mongoloid - Eastern Asian
Eskimo-Aleutian and Native American
Shaft diameter coarse and usually with little or no variation
Pigment granules densely distributed and often arranged in large patchy
areas or streaksMedulla prominent (often broad
and continuous)Cuticle thickCross-sectional shape round
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic Origin Head
Long with moderate shaft diameter and diameter variation
Medulla absent to continuous and relatively narrow when compared to the structure of hairs from other body areas
Often with cut or split tipsCan show artificial treatment solar bleaching or
mechanical damageSoft texture pliable
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginPubic
Shaft diameter coarse with wide variations and buckling
Medulla relatively broad and usually continuous when present
Root frequently with tagTip usually tapered rounded or
abradedStiff texture wiry
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginLimb hairs (arm or leg)
Diameter fine with little variationGross appearance of hair is arc-like in
shapeMedulla is discontinuous to trace with a
granular appearanceTips usually tapered often blunt and
abraded rounded scale ends due to wear
Soft texture
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginBeard or Mustache hairs
Diameter very coarse with irregular or triangular cross-sectional shape
Medulla very broad and continuous may be doubled
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginChest hairs
Shaft diameter moderate and variableTip often darker in color long and fine arc-likeMedulla may be granularStiff texture
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginUnderarm hairs
Resemble pubic hairs in general appearance but less wiry
Medullary appearance similar to limb hairsDiameter moderate and variable with less
buckling than pubic hairsTips long and fine frequently with bleached
appearance
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginOther
Eyebrow Stubby some diameter fluctuation saber-like in appearance
Eyelash Short stubby with little shaft diameter fluctuation saber-like in appearance
Trunk A combination of features of limb and pubic hairs a transitional hair
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
As a rule most forensic comparisons are conducted using scalp or pubic hairs Body and limb hairs are generally considered unsuitable for comparison purposes Artificial Treatment
Bleached Dyed
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Caucasian
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Negroid
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Mongoloid
VARIATIONS IN COLOR
COLLECTION AND EXAMINATION OF HAIR
Always photograph the item and note its location first before collecting it
Always be sensitive to cross-contamination issues Always wear gloves to collect evidence Always use clean unused paper bindles or containers
Use fingers or tweezers to collect crime scene evidence Collect good representative exemplary (known) hairs from the
scalp andor pubic region Collect exemplars from both the victim and suspect Always maintain the chain of custody
CONCLUSION AND REPORT WRITING
Forensic laboratory reports of hair comparisons normally will provide one of three answers The hairs matched in microscopic characteristics
indicating an association The hairs are not alike and therefore did not come
from the same person No conclusion can be drawn from the evidence
This may be due to insufficient specimen racial mixtures or unsuitable exemplars
CONCLUSION
Types of hairs Hair structure and growth Race and body origin Evidence collection procedures Microscopy and results
REFERENCES
Saferstein R Forensic Science Handbook 1992 Prentice - Hall Inc Englewood Cliffs NJ pp 185-212
Deadman HA Human Hair Comparison Based on Microscopic Characteristics Proceedings of the International Symposium on Forensic Hair Comparisons (Washington DC Government Printing Office 1985) pp 45-49
Linch Charles A et Al Evaluation of the Human Hair Root for DNA Typing subsequent to Microscopic Comparison JFS 1998 43 (2) pp 305-314
Bisbing RE The Forensic Identification and Association of Human Hair Forensic Science Handbook Saferstein R ed Englewood Clifffs NJ Prentice-Hall Inc 1982 pp 209-272
Gaudette BD An Attempt at Determining Probabilities in Human Scalp Hair Comparison JFS 1973 pp 599-605
FBI Microscopy of Hairs A Practical Guide and Manual Issue 2 1977 Washington DC pp 1-24
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial OriginNegroid ndash African
1048698 Shaft diameter moderate to fine with considerable variation
1048698 Pigment granules densely distributed (hair shaft may be opaque) and arranged in prominent clumps
1048698 Shaft prominent twist and curl1048698 Cross-sectional shape
flattened
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial Origin Mongoloid - Eastern Asian
Eskimo-Aleutian and Native American
Shaft diameter coarse and usually with little or no variation
Pigment granules densely distributed and often arranged in large patchy
areas or streaksMedulla prominent (often broad
and continuous)Cuticle thickCross-sectional shape round
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic Origin Head
Long with moderate shaft diameter and diameter variation
Medulla absent to continuous and relatively narrow when compared to the structure of hairs from other body areas
Often with cut or split tipsCan show artificial treatment solar bleaching or
mechanical damageSoft texture pliable
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginPubic
Shaft diameter coarse with wide variations and buckling
Medulla relatively broad and usually continuous when present
Root frequently with tagTip usually tapered rounded or
abradedStiff texture wiry
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginLimb hairs (arm or leg)
Diameter fine with little variationGross appearance of hair is arc-like in
shapeMedulla is discontinuous to trace with a
granular appearanceTips usually tapered often blunt and
abraded rounded scale ends due to wear
Soft texture
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginBeard or Mustache hairs
Diameter very coarse with irregular or triangular cross-sectional shape
Medulla very broad and continuous may be doubled
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginChest hairs
Shaft diameter moderate and variableTip often darker in color long and fine arc-likeMedulla may be granularStiff texture
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginUnderarm hairs
Resemble pubic hairs in general appearance but less wiry
Medullary appearance similar to limb hairsDiameter moderate and variable with less
buckling than pubic hairsTips long and fine frequently with bleached
appearance
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginOther
Eyebrow Stubby some diameter fluctuation saber-like in appearance
Eyelash Short stubby with little shaft diameter fluctuation saber-like in appearance
Trunk A combination of features of limb and pubic hairs a transitional hair
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
As a rule most forensic comparisons are conducted using scalp or pubic hairs Body and limb hairs are generally considered unsuitable for comparison purposes Artificial Treatment
Bleached Dyed
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Caucasian
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Negroid
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Mongoloid
VARIATIONS IN COLOR
COLLECTION AND EXAMINATION OF HAIR
Always photograph the item and note its location first before collecting it
Always be sensitive to cross-contamination issues Always wear gloves to collect evidence Always use clean unused paper bindles or containers
Use fingers or tweezers to collect crime scene evidence Collect good representative exemplary (known) hairs from the
scalp andor pubic region Collect exemplars from both the victim and suspect Always maintain the chain of custody
CONCLUSION AND REPORT WRITING
Forensic laboratory reports of hair comparisons normally will provide one of three answers The hairs matched in microscopic characteristics
indicating an association The hairs are not alike and therefore did not come
from the same person No conclusion can be drawn from the evidence
This may be due to insufficient specimen racial mixtures or unsuitable exemplars
CONCLUSION
Types of hairs Hair structure and growth Race and body origin Evidence collection procedures Microscopy and results
REFERENCES
Saferstein R Forensic Science Handbook 1992 Prentice - Hall Inc Englewood Cliffs NJ pp 185-212
Deadman HA Human Hair Comparison Based on Microscopic Characteristics Proceedings of the International Symposium on Forensic Hair Comparisons (Washington DC Government Printing Office 1985) pp 45-49
Linch Charles A et Al Evaluation of the Human Hair Root for DNA Typing subsequent to Microscopic Comparison JFS 1998 43 (2) pp 305-314
Bisbing RE The Forensic Identification and Association of Human Hair Forensic Science Handbook Saferstein R ed Englewood Clifffs NJ Prentice-Hall Inc 1982 pp 209-272
Gaudette BD An Attempt at Determining Probabilities in Human Scalp Hair Comparison JFS 1973 pp 599-605
FBI Microscopy of Hairs A Practical Guide and Manual Issue 2 1977 Washington DC pp 1-24
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Racial Origin Mongoloid - Eastern Asian
Eskimo-Aleutian and Native American
Shaft diameter coarse and usually with little or no variation
Pigment granules densely distributed and often arranged in large patchy
areas or streaksMedulla prominent (often broad
and continuous)Cuticle thickCross-sectional shape round
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic Origin Head
Long with moderate shaft diameter and diameter variation
Medulla absent to continuous and relatively narrow when compared to the structure of hairs from other body areas
Often with cut or split tipsCan show artificial treatment solar bleaching or
mechanical damageSoft texture pliable
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginPubic
Shaft diameter coarse with wide variations and buckling
Medulla relatively broad and usually continuous when present
Root frequently with tagTip usually tapered rounded or
abradedStiff texture wiry
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginLimb hairs (arm or leg)
Diameter fine with little variationGross appearance of hair is arc-like in
shapeMedulla is discontinuous to trace with a
granular appearanceTips usually tapered often blunt and
abraded rounded scale ends due to wear
Soft texture
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginBeard or Mustache hairs
Diameter very coarse with irregular or triangular cross-sectional shape
Medulla very broad and continuous may be doubled
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginChest hairs
Shaft diameter moderate and variableTip often darker in color long and fine arc-likeMedulla may be granularStiff texture
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginUnderarm hairs
Resemble pubic hairs in general appearance but less wiry
Medullary appearance similar to limb hairsDiameter moderate and variable with less
buckling than pubic hairsTips long and fine frequently with bleached
appearance
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginOther
Eyebrow Stubby some diameter fluctuation saber-like in appearance
Eyelash Short stubby with little shaft diameter fluctuation saber-like in appearance
Trunk A combination of features of limb and pubic hairs a transitional hair
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
As a rule most forensic comparisons are conducted using scalp or pubic hairs Body and limb hairs are generally considered unsuitable for comparison purposes Artificial Treatment
Bleached Dyed
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Caucasian
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Negroid
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Mongoloid
VARIATIONS IN COLOR
COLLECTION AND EXAMINATION OF HAIR
Always photograph the item and note its location first before collecting it
Always be sensitive to cross-contamination issues Always wear gloves to collect evidence Always use clean unused paper bindles or containers
Use fingers or tweezers to collect crime scene evidence Collect good representative exemplary (known) hairs from the
scalp andor pubic region Collect exemplars from both the victim and suspect Always maintain the chain of custody
CONCLUSION AND REPORT WRITING
Forensic laboratory reports of hair comparisons normally will provide one of three answers The hairs matched in microscopic characteristics
indicating an association The hairs are not alike and therefore did not come
from the same person No conclusion can be drawn from the evidence
This may be due to insufficient specimen racial mixtures or unsuitable exemplars
CONCLUSION
Types of hairs Hair structure and growth Race and body origin Evidence collection procedures Microscopy and results
REFERENCES
Saferstein R Forensic Science Handbook 1992 Prentice - Hall Inc Englewood Cliffs NJ pp 185-212
Deadman HA Human Hair Comparison Based on Microscopic Characteristics Proceedings of the International Symposium on Forensic Hair Comparisons (Washington DC Government Printing Office 1985) pp 45-49
Linch Charles A et Al Evaluation of the Human Hair Root for DNA Typing subsequent to Microscopic Comparison JFS 1998 43 (2) pp 305-314
Bisbing RE The Forensic Identification and Association of Human Hair Forensic Science Handbook Saferstein R ed Englewood Clifffs NJ Prentice-Hall Inc 1982 pp 209-272
Gaudette BD An Attempt at Determining Probabilities in Human Scalp Hair Comparison JFS 1973 pp 599-605
FBI Microscopy of Hairs A Practical Guide and Manual Issue 2 1977 Washington DC pp 1-24
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic Origin Head
Long with moderate shaft diameter and diameter variation
Medulla absent to continuous and relatively narrow when compared to the structure of hairs from other body areas
Often with cut or split tipsCan show artificial treatment solar bleaching or
mechanical damageSoft texture pliable
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginPubic
Shaft diameter coarse with wide variations and buckling
Medulla relatively broad and usually continuous when present
Root frequently with tagTip usually tapered rounded or
abradedStiff texture wiry
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginLimb hairs (arm or leg)
Diameter fine with little variationGross appearance of hair is arc-like in
shapeMedulla is discontinuous to trace with a
granular appearanceTips usually tapered often blunt and
abraded rounded scale ends due to wear
Soft texture
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginBeard or Mustache hairs
Diameter very coarse with irregular or triangular cross-sectional shape
Medulla very broad and continuous may be doubled
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginChest hairs
Shaft diameter moderate and variableTip often darker in color long and fine arc-likeMedulla may be granularStiff texture
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginUnderarm hairs
Resemble pubic hairs in general appearance but less wiry
Medullary appearance similar to limb hairsDiameter moderate and variable with less
buckling than pubic hairsTips long and fine frequently with bleached
appearance
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginOther
Eyebrow Stubby some diameter fluctuation saber-like in appearance
Eyelash Short stubby with little shaft diameter fluctuation saber-like in appearance
Trunk A combination of features of limb and pubic hairs a transitional hair
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
As a rule most forensic comparisons are conducted using scalp or pubic hairs Body and limb hairs are generally considered unsuitable for comparison purposes Artificial Treatment
Bleached Dyed
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Caucasian
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Negroid
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Mongoloid
VARIATIONS IN COLOR
COLLECTION AND EXAMINATION OF HAIR
Always photograph the item and note its location first before collecting it
Always be sensitive to cross-contamination issues Always wear gloves to collect evidence Always use clean unused paper bindles or containers
Use fingers or tweezers to collect crime scene evidence Collect good representative exemplary (known) hairs from the
scalp andor pubic region Collect exemplars from both the victim and suspect Always maintain the chain of custody
CONCLUSION AND REPORT WRITING
Forensic laboratory reports of hair comparisons normally will provide one of three answers The hairs matched in microscopic characteristics
indicating an association The hairs are not alike and therefore did not come
from the same person No conclusion can be drawn from the evidence
This may be due to insufficient specimen racial mixtures or unsuitable exemplars
CONCLUSION
Types of hairs Hair structure and growth Race and body origin Evidence collection procedures Microscopy and results
REFERENCES
Saferstein R Forensic Science Handbook 1992 Prentice - Hall Inc Englewood Cliffs NJ pp 185-212
Deadman HA Human Hair Comparison Based on Microscopic Characteristics Proceedings of the International Symposium on Forensic Hair Comparisons (Washington DC Government Printing Office 1985) pp 45-49
Linch Charles A et Al Evaluation of the Human Hair Root for DNA Typing subsequent to Microscopic Comparison JFS 1998 43 (2) pp 305-314
Bisbing RE The Forensic Identification and Association of Human Hair Forensic Science Handbook Saferstein R ed Englewood Clifffs NJ Prentice-Hall Inc 1982 pp 209-272
Gaudette BD An Attempt at Determining Probabilities in Human Scalp Hair Comparison JFS 1973 pp 599-605
FBI Microscopy of Hairs A Practical Guide and Manual Issue 2 1977 Washington DC pp 1-24
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginPubic
Shaft diameter coarse with wide variations and buckling
Medulla relatively broad and usually continuous when present
Root frequently with tagTip usually tapered rounded or
abradedStiff texture wiry
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginLimb hairs (arm or leg)
Diameter fine with little variationGross appearance of hair is arc-like in
shapeMedulla is discontinuous to trace with a
granular appearanceTips usually tapered often blunt and
abraded rounded scale ends due to wear
Soft texture
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginBeard or Mustache hairs
Diameter very coarse with irregular or triangular cross-sectional shape
Medulla very broad and continuous may be doubled
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginChest hairs
Shaft diameter moderate and variableTip often darker in color long and fine arc-likeMedulla may be granularStiff texture
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginUnderarm hairs
Resemble pubic hairs in general appearance but less wiry
Medullary appearance similar to limb hairsDiameter moderate and variable with less
buckling than pubic hairsTips long and fine frequently with bleached
appearance
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginOther
Eyebrow Stubby some diameter fluctuation saber-like in appearance
Eyelash Short stubby with little shaft diameter fluctuation saber-like in appearance
Trunk A combination of features of limb and pubic hairs a transitional hair
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
As a rule most forensic comparisons are conducted using scalp or pubic hairs Body and limb hairs are generally considered unsuitable for comparison purposes Artificial Treatment
Bleached Dyed
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Caucasian
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Negroid
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Mongoloid
VARIATIONS IN COLOR
COLLECTION AND EXAMINATION OF HAIR
Always photograph the item and note its location first before collecting it
Always be sensitive to cross-contamination issues Always wear gloves to collect evidence Always use clean unused paper bindles or containers
Use fingers or tweezers to collect crime scene evidence Collect good representative exemplary (known) hairs from the
scalp andor pubic region Collect exemplars from both the victim and suspect Always maintain the chain of custody
CONCLUSION AND REPORT WRITING
Forensic laboratory reports of hair comparisons normally will provide one of three answers The hairs matched in microscopic characteristics
indicating an association The hairs are not alike and therefore did not come
from the same person No conclusion can be drawn from the evidence
This may be due to insufficient specimen racial mixtures or unsuitable exemplars
CONCLUSION
Types of hairs Hair structure and growth Race and body origin Evidence collection procedures Microscopy and results
REFERENCES
Saferstein R Forensic Science Handbook 1992 Prentice - Hall Inc Englewood Cliffs NJ pp 185-212
Deadman HA Human Hair Comparison Based on Microscopic Characteristics Proceedings of the International Symposium on Forensic Hair Comparisons (Washington DC Government Printing Office 1985) pp 45-49
Linch Charles A et Al Evaluation of the Human Hair Root for DNA Typing subsequent to Microscopic Comparison JFS 1998 43 (2) pp 305-314
Bisbing RE The Forensic Identification and Association of Human Hair Forensic Science Handbook Saferstein R ed Englewood Clifffs NJ Prentice-Hall Inc 1982 pp 209-272
Gaudette BD An Attempt at Determining Probabilities in Human Scalp Hair Comparison JFS 1973 pp 599-605
FBI Microscopy of Hairs A Practical Guide and Manual Issue 2 1977 Washington DC pp 1-24
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginLimb hairs (arm or leg)
Diameter fine with little variationGross appearance of hair is arc-like in
shapeMedulla is discontinuous to trace with a
granular appearanceTips usually tapered often blunt and
abraded rounded scale ends due to wear
Soft texture
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginBeard or Mustache hairs
Diameter very coarse with irregular or triangular cross-sectional shape
Medulla very broad and continuous may be doubled
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginChest hairs
Shaft diameter moderate and variableTip often darker in color long and fine arc-likeMedulla may be granularStiff texture
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginUnderarm hairs
Resemble pubic hairs in general appearance but less wiry
Medullary appearance similar to limb hairsDiameter moderate and variable with less
buckling than pubic hairsTips long and fine frequently with bleached
appearance
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginOther
Eyebrow Stubby some diameter fluctuation saber-like in appearance
Eyelash Short stubby with little shaft diameter fluctuation saber-like in appearance
Trunk A combination of features of limb and pubic hairs a transitional hair
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
As a rule most forensic comparisons are conducted using scalp or pubic hairs Body and limb hairs are generally considered unsuitable for comparison purposes Artificial Treatment
Bleached Dyed
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Caucasian
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Negroid
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Mongoloid
VARIATIONS IN COLOR
COLLECTION AND EXAMINATION OF HAIR
Always photograph the item and note its location first before collecting it
Always be sensitive to cross-contamination issues Always wear gloves to collect evidence Always use clean unused paper bindles or containers
Use fingers or tweezers to collect crime scene evidence Collect good representative exemplary (known) hairs from the
scalp andor pubic region Collect exemplars from both the victim and suspect Always maintain the chain of custody
CONCLUSION AND REPORT WRITING
Forensic laboratory reports of hair comparisons normally will provide one of three answers The hairs matched in microscopic characteristics
indicating an association The hairs are not alike and therefore did not come
from the same person No conclusion can be drawn from the evidence
This may be due to insufficient specimen racial mixtures or unsuitable exemplars
CONCLUSION
Types of hairs Hair structure and growth Race and body origin Evidence collection procedures Microscopy and results
REFERENCES
Saferstein R Forensic Science Handbook 1992 Prentice - Hall Inc Englewood Cliffs NJ pp 185-212
Deadman HA Human Hair Comparison Based on Microscopic Characteristics Proceedings of the International Symposium on Forensic Hair Comparisons (Washington DC Government Printing Office 1985) pp 45-49
Linch Charles A et Al Evaluation of the Human Hair Root for DNA Typing subsequent to Microscopic Comparison JFS 1998 43 (2) pp 305-314
Bisbing RE The Forensic Identification and Association of Human Hair Forensic Science Handbook Saferstein R ed Englewood Clifffs NJ Prentice-Hall Inc 1982 pp 209-272
Gaudette BD An Attempt at Determining Probabilities in Human Scalp Hair Comparison JFS 1973 pp 599-605
FBI Microscopy of Hairs A Practical Guide and Manual Issue 2 1977 Washington DC pp 1-24
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginBeard or Mustache hairs
Diameter very coarse with irregular or triangular cross-sectional shape
Medulla very broad and continuous may be doubled
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginChest hairs
Shaft diameter moderate and variableTip often darker in color long and fine arc-likeMedulla may be granularStiff texture
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginUnderarm hairs
Resemble pubic hairs in general appearance but less wiry
Medullary appearance similar to limb hairsDiameter moderate and variable with less
buckling than pubic hairsTips long and fine frequently with bleached
appearance
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginOther
Eyebrow Stubby some diameter fluctuation saber-like in appearance
Eyelash Short stubby with little shaft diameter fluctuation saber-like in appearance
Trunk A combination of features of limb and pubic hairs a transitional hair
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
As a rule most forensic comparisons are conducted using scalp or pubic hairs Body and limb hairs are generally considered unsuitable for comparison purposes Artificial Treatment
Bleached Dyed
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Caucasian
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Negroid
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Mongoloid
VARIATIONS IN COLOR
COLLECTION AND EXAMINATION OF HAIR
Always photograph the item and note its location first before collecting it
Always be sensitive to cross-contamination issues Always wear gloves to collect evidence Always use clean unused paper bindles or containers
Use fingers or tweezers to collect crime scene evidence Collect good representative exemplary (known) hairs from the
scalp andor pubic region Collect exemplars from both the victim and suspect Always maintain the chain of custody
CONCLUSION AND REPORT WRITING
Forensic laboratory reports of hair comparisons normally will provide one of three answers The hairs matched in microscopic characteristics
indicating an association The hairs are not alike and therefore did not come
from the same person No conclusion can be drawn from the evidence
This may be due to insufficient specimen racial mixtures or unsuitable exemplars
CONCLUSION
Types of hairs Hair structure and growth Race and body origin Evidence collection procedures Microscopy and results
REFERENCES
Saferstein R Forensic Science Handbook 1992 Prentice - Hall Inc Englewood Cliffs NJ pp 185-212
Deadman HA Human Hair Comparison Based on Microscopic Characteristics Proceedings of the International Symposium on Forensic Hair Comparisons (Washington DC Government Printing Office 1985) pp 45-49
Linch Charles A et Al Evaluation of the Human Hair Root for DNA Typing subsequent to Microscopic Comparison JFS 1998 43 (2) pp 305-314
Bisbing RE The Forensic Identification and Association of Human Hair Forensic Science Handbook Saferstein R ed Englewood Clifffs NJ Prentice-Hall Inc 1982 pp 209-272
Gaudette BD An Attempt at Determining Probabilities in Human Scalp Hair Comparison JFS 1973 pp 599-605
FBI Microscopy of Hairs A Practical Guide and Manual Issue 2 1977 Washington DC pp 1-24
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginChest hairs
Shaft diameter moderate and variableTip often darker in color long and fine arc-likeMedulla may be granularStiff texture
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginUnderarm hairs
Resemble pubic hairs in general appearance but less wiry
Medullary appearance similar to limb hairsDiameter moderate and variable with less
buckling than pubic hairsTips long and fine frequently with bleached
appearance
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginOther
Eyebrow Stubby some diameter fluctuation saber-like in appearance
Eyelash Short stubby with little shaft diameter fluctuation saber-like in appearance
Trunk A combination of features of limb and pubic hairs a transitional hair
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
As a rule most forensic comparisons are conducted using scalp or pubic hairs Body and limb hairs are generally considered unsuitable for comparison purposes Artificial Treatment
Bleached Dyed
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Caucasian
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Negroid
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Mongoloid
VARIATIONS IN COLOR
COLLECTION AND EXAMINATION OF HAIR
Always photograph the item and note its location first before collecting it
Always be sensitive to cross-contamination issues Always wear gloves to collect evidence Always use clean unused paper bindles or containers
Use fingers or tweezers to collect crime scene evidence Collect good representative exemplary (known) hairs from the
scalp andor pubic region Collect exemplars from both the victim and suspect Always maintain the chain of custody
CONCLUSION AND REPORT WRITING
Forensic laboratory reports of hair comparisons normally will provide one of three answers The hairs matched in microscopic characteristics
indicating an association The hairs are not alike and therefore did not come
from the same person No conclusion can be drawn from the evidence
This may be due to insufficient specimen racial mixtures or unsuitable exemplars
CONCLUSION
Types of hairs Hair structure and growth Race and body origin Evidence collection procedures Microscopy and results
REFERENCES
Saferstein R Forensic Science Handbook 1992 Prentice - Hall Inc Englewood Cliffs NJ pp 185-212
Deadman HA Human Hair Comparison Based on Microscopic Characteristics Proceedings of the International Symposium on Forensic Hair Comparisons (Washington DC Government Printing Office 1985) pp 45-49
Linch Charles A et Al Evaluation of the Human Hair Root for DNA Typing subsequent to Microscopic Comparison JFS 1998 43 (2) pp 305-314
Bisbing RE The Forensic Identification and Association of Human Hair Forensic Science Handbook Saferstein R ed Englewood Clifffs NJ Prentice-Hall Inc 1982 pp 209-272
Gaudette BD An Attempt at Determining Probabilities in Human Scalp Hair Comparison JFS 1973 pp 599-605
FBI Microscopy of Hairs A Practical Guide and Manual Issue 2 1977 Washington DC pp 1-24
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginUnderarm hairs
Resemble pubic hairs in general appearance but less wiry
Medullary appearance similar to limb hairsDiameter moderate and variable with less
buckling than pubic hairsTips long and fine frequently with bleached
appearance
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginOther
Eyebrow Stubby some diameter fluctuation saber-like in appearance
Eyelash Short stubby with little shaft diameter fluctuation saber-like in appearance
Trunk A combination of features of limb and pubic hairs a transitional hair
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
As a rule most forensic comparisons are conducted using scalp or pubic hairs Body and limb hairs are generally considered unsuitable for comparison purposes Artificial Treatment
Bleached Dyed
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Caucasian
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Negroid
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Mongoloid
VARIATIONS IN COLOR
COLLECTION AND EXAMINATION OF HAIR
Always photograph the item and note its location first before collecting it
Always be sensitive to cross-contamination issues Always wear gloves to collect evidence Always use clean unused paper bindles or containers
Use fingers or tweezers to collect crime scene evidence Collect good representative exemplary (known) hairs from the
scalp andor pubic region Collect exemplars from both the victim and suspect Always maintain the chain of custody
CONCLUSION AND REPORT WRITING
Forensic laboratory reports of hair comparisons normally will provide one of three answers The hairs matched in microscopic characteristics
indicating an association The hairs are not alike and therefore did not come
from the same person No conclusion can be drawn from the evidence
This may be due to insufficient specimen racial mixtures or unsuitable exemplars
CONCLUSION
Types of hairs Hair structure and growth Race and body origin Evidence collection procedures Microscopy and results
REFERENCES
Saferstein R Forensic Science Handbook 1992 Prentice - Hall Inc Englewood Cliffs NJ pp 185-212
Deadman HA Human Hair Comparison Based on Microscopic Characteristics Proceedings of the International Symposium on Forensic Hair Comparisons (Washington DC Government Printing Office 1985) pp 45-49
Linch Charles A et Al Evaluation of the Human Hair Root for DNA Typing subsequent to Microscopic Comparison JFS 1998 43 (2) pp 305-314
Bisbing RE The Forensic Identification and Association of Human Hair Forensic Science Handbook Saferstein R ed Englewood Clifffs NJ Prentice-Hall Inc 1982 pp 209-272
Gaudette BD An Attempt at Determining Probabilities in Human Scalp Hair Comparison JFS 1973 pp 599-605
FBI Microscopy of Hairs A Practical Guide and Manual Issue 2 1977 Washington DC pp 1-24
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
Somatic OriginOther
Eyebrow Stubby some diameter fluctuation saber-like in appearance
Eyelash Short stubby with little shaft diameter fluctuation saber-like in appearance
Trunk A combination of features of limb and pubic hairs a transitional hair
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
As a rule most forensic comparisons are conducted using scalp or pubic hairs Body and limb hairs are generally considered unsuitable for comparison purposes Artificial Treatment
Bleached Dyed
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Caucasian
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Negroid
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Mongoloid
VARIATIONS IN COLOR
COLLECTION AND EXAMINATION OF HAIR
Always photograph the item and note its location first before collecting it
Always be sensitive to cross-contamination issues Always wear gloves to collect evidence Always use clean unused paper bindles or containers
Use fingers or tweezers to collect crime scene evidence Collect good representative exemplary (known) hairs from the
scalp andor pubic region Collect exemplars from both the victim and suspect Always maintain the chain of custody
CONCLUSION AND REPORT WRITING
Forensic laboratory reports of hair comparisons normally will provide one of three answers The hairs matched in microscopic characteristics
indicating an association The hairs are not alike and therefore did not come
from the same person No conclusion can be drawn from the evidence
This may be due to insufficient specimen racial mixtures or unsuitable exemplars
CONCLUSION
Types of hairs Hair structure and growth Race and body origin Evidence collection procedures Microscopy and results
REFERENCES
Saferstein R Forensic Science Handbook 1992 Prentice - Hall Inc Englewood Cliffs NJ pp 185-212
Deadman HA Human Hair Comparison Based on Microscopic Characteristics Proceedings of the International Symposium on Forensic Hair Comparisons (Washington DC Government Printing Office 1985) pp 45-49
Linch Charles A et Al Evaluation of the Human Hair Root for DNA Typing subsequent to Microscopic Comparison JFS 1998 43 (2) pp 305-314
Bisbing RE The Forensic Identification and Association of Human Hair Forensic Science Handbook Saferstein R ed Englewood Clifffs NJ Prentice-Hall Inc 1982 pp 209-272
Gaudette BD An Attempt at Determining Probabilities in Human Scalp Hair Comparison JFS 1973 pp 599-605
FBI Microscopy of Hairs A Practical Guide and Manual Issue 2 1977 Washington DC pp 1-24
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN HAIR
As a rule most forensic comparisons are conducted using scalp or pubic hairs Body and limb hairs are generally considered unsuitable for comparison purposes Artificial Treatment
Bleached Dyed
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Caucasian
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Negroid
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Mongoloid
VARIATIONS IN COLOR
COLLECTION AND EXAMINATION OF HAIR
Always photograph the item and note its location first before collecting it
Always be sensitive to cross-contamination issues Always wear gloves to collect evidence Always use clean unused paper bindles or containers
Use fingers or tweezers to collect crime scene evidence Collect good representative exemplary (known) hairs from the
scalp andor pubic region Collect exemplars from both the victim and suspect Always maintain the chain of custody
CONCLUSION AND REPORT WRITING
Forensic laboratory reports of hair comparisons normally will provide one of three answers The hairs matched in microscopic characteristics
indicating an association The hairs are not alike and therefore did not come
from the same person No conclusion can be drawn from the evidence
This may be due to insufficient specimen racial mixtures or unsuitable exemplars
CONCLUSION
Types of hairs Hair structure and growth Race and body origin Evidence collection procedures Microscopy and results
REFERENCES
Saferstein R Forensic Science Handbook 1992 Prentice - Hall Inc Englewood Cliffs NJ pp 185-212
Deadman HA Human Hair Comparison Based on Microscopic Characteristics Proceedings of the International Symposium on Forensic Hair Comparisons (Washington DC Government Printing Office 1985) pp 45-49
Linch Charles A et Al Evaluation of the Human Hair Root for DNA Typing subsequent to Microscopic Comparison JFS 1998 43 (2) pp 305-314
Bisbing RE The Forensic Identification and Association of Human Hair Forensic Science Handbook Saferstein R ed Englewood Clifffs NJ Prentice-Hall Inc 1982 pp 209-272
Gaudette BD An Attempt at Determining Probabilities in Human Scalp Hair Comparison JFS 1973 pp 599-605
FBI Microscopy of Hairs A Practical Guide and Manual Issue 2 1977 Washington DC pp 1-24
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Caucasian
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Negroid
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Mongoloid
VARIATIONS IN COLOR
COLLECTION AND EXAMINATION OF HAIR
Always photograph the item and note its location first before collecting it
Always be sensitive to cross-contamination issues Always wear gloves to collect evidence Always use clean unused paper bindles or containers
Use fingers or tweezers to collect crime scene evidence Collect good representative exemplary (known) hairs from the
scalp andor pubic region Collect exemplars from both the victim and suspect Always maintain the chain of custody
CONCLUSION AND REPORT WRITING
Forensic laboratory reports of hair comparisons normally will provide one of three answers The hairs matched in microscopic characteristics
indicating an association The hairs are not alike and therefore did not come
from the same person No conclusion can be drawn from the evidence
This may be due to insufficient specimen racial mixtures or unsuitable exemplars
CONCLUSION
Types of hairs Hair structure and growth Race and body origin Evidence collection procedures Microscopy and results
REFERENCES
Saferstein R Forensic Science Handbook 1992 Prentice - Hall Inc Englewood Cliffs NJ pp 185-212
Deadman HA Human Hair Comparison Based on Microscopic Characteristics Proceedings of the International Symposium on Forensic Hair Comparisons (Washington DC Government Printing Office 1985) pp 45-49
Linch Charles A et Al Evaluation of the Human Hair Root for DNA Typing subsequent to Microscopic Comparison JFS 1998 43 (2) pp 305-314
Bisbing RE The Forensic Identification and Association of Human Hair Forensic Science Handbook Saferstein R ed Englewood Clifffs NJ Prentice-Hall Inc 1982 pp 209-272
Gaudette BD An Attempt at Determining Probabilities in Human Scalp Hair Comparison JFS 1973 pp 599-605
FBI Microscopy of Hairs A Practical Guide and Manual Issue 2 1977 Washington DC pp 1-24
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Negroid
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Mongoloid
VARIATIONS IN COLOR
COLLECTION AND EXAMINATION OF HAIR
Always photograph the item and note its location first before collecting it
Always be sensitive to cross-contamination issues Always wear gloves to collect evidence Always use clean unused paper bindles or containers
Use fingers or tweezers to collect crime scene evidence Collect good representative exemplary (known) hairs from the
scalp andor pubic region Collect exemplars from both the victim and suspect Always maintain the chain of custody
CONCLUSION AND REPORT WRITING
Forensic laboratory reports of hair comparisons normally will provide one of three answers The hairs matched in microscopic characteristics
indicating an association The hairs are not alike and therefore did not come
from the same person No conclusion can be drawn from the evidence
This may be due to insufficient specimen racial mixtures or unsuitable exemplars
CONCLUSION
Types of hairs Hair structure and growth Race and body origin Evidence collection procedures Microscopy and results
REFERENCES
Saferstein R Forensic Science Handbook 1992 Prentice - Hall Inc Englewood Cliffs NJ pp 185-212
Deadman HA Human Hair Comparison Based on Microscopic Characteristics Proceedings of the International Symposium on Forensic Hair Comparisons (Washington DC Government Printing Office 1985) pp 45-49
Linch Charles A et Al Evaluation of the Human Hair Root for DNA Typing subsequent to Microscopic Comparison JFS 1998 43 (2) pp 305-314
Bisbing RE The Forensic Identification and Association of Human Hair Forensic Science Handbook Saferstein R ed Englewood Clifffs NJ Prentice-Hall Inc 1982 pp 209-272
Gaudette BD An Attempt at Determining Probabilities in Human Scalp Hair Comparison JFS 1973 pp 599-605
FBI Microscopy of Hairs A Practical Guide and Manual Issue 2 1977 Washington DC pp 1-24
EXAMPLES OF RACIAL HAIR
Mongoloid
VARIATIONS IN COLOR
COLLECTION AND EXAMINATION OF HAIR
Always photograph the item and note its location first before collecting it
Always be sensitive to cross-contamination issues Always wear gloves to collect evidence Always use clean unused paper bindles or containers
Use fingers or tweezers to collect crime scene evidence Collect good representative exemplary (known) hairs from the
scalp andor pubic region Collect exemplars from both the victim and suspect Always maintain the chain of custody
CONCLUSION AND REPORT WRITING
Forensic laboratory reports of hair comparisons normally will provide one of three answers The hairs matched in microscopic characteristics
indicating an association The hairs are not alike and therefore did not come
from the same person No conclusion can be drawn from the evidence
This may be due to insufficient specimen racial mixtures or unsuitable exemplars
CONCLUSION
Types of hairs Hair structure and growth Race and body origin Evidence collection procedures Microscopy and results
REFERENCES
Saferstein R Forensic Science Handbook 1992 Prentice - Hall Inc Englewood Cliffs NJ pp 185-212
Deadman HA Human Hair Comparison Based on Microscopic Characteristics Proceedings of the International Symposium on Forensic Hair Comparisons (Washington DC Government Printing Office 1985) pp 45-49
Linch Charles A et Al Evaluation of the Human Hair Root for DNA Typing subsequent to Microscopic Comparison JFS 1998 43 (2) pp 305-314
Bisbing RE The Forensic Identification and Association of Human Hair Forensic Science Handbook Saferstein R ed Englewood Clifffs NJ Prentice-Hall Inc 1982 pp 209-272
Gaudette BD An Attempt at Determining Probabilities in Human Scalp Hair Comparison JFS 1973 pp 599-605
FBI Microscopy of Hairs A Practical Guide and Manual Issue 2 1977 Washington DC pp 1-24
VARIATIONS IN COLOR
COLLECTION AND EXAMINATION OF HAIR
Always photograph the item and note its location first before collecting it
Always be sensitive to cross-contamination issues Always wear gloves to collect evidence Always use clean unused paper bindles or containers
Use fingers or tweezers to collect crime scene evidence Collect good representative exemplary (known) hairs from the
scalp andor pubic region Collect exemplars from both the victim and suspect Always maintain the chain of custody
CONCLUSION AND REPORT WRITING
Forensic laboratory reports of hair comparisons normally will provide one of three answers The hairs matched in microscopic characteristics
indicating an association The hairs are not alike and therefore did not come
from the same person No conclusion can be drawn from the evidence
This may be due to insufficient specimen racial mixtures or unsuitable exemplars
CONCLUSION
Types of hairs Hair structure and growth Race and body origin Evidence collection procedures Microscopy and results
REFERENCES
Saferstein R Forensic Science Handbook 1992 Prentice - Hall Inc Englewood Cliffs NJ pp 185-212
Deadman HA Human Hair Comparison Based on Microscopic Characteristics Proceedings of the International Symposium on Forensic Hair Comparisons (Washington DC Government Printing Office 1985) pp 45-49
Linch Charles A et Al Evaluation of the Human Hair Root for DNA Typing subsequent to Microscopic Comparison JFS 1998 43 (2) pp 305-314
Bisbing RE The Forensic Identification and Association of Human Hair Forensic Science Handbook Saferstein R ed Englewood Clifffs NJ Prentice-Hall Inc 1982 pp 209-272
Gaudette BD An Attempt at Determining Probabilities in Human Scalp Hair Comparison JFS 1973 pp 599-605
FBI Microscopy of Hairs A Practical Guide and Manual Issue 2 1977 Washington DC pp 1-24
COLLECTION AND EXAMINATION OF HAIR
Always photograph the item and note its location first before collecting it
Always be sensitive to cross-contamination issues Always wear gloves to collect evidence Always use clean unused paper bindles or containers
Use fingers or tweezers to collect crime scene evidence Collect good representative exemplary (known) hairs from the
scalp andor pubic region Collect exemplars from both the victim and suspect Always maintain the chain of custody
CONCLUSION AND REPORT WRITING
Forensic laboratory reports of hair comparisons normally will provide one of three answers The hairs matched in microscopic characteristics
indicating an association The hairs are not alike and therefore did not come
from the same person No conclusion can be drawn from the evidence
This may be due to insufficient specimen racial mixtures or unsuitable exemplars
CONCLUSION
Types of hairs Hair structure and growth Race and body origin Evidence collection procedures Microscopy and results
REFERENCES
Saferstein R Forensic Science Handbook 1992 Prentice - Hall Inc Englewood Cliffs NJ pp 185-212
Deadman HA Human Hair Comparison Based on Microscopic Characteristics Proceedings of the International Symposium on Forensic Hair Comparisons (Washington DC Government Printing Office 1985) pp 45-49
Linch Charles A et Al Evaluation of the Human Hair Root for DNA Typing subsequent to Microscopic Comparison JFS 1998 43 (2) pp 305-314
Bisbing RE The Forensic Identification and Association of Human Hair Forensic Science Handbook Saferstein R ed Englewood Clifffs NJ Prentice-Hall Inc 1982 pp 209-272
Gaudette BD An Attempt at Determining Probabilities in Human Scalp Hair Comparison JFS 1973 pp 599-605
FBI Microscopy of Hairs A Practical Guide and Manual Issue 2 1977 Washington DC pp 1-24
CONCLUSION AND REPORT WRITING
Forensic laboratory reports of hair comparisons normally will provide one of three answers The hairs matched in microscopic characteristics
indicating an association The hairs are not alike and therefore did not come
from the same person No conclusion can be drawn from the evidence
This may be due to insufficient specimen racial mixtures or unsuitable exemplars
CONCLUSION
Types of hairs Hair structure and growth Race and body origin Evidence collection procedures Microscopy and results
REFERENCES
Saferstein R Forensic Science Handbook 1992 Prentice - Hall Inc Englewood Cliffs NJ pp 185-212
Deadman HA Human Hair Comparison Based on Microscopic Characteristics Proceedings of the International Symposium on Forensic Hair Comparisons (Washington DC Government Printing Office 1985) pp 45-49
Linch Charles A et Al Evaluation of the Human Hair Root for DNA Typing subsequent to Microscopic Comparison JFS 1998 43 (2) pp 305-314
Bisbing RE The Forensic Identification and Association of Human Hair Forensic Science Handbook Saferstein R ed Englewood Clifffs NJ Prentice-Hall Inc 1982 pp 209-272
Gaudette BD An Attempt at Determining Probabilities in Human Scalp Hair Comparison JFS 1973 pp 599-605
FBI Microscopy of Hairs A Practical Guide and Manual Issue 2 1977 Washington DC pp 1-24
CONCLUSION
Types of hairs Hair structure and growth Race and body origin Evidence collection procedures Microscopy and results
REFERENCES
Saferstein R Forensic Science Handbook 1992 Prentice - Hall Inc Englewood Cliffs NJ pp 185-212
Deadman HA Human Hair Comparison Based on Microscopic Characteristics Proceedings of the International Symposium on Forensic Hair Comparisons (Washington DC Government Printing Office 1985) pp 45-49
Linch Charles A et Al Evaluation of the Human Hair Root for DNA Typing subsequent to Microscopic Comparison JFS 1998 43 (2) pp 305-314
Bisbing RE The Forensic Identification and Association of Human Hair Forensic Science Handbook Saferstein R ed Englewood Clifffs NJ Prentice-Hall Inc 1982 pp 209-272
Gaudette BD An Attempt at Determining Probabilities in Human Scalp Hair Comparison JFS 1973 pp 599-605
FBI Microscopy of Hairs A Practical Guide and Manual Issue 2 1977 Washington DC pp 1-24
REFERENCES
Saferstein R Forensic Science Handbook 1992 Prentice - Hall Inc Englewood Cliffs NJ pp 185-212
Deadman HA Human Hair Comparison Based on Microscopic Characteristics Proceedings of the International Symposium on Forensic Hair Comparisons (Washington DC Government Printing Office 1985) pp 45-49
Linch Charles A et Al Evaluation of the Human Hair Root for DNA Typing subsequent to Microscopic Comparison JFS 1998 43 (2) pp 305-314
Bisbing RE The Forensic Identification and Association of Human Hair Forensic Science Handbook Saferstein R ed Englewood Clifffs NJ Prentice-Hall Inc 1982 pp 209-272
Gaudette BD An Attempt at Determining Probabilities in Human Scalp Hair Comparison JFS 1973 pp 599-605
FBI Microscopy of Hairs A Practical Guide and Manual Issue 2 1977 Washington DC pp 1-24