Hair after death

Abstract

The hair follicle, for all its highly complex morphogenesis and life-long cycling, generates individual fibers that can (given the right conditions) persist long after the death of their host, about whom they can continue to tell tales. Much of this robustness is embodied by the unique physicochemical structure of the hair shaft which limits any significant post-biogenic change. This chapter outlines the value of hair to both archaeological and forensic investigation, specifically highlighting the significance of the incremental rate of hair growth. This property enables retrieval of detailed time-resolved information for changes in diet and physiological change, toxicology, exposure to pollutants, and use of controlled substances, in addition to individualisation using DNA. © 2010 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.