Forensic science - hairs

When bodily contacts are known to have taken place, transference of hairs from one person to another may occur. This can occur in any situation where two people have come into close contact, for example, when a burglar is disturbed, physical and sexual assaults, rapes, murders and attempted murders. Hairs may also be left at a scene of crime adhering to, for example, broken woodwork at the point of forced entry. Hairs of all types can be involved, head, body or pubic hairs.

Forensic scientists can examine hairs for, for example, identifying racial origin and somatic origin of the source of the hair. The forensic scientist can examine the hairs microscopically and compare them to possible know sources so that inclusion or exclusion of their origin can be decided.

If the root and sheath material is still adhering to the hairs, they can be subject to DNA profiling and compared to a control sample.

The examination and interpretation of evidence from hairs is a very specialised subject. It is important that evidence from hairs is scrutinised to see if the evidence is sound and the scientist is competent and experienced enough to report such findings.

At Forensic Access we are proud of our forensic scientists, with some of the leading forensic biologists in the UK working for us. See our list of experienced forensic scientists.

Contact Forensic Access to see how we can assist you with your case work.