Typical Hair and Fiber Analysis with Hair Pictures

Labeled Hair Diagram

Labeled Hair Diagram

Hair Analysis - Hair is easily analyzed with modern technology, such as a polarized light microscope, which brings out the color and details of a hair specimen to reveal crucial details. Comparison microscopes allow the scientist to analyze two pieces of hair evidence side-by-side to better note similarities and differences. - Analyst use data from hair analysis to draw conclusions based on the known and questioned hair samples. These conclusions help identify a suspect and narrow the field.

Polarized Light Microscope

Fiber Analysis - Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) is a method of analyzing fibers through photography. This process requires an instrument called the scanning electron microscope, which uses electrons instead of light to form an image. There are many advantages to using the SEM instead of a light microscope. Using SEM allows a large amount of the sample to be in focus at one time. - Atomic force microscopy is a method which is carried out using an Atomic Force Microscope. An AFM is an instrument that can analyze and characterize samples at the microscopic level. The instrument allows an analyst to look at surface characteristics with very accurate resolution. - Scientists and analyst use the results of fiber comparison to help determine where a suspect or victim has been based on fiber evidence similar between clothes and a crime scene. Data from fiber analysis also helps create a timeline of where a crime occurred before it reached the crime scene, if there were multiple locations.

Machine used for Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)

Different Types of Hair under a Micrscope

Caucasian Hair



Red Hair

African American Hair



Cat Hair

Dog Hair

Asian Hair