The decomposition of hair, composed primarily of the protein keratin, holds significant forensic implications. Hairs can outlast the soft tissues of the body, providing valuable clues in cases of long-term investigations or where traditional forms of identification have been compromised.
Understanding hair decomposition's complexities is crucial for accurately interpreting forensic evidence. Factors such as environmental conditions, the presence of microbes, and the hair's location on or within the body all influence its rate of degradation. Advancements in analytical techniques have allowed for increasingly detailed analysis of hairs, contributing to breakthroughs in criminal investigations.
