DNA reviews: hair

Human and nonhuman hairs are often recovered during forensic investigation. As with all other biological samples that may be collected, via DNA analysis, hairs have the potential to provide the investigating authority with valuable intelligence pertaining to the identity of offenders, victims and even pets. DNA analysis of hairs is not however a straightforward process. The biochemical make up of hairs provide the DNA analyst with a unique set of challenges that must be overcome before any useful information can be gleaned from the evidence. This short review provides an overview of the location and condition of DNA within hair samples, and discusses the analytical methods that are employed to maximise the information that can be obtained from this sample type.