What is microscopic hair analysis and how is it useful in a criminal investigation?

Answer 1

It can give information such as diet, sex and hint at the ethnic origins of that person.

So if they made a cross section of a hair, and they find that the hair is blonde and straight, and also shows that the person is male, and hasn't been eating well, they can say:

Adult, male, Possibly less well off, Probably Caucasian, probably renting a house in a lower demographic area. Good or bad cleanliness habits also are shown. Dirt, dust or stains o nthe hair can also be shown and damage can hint at the environment that they live in aswell. So in general, quite a lot.

Answer 2

Microscopic hair analysis is a forensic technique that involves examining hair samples under a microscope to compare characteristics such as color, texture, and diameter. It can help link suspects to a crime scene or victim, or exclude them as a potential match. However, its reliability has been questioned due to limitations in identifying individuals with certainty based on hair alone.