ABSTRACT
The introduction and progression of forensic DNA analyses nuclear and mitochondrial over the past 35–40 years has largely replaced the routine practice of forensic hair examination as a source discernment tool. However, the purpose of hair examination does not only seek to allocate hairs to the donor. Forensic hair examination has the power to provide contextual information relating to the “how” as well as the classic question of “who”. The acquisition of hair characteristics can be thought of as analogous to the skin on a person's hands. During the life of a pair of hands the skin acquires wrinkles, callouses, freckles and scars that are telling of their journey and activities. The examiner is encouraged to compile a reference collection or library of examples of acquired damage from known/controlled events.
