Human (Pakeha, of European descent) Homo sapiens: scalp hair from adult human

This factsheet assists in the identification of scalp hairs from a human of Pakeha - (European descent) ethnicity.

Most diagnostic features for this species

Human (Pakeha - of European descent).

Scalp hair can be longest of any mammal species, up to 0.5m long (but often cut short).
Absent or fragmented medulla

Sample

Description: Scalp hair from adult

Sample origin: Dunedin, NZ

Hair profile

General shape: Straight

Length (mm): Length determined by cutting

Maximum diameter observed (μm): 90 ( Typical of species - max 110)

Colour: Brown

Microscopic features

Human (Pakeha). Pigment granules in cortex of hair. Image: Bronwyn Lowe Image — Human (Pakeha). Pigment granules in cortex of hair. Image: Bronwyn Lowe

Human (Pakeha). Medulla: fragmented. Image: Bronwyn Lowe Image — Human (Pakeha). Medulla: fragmented. Image: Bronwyn Lowe

Human (Pakeha). Scales : irregular wave, distant separation, smooth to crenate margins. Image: Bronwyn Lowe Image — Human (Pakeha). Scales : irregular wave, distant separation, smooth to crenate margins. Image: Bronwyn Lowe

Human (Pakeha). Scales: regular wave, near separation. Also showing pigment granules in cortex. Image: Bronwyn Lowe Image — Human (Pakeha). Scales: regular wave, near separation. Also showing pigment granules in cortex. Image: Bronwyn Lowe

Citation

Lowe B, Wehi PM. 2017. New Zealand hair identification factsheets: Human (Pakeha, of European descent): Scalp hair from adult human
https://www.landcareresearch.co.nz/tools-and-resources/identification/hair-sample-identification-and-factsheets/hair-from-animal-or-animal-skin/human-pakeha-scalp-hair
Accessed: 17 November 2020