ARTICLE TYPE : REVIEW ARTICLE
Published on : 02 Sep 2026,
Volume - 2
Journal Title :
WebLog Journal of Forensic Science and Criminology
| WebLog J Forensic Sci Criminol
| WJFSC
Source URL:
https://weblogoa.com/articles/wjfsc.2026.i0202
Permanent Identifier (DOI) :
From Strand to Suspect: The Decisive Role of Hair Evidence in Modern Forensic DNA Profiling
2Crime Scene Expert, Regional Forensic Science Laboratory, Bharatpur, Rajasthan, India
Abstract
As one of the most commonplace forms of trace evidence uncovered at crime scenes, human hair serves as a critical biological link during violent physical encounters. Historically, forensic trichology relied on microscopic evaluation-a technique invaluable for ruling out suspects but incapable of absolute individualization. However, integrating Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Short Tandem Repeat (STR) profiling, and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequencing has revolutionized hair analysis, shifting it from a general class characteristic to a definitive tool for individual identification. This review examines the anatomical architecture of human hair, the mechanisms of DNA preservation within the root and shaft, and the evolutionary shift toward high-throughput genomic sequencing. Additionally, we address challenges such as low-template DNA and contamination risks, highlight cutting-edge developments in Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) and Forensic DNA Phenotyping (FDP), and analyze the weight of hair evidence within modern judicial frameworks.
Citation
Kumar A, Chauhan V. From Strand to Suspect: The Decisive Role of Hair Evidence in Modern Forensic DNA Profiling. WebLog J Forensic Sci Criminol. wjfsc.2026.i0202. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22538559