 Examinations can associate a hair to a person on the basis of microscopic characteristics in the hair.  The characteristics in the hair, but cannot provide absolute personal identification.

 Hair examinations can determine whether hairs are human or animal.  Also the race, body area, method of removal damage, and alternation.

 An absolute personal identification.

 Wool  Cotton  Glass

 Some of the main things that Forensic Scientists would look for in a fiber at a crime scene:  Texture  Shape pattern  Color  Cross sectional appearance  Surface Characteristics (cuticle)

 Color can influence the value given to a particular fiber.  Often several dyes are used to give a fiber a desired color.  Individual fibers can be colored prior to being spun into yarns

 fiber examinations involve a comparison of samples from known and questioned sources.  It determines whether they are consistent with having originated from the same source