What is hair?

Hair is a protein that grows out of hair follicles in the skin. Normally, a hair grows in the
hair follicle for many months, stops growing, and falls out. A new hair then grows in the
follicle.

Parts of hair

Uses of hair
The hair on our head protects the skull from falling and from damage from physical
blows.
Hair also serves as insulation against heat and cold, especially when it's wet and damp.
Hair can be used for making jewelry, braiding into strings, or weaving it into mats or
baskets; some Native Americans use it to make robes or clothing.
Types of hairs and their differences from certain species
Hair vs Fur
Hair - fine thread-like strands or filaments growing from the skin of humans and some
other animals. Tends to grow in a more synchronized manner and stops at a certain
length, hair is typically soft and long.
Fur - the thick coat of soft hair covering the skin of non-human mammals, such as fox,
beaver, lynx, dog or cat. Tends to grow independently and does not stop growing,
furthermore, fur is coarse and short.

Similarities:

 Both human and animal hair are made of a protein called keratin.
 Also, their hair contains a pigment called melanin that gives the black color.
 Moreover, both human and animal hair consists of the same three parts; they are
the cuticle, medulla, and cortex.

How can hair be used as forensic evidence?

Hair can be used as forensic evidence in a number of ways. The first is by analyzing
each strand of hair and determining the length, diameter, and general condition of each
strand. This can be done by using a microscope or microscopes with an electron beam
attachment.