Forensic Chemical Study on Human Hair: Identification of Hair Spray and Hair Growth Promoter Brands by Components Remaining on Human Hair

The study investigated the identification of hair spray and hair growth promoter brands by analyzing their components remaining on human hair using gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Twelve hair spray brands and eleven hair growth promoter brands were examined, with components of six brands being distinguishable. One hair growth promoter's component was detectable 20 days post-application. A unique component was identified in three of four hair spray brands. Cetyl and stearyl alcohols from one hair growth promoter matched those in women's hair care products but did not affect brand identification as the promoter was for men. In a forensic application, components on hairs from a suspect's clothing matched those on the victim's hair, suggesting chemical analysis is more objective than morphological examination for forensic hair comparison.