TLDR Human hair contains many different molecules that change along its length, influenced by personal care products.
The study presents a comprehensive metabolome and lipidome atlas of human hair, mapping over 1200 unique molecular species and highlighting significant longitudinal variations in metabolite and lipid levels, which can vary by up to 50% along the hair's length. The research identifies 122 exposome-related compounds, mainly from personal care products, aiding in biological interpretation. This publicly accessible Human Hair Atlas serves as a valuable resource for advancing research in hair metabolomics, lipidomics, and exposomics, and exploring hair's potential as a complementary matrix in clinical studies.
2 citations
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December 2023 in “Royal Society of Chemistry eBooks” Hair is a complex organ, and understanding its detailed structure and growth phases is crucial for analyzing substances within it.
4 citations
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July 2023 in “Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry” 
10 citations
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September 2020 in “Metabolites” Hair color and length affect metabolite profiles in hair, so they should be considered in hair analysis.
12 citations
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January 2020 in “Analyst” Researchers found markers that can tell if hair has been bleached, which could improve hair test accuracy.
48 citations
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January 2018 in “Scientific Reports” Hair analysis can reveal metabolic changes and potential pregnancy complications.
23 citations
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October 2007 in “International journal of cancer” X-ray diffraction of hair might help detect breast cancer non-invasively.
43 citations
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July 2005 in “Journal of Chromatography B” A new method accurately measures hair lipids, revealing individual differences.
17 citations
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June 2001 in “Journal of the National Cancer Institute” A specific hair diffraction pattern may indicate breast cancer if tested with the correct method.
