Microscopic sex-based differentiation of human scalp hair among university students in Nigeria

This study analyzed 400 hair samples (200 male and 200 female) from Nigerian university students to identify sex-based differences in scalp hair characteristics using stereomicroscopy. Results indicated that male hair had significantly larger shaft and medullary diameters and follicle size, while female hair exhibited higher density and longer average length. Females also had a greater proportion of curly and wavy hair, with pigmentation showing distal fading, unlike the consistent pigmentation in males. Cuticle preservation was better in males, whereas females often showed partial or complete cuticle loss. These findings highlight distinct morphological differences between male and female scalp hair, providing valuable forensic reference data specific to the African population.