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How to Identify Animal Hair

There are three types of hair commonly found on animals. Vibrissa hairs are the tactile and sensitive whiskers that can be found on mammals. Bristle hairs are the coarse bristles that act as a protective coat for an animal. This protective layer of hair is easiest to identify by its distinctive appearance and slight differences between species of various animals. Wool or fur is the third type of hair commonly found on an animal, which provides animals with a layer of insulation from dampness and cold. These fine hairs cover the bodies of all mammals. Animals also have two separate growth patterns of fur and tend to shed their hair depending on seasonal phases and natural biology.

Things You'll Need

Hair samples (human and animal hair)
Microscope, 100x to 400x
Microscope slides
Clear nail polish
Forceps

Instructions

- 1
  Place a small amount of clear nail polish on a microscope slide and wait until it is slightly damp.
- 2
  Lay a piece of animal hair on the damp nail polish. Wait for the rest of the nail polish to dry.
- 3
  Adjust the microscope to 100x to prepare for viewing the hair. Center the slide with the hair and nail polish in the view of the objective and look through the microscope to adjust the focus. Increase the magnification slowly to 200x, 300x, 400x or 800x.
- 4
  Look at the ends of the hair. If the hair has fallen out from a follicle, look for the root of the hair on one end. If the hair has been cut, you will see a blunt end. If the hair has been pulled out, the follicle should still be attached to the root.
- 5
  Study the composition of the hair. Hair that is very short and fine is most likely from an animal.
- 6
  Observe the diameter of the hair, if possible. The diameter of human hair ranges from 17 to 181 um whereas animal hair is much thicker.

Animals & Science