Within a hair's breadth -- forensic identification of single dyed hair strand now possible

A single strand of hair in a crime scene contains many clues that can help identify a perpetrator. In a recent study, scientists have combined two modern techniques, called surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy and X-ray fluorescence, to distinguish between different colors in individual hair strands. Both these techniques are almost non-destructive and can be conducted with portable devices, making this a promising way to get supportive evidence in forensic investigations.