Human Hair

Scientific Name: Homo sapiens hair

Order & Family: Order: Primates; Family: Hominidae (biological origin, not an insect)

Size: Typically 17 to 180 micrometers in diameter; length varies from millimeters to meters.

Human Hair

Natural Habitat

Found on the human body, in homes, and in general environments where humans live.

Diet & Feeding

Non-living; does not ingest food. Grows from nutrients supplied by the human follicle.

Behavior Patterns

Passively shed from the human scalp or body; subject to environmental drifting or accumulation in dust.

Risks & Benefits

Generally harmless, though can cause irritation if in the eye or if consumed (trichophagia). Can be a nuisance in drainage systems or a source of forensic/DNA information.

Identified on: 2/3/2026