Yes, you can do a paternity test using hair - but only if the hair has the root (follicle) still attached. The DNA used in paternity testing comes from cells in the hair root, not from the hair strand itself. Cut hair without a root typically does not contain enough usable DNA. If you can see a small bulb or tag of tissue at the base of the hair, the follicle is present and the sample may be viable for testing.
Key Takeaways
- Hair can be used for a paternity test, but it must have the root attached. Hair cut at a barber shop, salon, or with scissors usually won't work because the follicle stays in the scalp.
- Submit 25-50 hairs with visible roots to give the lab the best chance of extracting a usable DNA profile.
- Hair DNA testing falls under discreet (alternative sample) testing. It's used when a standard cheek swab isn't available or when the sample needs to be collected without the other person's direct participation.
- Success depends on sample quality. Not every hair with a root will yield enough DNA. Factors like age of the sample, storage conditions, and how the hair was collected all affect viability.
- Hair testing is as accurate as cheek swab testing when DNA extraction is successful. The lab runs the same 24-marker analysis on hair-derived DNA as it does on cheek swab samples.
Why the Root Matters
Hair is made of keratin - a structural protein that doesn't contain the nuclear DNA needed for paternity testing. The actual DNA is concentrated in the follicle, which is the living tissue at the base of the hair where it attaches to the scalp.
When a hair falls out naturally or is pulled from the head, the follicle often comes with it. That small bulb at the bottom of the strand contains cells with a full DNA profile that can be extracted and analyzed.
When hair is cut, the follicle stays embedded in the scalp. The remaining strand is dead keratin with no usable nuclear DNA. This is why:
- Hair pulled from a brush or comb may work (follicles are sometimes attached)
- Hair pulled directly from the head usually works (follicle comes with it)
- Hair from a shower drain may work (naturally shed hair sometimes retains the root)
- Hair cut with scissors or clippers usually won't work (no follicle)
- Hair from a salon or barber floor won't work (cut hair, no follicle)
If you're unsure whether your sample has viable roots, look at the base of each strand. A visible white or translucent bulb indicates the follicle is present. Hair that tapers to a clean, flat cut at the bottom does not have a root.
How Hair DNA Testing Works
Hair DNA testing follows the same general process as any discreet DNA test, with one additional step: forensic DNA extraction from the hair follicle.
Step 1: Collect 25-50 hairs with roots attached. More is better. Not every hair will have a usable follicle, so providing a larger quantity increases the chance of successful extraction.
Step 2: Let the hairs air dry completely. If the hair is wet (from a shower drain or bathroom), lay it on a clean paper towel and let it dry before packaging.
Step 3: Place the hairs in a clean, dry paper envelope. Do not use plastic bags, Ziploc bags, or foil. Plastic traps moisture, which causes mold growth and degrades DNA. Paper breathes and keeps the sample dry.
Step 4: Label the envelope clearly. Include the name, initials, or identifier of the person the hair belongs to (e.g., "Alleged Father" or initials).
Step 5: Send the sample to the lab. The lab performs forensic DNA extraction from the follicle tissue, builds a genetic profile, and compares it against the other participant's sample (typically a cheek swab from the child).
Step 6: Results are delivered by email. If extraction is successful, results are typically ready within 5-7 business days after the lab receives all samples. Hair samples take slightly longer than standard cheek swabs because of the additional forensic extraction step.
What If the Hair Sample Doesn't Work?
This is the honest part that most competitors skip: hair samples are not guaranteed to contain enough viable DNA.
Even when follicles are visible, the amount of DNA present varies. Some roots have robust cell material. Others are degraded by age, heat, moisture, or handling. The lab won't know until extraction is attempted whether the sample contains enough DNA to build a complete profile.
If the sample fails, here's what happens:
- You'll be notified that the extraction was unsuccessful.
- A new sample will be needed - either more hair or a different sample type.
- A retesting fee applies per sample, because the lab incurs costs during the forensic extraction attempt regardless of outcome.
- You will always be notified and asked to approve any additional fees before they're charged.
To maximize your chances of success:
- Provide as many hairs with roots as possible (the 25-50 guideline is a minimum)
- Collect hair that has been recently shed or pulled, not hair that's been sitting in a brush for months
- Store and ship in paper, not plastic
- Keep the sample away from heat, direct sunlight, and moisture
- Send the sample as soon as possible after collection
Hair vs. Other Discreet DNA Samples
Hair is one of several alternative samples that can be used fordiscreet DNA testing. Here's how it compares to other common options:
|
Sample Type |
Reliability |
Collection Notes |
|
Toothbrush (well-used) |
High |
One of the most reliable discreet samples; collects cheek cells over time |
|
Hair with follicle (25-50 strands) |
Moderate to high |
Must have root attached; success varies by sample quality |
|
Nail clippings (10-20 clippings) |
Moderate to high |
Collect from one person only; fingernails or toenails both work |
|
Earwax on cotton swab |
Moderate |
Use a Q-tip that has been used by one person only |
|
Used razor |
Moderate |
Must be well-used; avoid multi-person razors |
|
Cigarette butt |
Moderate |
Contains saliva-based DNA from the mouth end |
|
Chewing gum |
Lower |
DNA degrades quickly; send as soon as possible |
If you have access to a used toothbrush from the person being tested, that's generally the strongest discreet option. Hair with the follicle is a solid second choice when toothbrushes aren't available.
For a full list of accepted and not-accepted sample types, contact our team before ordering.
Can You Use Beard Hair or Body Hair?
Beard hair: Yes, beard trimmings can sometimes be used, especially if some hairs retain the follicle. Electric trimmer clippings are less likely to have roots than hair pulled directly. Provide a larger quantity to improve chances.
Body hair (arms, legs, chest): Body hair can contain follicles, but these hairs are generally finer with smaller roots, which means less DNA per hair. It's not the first choice, but it may work when head hair isn't available. Submit as many strands as possible.
Eyebrow or eyelash hair: These can contain follicles, but the small number of available hairs makes it difficult to meet the 25-50 strand recommendation. Contact us before relying on these as your primary sample.
The rule is the same for all hair types: the root must be present, and more strands means a better chance of successful extraction.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a hair DNA test cost?
Hair DNA testing involves a forensic extraction step on top of the standard lab analysis, so it costs more than a standard cheek swab test. Contact us for current pricing. Phone: 402-800-7161 or email: sales@myforeverdna.com.
Can I use hair from a hairbrush?
Yes, if the hairs have roots attached. Check the base of each strand for a small bulb. Hair collected from a brush is one of the most accessible discreet samples, but not all hairs pulled from a brush will have intact follicles. Collect as many as possible and inspect for visible roots.
How old can a hair sample be?
DNA can sometimes be extracted from hair that is months or even years old, but success depends on storage conditions. Hair stored in a dry, cool environment has a better chance than hair exposed to heat, humidity, or sunlight. Fresher samples are always more reliable.
Can hair DNA testing determine anything other than paternity?
Yes. Hair can be used for any relationship DNA test - sibling, grandparent, aunt/uncle, or maternity. The same forensic extraction process applies regardless of the relationship being tested.
Is a hair DNA test legal?
At-home discreet testing with hair is for personal knowledge only and is not court-admissible. It is the customer's responsibility to ensure compliance with all applicable local and state laws regarding sample collection. Legal DNA testing requires witnessed collection with chain-of-custody protocols.
Do you test the hair strand or just the root?
The lab extracts nuclear DNA from the root (follicle). The hair strand itself is made of keratin and does not contain the type of DNA used in paternity and relationship testing. Mitochondrial DNA can sometimes be extracted from the shaft, but standard relationship testing requires nuclear DNA from the follicle.
Can I combine a hair sample with a cheek swab?
Yes. One participant can provide a discreet hair sample while the other provides a standard cheek swab. Both samples go to the same lab and are analyzed together. This is a common approach when only one participant's sample needs to be collected discreetly.
Ready to Get Started?
If you're considering a hair DNA test and want to confirm whether your sample is likely to be viable, contact our team before ordering. We can help you evaluate your options and choose the best sample type for your situation.
Phone: 402-800-7161 Email: sales@myforeverdna.com