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How long does it take for human hair to decompose?

Question #97580. Asked by zbeckabee.
Last updated Jun 06 2018.

mjlsr1958
Answer has 4 votes
mjlsr1958
16 year member
31 replies

Answer has 4 votes.
Hair on mummies may be preserved for thousands of years.
link https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-decay-decomposition-rate-of-human-hair

Response last updated by CmdrK on Jun 06 2018.
Jul 15 2008, 10:10 PM
MacSpruce
Answer has 6 votes
Currently Best Answer
MacSpruce
17 year member
21 replies

Answer has 6 votes.

Currently voted the best answer.
Mummification is fairly unusual, though, occurring only when conditions are very dry.

The rate of decomposition depends on the volume of hair, temperature and humidity, and the presence of keratin-eating bacteria (keratin is the fibrous protein forming the main structural constituent of hair, fingernails, feathers, hooves, horns, etc.) and certain insects.

On average the process takes about a year.

link https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forensic_entomological_decomposition

Response last updated by CmdrK on Jun 06 2018.
Jul 16 2008, 1:10 PM
author
Answer has 6 votes
author
22 year member
2834 replies

Answer has 6 votes.
The hair of the Tollund Man was fairly well preserved for 2000 years - as was his body.

link https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tollund_man

Jul 16 2008, 3:59 PM
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