[Age estimation by appearance of gray hair in pubic hair]

The pubic hair of Japanese males aged 12-90 years old (n = 123) and females 14-85 ys. (n = 80) autopsied during 1984-1993 was investigated to determine its appearance age and possible appearance age of gray hair. As the appearance degree of gray hair in pubic hair 5 stages were applied to samples to establish a criterion for age estimation. Stage 0; no gray hair, 1; 1-3 gray hairs, 2; a few-10, 3; 10 gray hairs-2/3 of the entire pubic hair, 4; more than 3/4. The appearance age of gray hair with appearance rate 100% (75%) was more than 65 (55) ys. in both sex. The possible appearance age was more than 30 ys. in males and 36 ys. in females, practically younger than "45 years old" which had been described in texts. The age range with a hit rate 100% is at stage 0; less than 62 ys. in males, less than 59 ys. in females, at stage 1; 30-64 ys. in males, 36-60 ys. in females, at stage 2; 43-72 ys., 39-85 ys. and at stage 3; 49-77 ys,--.