[Demonstration of air inclusions in human hair by light and UV microscopy (author's transl)]

Cranial hairs of 47 randomly selected probands were examined for the presence of air inclusions by conventional light microscopy and by short-wave ultraviolet-light microscopy. The air inclusions seen in UV light stand out as brightly luminous regions against the surrounding hair substance. Two sorts of air inclusions were observed-strips-like or cleft-like regions running parallel to the longitudinal axis localized inthe cortex of the hair and air containing pores on the hair surface. The presence and amount of the air inclusions is independent of the hair colour.