Designing an Interdisciplinary Forensic Chemistry Lab Module: The Impact of Environmental Factors on Treated Hair with Personal Care Products

Abstract

To enrich forensic chemical education, we designed an innovative laboratory module centered on forensic chemistry. This module integrates trace evidence analysis by examining human hair, offering students a hands-on learning experience with applications in forensic chemistry. The hypothesis is that the retention of hair care products in curly hair versus straight hair varies under different environmental conditions. We focused on two commonly used hair care products (oil and shampoo), each containing a unique blend of organic and inorganic components that undergo decomposition and are prone to photodegradation at outdoor crime scenes. Students learned the sunlight effects on hair imbued with chemical residues from hair products. Further, it provides students with hands-on experience with Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, Ultraviolet–Visible (UV–vis) Spectroscopy, and comparing pH changes. This lab design aims to provide students with a foundational understanding of how environmental factors influence the chemical properties of cosmetics applied to hair.