Dielectric properties of some keratinised tissues. Part 2: Human hair.

Some electrical properties of human hair have been investigated to determine whether a significant DC electrical conductance is present in keratinised tissues. The DC conductance was found to be substantial and highly dependent on the moisture level in the hair fibres. At high moisture levels, the conductance was found to be almost frequency independent below 1 kHz. Absorption and desorption profiles were also monitored, revealing different stages of sorption mechanisms in the fibres. Although absorption was found to be a slow process with 'time constants' in the range of hours, desorption was much faster, in the range of a few minutes.