Some mummies retain their hair because the process of mummification, particularly when using embalming techniques, involved specific methods designed to preserve the body, including features like hair.
During ancient mummification processes, especially those involving chemicals, undertakers paid close attention to preserving the deceased's appearance. This included taking special care to retain hairstyles.
How Mummification Preserves Hair
The preservation of hair during mummification wasn't accidental. It was often a deliberate part of the embalming process.
- Selective Chemical Treatment: Researchers have found evidence suggesting that different preservation techniques or chemicals were applied to different parts of the body. As highlighted in a study from August 29, 2011, which examined embalmed mummies: "It is evident that different materials were used for different areas of the body," the researchers write. This selective application of materials likely played a crucial role in preserving delicate structures like hair while treating other tissues differently.
- Hairdo Retention: The reference explicitly states that "undertakers seem to have taken special care to retain the deceased's hairdos." This indicates an intent to preserve hair not just as a biological material, but as a specific styled feature.
By using appropriate materials and techniques, embalmers could prevent decomposition in a way that allowed hair follicles and shafts to remain intact over thousands of years. This care resulted in the remarkable preservation of hair seen on many mummies found today.
