A method for the longitudinal sectioning of single hair samples.

A simple technique is presented for the longitudinal sectioning of hair samples without the need for any embedding medium. The technique applies to single hair samples that are placed in a groove of a particular depth and can either be scraped or cut to the desired level. Planar sections are obtained that reveal the internal structure of the sample and are ideal for the application of surface analytical techniques for the study of internal transverse and longitudinal distributions of xenobiotics.