52' (ENG, GER)

Hair is far more than just dead keratin. It reflects identity, heritage and the spirit of the times, whilst also serving as a biological archive of our lives. The hair follicle, which produces it, is one of the most fascinating micro-organs in the human body. The film sets out on a quest for clues across the fields of archaeology, forensics, medicine and futurology. It reveals what hair tells us about health, diet and illness, why people are discriminated against on the basis of their hair structure, and how hair health can be maintained. In Munich, forensic scientists analyse hair to solve crimes. They can determine whether someone was drugged with knockout drops or whether the death of a wealthy grandmother was in fact the result of poisoning. In Bolivia and Bolzano, researchers are using hair analysis to unravel the secrets of centuries-old mummies. The journey continues to L’Oréal’s research laboratories near Paris. There, molecular biology and artificial intelligence have revolutionised hair research. The aim is to better understand hair loss, slow it down and perhaps even reactivate dormant hair follicles. But the research goes even further: the hair follicle’s extraordinary regenerative powers could open up new avenues for the repair of complex organs in the future.