The determination of isotopic ratios of light elements (δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N, δ¹⁶O, δ³⁴S and δ²H) in human hair is a great source of information about their provenance, the isotopic signature being controlled by geographic, climatic and nutritional conditions.

Variations in isotope ratios in different samples are measured using a High Temperature Combustion Elemental Analyzer, -which converts the sample into gas and separates the different compounds-, linked to mass spectrometer, which separates the different isotopes of an element on the basis of their mass-tocharge ratio.

Preliminary studies for this venture showed that C and N isotopic signatures alone were already enabling a first screening of the different provenances.