Does hair that has been cut off ever rot away?

Question

My little pet has just passed away, and I've kept some of her hair that was shaved off before she died. I keep it in a little box, but I'm worried that over time it may rot away or something. Will it keep forever or will it eventually rot away?

Answer 1

It won't quite last forever, eventually over time it will decay (more of a drying up and turning to dust than rotting though).  And it will take a very very very very long time to do so...unless you are storing it in a damp place it will be around at least as long as you are.  Hair can last literally for hundreds or even thousands of years depending on how it is stored.

Answer 2

that's a good question............It wouldn't rot if you looked after it. It might rot if you just threw it on the ground outside and just left it. Sorry about your dog.  

Answer 3

Sorry about the loss of your little pet. The hair will last a very long time with proper care. In Victorian times, it was common for people to keep a lock of a loved one's hair inside a picture frame, locket, or other jewelry. (Look up "mourning jewelry" or "mourning broach") Some examples have survived for 100+ years.

Answer 4

I am really sorry about your pet. I, too keep a lock of my poor little girl's hair. It's still here. I'm pretty sure it will never fade away.

Again, so sorry about your loss :(  

Answer 5

It should keep forever.

I'm very sorry about your pet.

Answer 6

I believe it does keep forever.  I am so sorry about your dog.

I stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peep.

I could see that you were crying, you found it hard to sleep.

I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear,

"It's me, I haven't left you, I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here."

I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea

You were thinking of the many times your hands reached down to me.

I was with you at my grave today, you tend it with such care.

I want to re-assure you, that I'm not lying there.

I walked with you towards the house as you fumbled for your key.

I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said, "It's me."

You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair

I tried so hard to let you know that I was standing there.

It's possible for me to be so near you every day

To say to you with certainty, "I never went away."

You sat there very quietly, then smiled; I think you knew...

In the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.

The day is over... I smile and watch you yawning

And say "good-night, God bless, I'll see you in the morning."

And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,

I'll rush across to greet you and we'll stand, side by side.

I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see.

Be patient, live your journey out... then come home to be with me.

~Author Unknown~