So, I thought I was smart to hang on to that strand of hair from Auntie Ethel. Since I refrained from bringing justice to her I really wanted to make sure I gave the strand of hair to the right character.
Now I just realised it is gone and was actually given as food to the owl bear pup the first time it visited my camp.
The save file I can find where I have still got the strand of hair is about 20 hours of gameplay back.
This should be:
1. Fixed; or
2. Made so that you have to use the strand of hair immediately when the owl bear pup visits you