Instructions for HTMA Hair Sample Collection
Wash, rinse and air-dry hair prior to cutting (can be night before if there is no sweating overnight).
Use clean, stainless steel scissors to cut hair.
Cut hair from the back of the scalp in several locations (3-4 different places) along a horizontal thin line, cutting as close to the scalp as possible (most recent growth).
Only retain the 4cm of hair closest to the scalp (or less if the sample is shorter) and discard the rest. Note you will need approximately one tablespoon of hair (better to provide extra hair than not enough).
Place the hair in a clean, paper envelope (printed out or provided) and send to my address (details will be provided to you on booking/purchasing the test) with the completed Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis request form.
Your hair sample will be sent to the US for testing. The estimated time is 2 to 3 weeks between sending in your hair sample and receiving your results.
NOTES
Please do not wash the sample after cutting as this can impact the mineral content.
For best results, hair should not be treated or coloured. Therefore, if you colour your hair, you can grow out a small amount at the base of the neck (ask your hairdresser to leave an unseen area uncoloured and use this for sampling – this may take approximately 6 weeks of growth).
Anti-dandruff shampoo also impacts the mineral levels and may skew the results of your test. Please wash your hair with a regular shampoo for several washes prior to taking the hair sample.
Please only use a paper envelope and do not use aluminium foil (anything metal) or plastic to wrap the hair as this can impact the results.