When I first tried hair tissue mineral analysis (HTMA) over seven years ago, I have to admit I was a huge skeptic. While I'm no stranger to losing hair from coloring, breakage, and hair loss in my early twenties due to poor nutrition, purposely cutting off a piece of my hair at the root to send in for testing was a slightly different story. I was terrified even though it was only about one tablespoon of hair from the root, but I did it anyways. Now I'm here to tell you all about it.
I tried out hair analysis testing for almost nine months before I was blown away by what I learned about the science of HTMA, my body, and the results I saw. There were certain health issues I'd seen 70-80% improvement with nutrition alone, but by using hair analysis to provide a glimpse of what was going on inside my body, I could actually see the mineral deficiencies and imbalances I needed to address. No more guessing or assuming! Once I knew what my deficiencies and imbalances were, I was able to target them with a specific supplement plan and see another 10-15% improvement pretty quickly. By this point I knew I had to study hair analysis myself and use it with my own clients.
Hair analysis is an absolute game changer for optimizing your nutrition and getting (and keeping) yourself out of nutritional debt. However, because supplements are a main part of the protocol (real-food supplements whenever possible), I do see it as "icing on the cake" to an already stellar, nutrient-dense diet.
Because, let's face it, you can't supplement yourself out of poor eating habits. But many try... watch the video below to get a small glimpse at why hair analysis is such a game-changer...
What is hair analysis?
- Metabolic type via the calcium:phosphorus ratio
- Stress supportive mineral balance via the sodium:potassium ratio
- Thyroid supportive mineral balance via the calcium:potassium ratio
- Hormone supportive mineral balance via the zinc:copper ratio
- Adrenal supportive mineral balance via the sodium:magnesium ratio
- Blood sugar supportive mineral balance via the calcium:magnesium ratio
Hair analysis provides a unique snapshot into your body, showing you a stress and energy profile. A hair analysis can help indicate where you are on the energy continuum while assessing your mineral status. It can also detect imbalances sooner than blood tests identify them and show you early trends toward health problems.
I see hair analysis as a prevention tool of the future, examining and correcting mineral levels as an early line of defense against disease. Here are just a few studies that show correlations between certain hair minerals levels and disease:
- Hair Analysis and Cancer:
A 2014 study looking at hair mineral levels in 399 polish women revealed lower concentrations of selenium, zinc, copper, germanium and boron, iron, and magnesium along with an increased level of aluminum, potassium, and molybdenum in all of the cancer patient groups (digestive tract cancers, hormone-dependent cancers, and high glycolysis cancer) in the study when compared to the healthy control group. Based on these findings and others, the researchers concluded "that these trace elements in hair may be regarded as tumor biomarkers and prognostic factors for various cancer groups. Moreover, our results suggest that analysis of trace element levels should be taken into consideration to optimize prevention and may be helpful to individualize therapies of various cancers in women on the basis of the analysis of hair trace elements. All in all, our results allow for the conclusion that hair element analysis is useful in screening tests for the biomarkers of various cancer diseases in female populations."[1] - Hair Analysis and Breast Cancer:
This study examining hair mineral levels of 40 newly diagnosed cancer patients prior to anti-cancer chemotherapy found that "Breast cancer patients had low calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, manganese, and zinc, whereas they had high arsenic, sodium, and potassium compared with the normal control."[2] - Hair Analysis and Metabolic Syndrome or Syndrome X:
According to the Mayo clinic, Metabolic Syndrome is "a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes." This study of 343 individuals showed that "the optimal calcium and magnesium concentrations in hair tissue may reflect decreased risk of metabolic syndrome, whereas high mercury concentration in hair tissue may indicate increased risk of metabolic syndrome."[3]
How do mineral imbalances occur?
- Diet – Processed food, fad diets, eating too little, and depleted soil can all contribute to mineral imbalances.
- Stress – Stress causes your body to not only waste certain minerals, but also have difficulty absorbing and assimilating nutrients from your food.
- Medications – Medications can deplete your body of certain minerals.
- Nutritional supplements – Did you know that taking one mineral supplement can have a cascading effect on other minerals? Hair analysis can help to bring your mineral levels back in balance after abusing nutritional supplements.
- Environment/pollution – Throughout your lifespan, you’re exposed to countless toxins, particularly toxic metals like cadmium (cigarette smoke), lead (hair dyes, cosmetics), nickel (hydrogenated oils), aluminum (antiperspirants, cookware), mercury (amalgam fillings), and copper (cookware).
- Inherited imbalances – Mineral deficiencies and/or excesses can be inherited from your parents.
10 Things Hair Analysis Can Teach You
Enough of the back story of hair analysis testing! Today I want to share with you 10 of the most important things that hair analysis can teach you
1) Hair analysis can tell you if your current supplement plan is screwing you up (especially regarding calcium and vitamin D)
About seven years ago, I was on the vitamin D bandwagon just like everyone else. I had low serum vitamin D levels and naturally I took vitamin D supplements to bring it back up in the normal range, as this is what I had learned in nutrition school. But vitamin D supplements didn't actually work, because it didn't address the root causes of low vitamin D... (hint: gut health, low magnesium levels and more...)
Little did I know at the time, I actually have a slow metabolic type (like 75-85% of the population) and taking vitamin D supplements can have disastrous results for people like me. This is because vitamin D increases calcium absorption from the gut, which raises calcium levels while lowering potassium levels, and thus increases the calcium/potassium ratio—slowing your thyroid further! This will really ring true to anyone who's noticed more stress, exhaustion, and/or cold hands and feet sometime after starting vitamin D supplementation. Read more about how Vitamin D supplements can screw up your mineral balance and how hair analysis can give you the data to fix it here.
2) Hair analysis can tell you what your metabolic type is
Do you know if you are a fast oxidizer (fast metabolic type) or a slow oxidizer (slow metabolic type)? Do you know what you can do to balance your metabolic type with food and high quality supplements? Those with a fast metabolic type tend to have high energy patterns and often have low calcium and magnesium levels. On the other hand, those with a slow metabolic type (75-85% of the population) have a low energy pattern that puts them at high risk for depression and a sluggish thyroid. Knowing your metabolic type can help point out where your body is currently at, and what nutrients can be therapeutic to pushing your body in a better direction.
3) Hair analysis can tell you if you have thyroid or adrenal insufficiency
By assessing the ratio of your calcium to potassium levels, you can see how well your thyroid hormones are doing their job. This allows you to make supplemental adjustments to bring the ratio into better balance, supporting healthy thyroid function. If your thyroid hormones haven't been doing their job well for some time, you may know about it by experiencing unfavorable symptoms like: constipation, cold sensitivity, low energy, depression, and the list goes on.
Examining your sodium to magnesium ratio can show you how much adrenal stress you are experiencing so you can provide appropriate nutritional support.
4) Hair analysis can show you what supplements you should actually take to help balance your own minerals, so you can stop taking stuff you don't really need
Did you know there are more than 90,000 vitamin and dietary supplement for sale in the United States?!
If you're still picking and choosing supplements without any data from your body, it's a bit like playing a game of darts with a blindfold on just hoping to "get lucky."
One of the things I love about hair analysis is that you get a custom supplement plan for you so you can supplement smarter and stop playing the "guessing game" chasing the latest supplement trend. This means you're spending money on supplements that your hair indicates you need and not taking a bunch of extra stuff that could cause further imbalances, or just taking the trendiest new supplements. By only taking supplements you truly need, you can see results faster and save money in the long run.
That's the power of hair analysis — it lets you start supplementing like a pro with a custom plan just for your body chemistry!
5) Hair analysis tests for 35 elements and provides you with a comprehensive report of findings
Hair analysis tests for the following elements: calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, copper, zinc, phosphorus, iron, manganese, chromium, selenium, cobalt, germanium, molybdenum, sulfur, uranium, arsenic, beryllium, mercury, cadmium, lead, aluminum, barium, bismuth, rubidium, lithium, nickel, platinum, thallium, vanadium, strontium, tin, titanium, tungsten, and zirconium.
The report that accompanies your results tells you all about your metabolic type, information for understanding your mineral levels and your mineral ratios, plus critical details about any toxic metal levels that are present in your hair.
6) Hair analysis can show you how the ingredients in your personal care products are being absorbed by your body
When I first started testing other peoples' hair, my boyfriend was naturally my first guinea pig. I immediately noticed his zirconium levels were off the charts and aluminum was high. Antiperspirants are often the cause of high zirconium and aluminum levels because mainstream brands contain aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex. So if you know someone who thinks their skin doesn't absorb what they put on it, hair analysis can be a reality check. It absolutely does! You don't want these minerals accumulating in your body.
Then there is the copper example...
I was chatting with a long-term client and hair analysis fan last week for a hair analysis re-test, and we observed her copper levels had almost doubled in the few months between her first and second hair test and she was NOT taking any copper supplements.
I asked if she was doing anything different during that time period and it just so happens she got a copper IUD recently.
Copper IUDs are not a form of hormonal birth control, but instead they release copper ions that have a toxic impact on sperm, making it a popular hormone-free birth control option.
What's wrong with copper levels increasing? Excessive tissue copper accumulation is affiliated with:
-thyroid insufficiency
-chronic E.B.V. & C.M.V., infections
-emotional disturbances (depressive disorders)
-hypoglycemia
-fatigue
-fibroid tumors
-low blood pressure
-transient high blood pressure
-anorexia
-PMS
-dermatosis
-endometriosis
-infertility
-hair loss
-insomnia
-frontal headaches [6]
The more you know about the ways these kinds of things impact your body, the more you can do to change it!
7) Hair analysis helps you assess the accumulation of toxic heavy metals like uranium, arsenic, beryllium, mercury, cadmium, lead, and aluminum
Are you a vegetarian who eats a lot of fish and could be taking in higher levels of mercury? Or could your tap water have unhealthy levels of arsenic or lead? Hair analysis can also provide a screening of your home environment by showing you toxins you might have exposure to.
8) Hair analysis reveals if your magnesium supplement is really working by showing you your magnesium level
Magnesium supplementation is all the rage—and for good reason, considering it's a requirement for healthy muscular function; specifically the heart, but a deficiency is also linked to anxiety, nervousness and heart attack risk. If you want to know if your magnesium supplementation plan is making a difference, hair analysis is the ticket.
9) Hair analysis shows you what your stress profile is
By examining your sodium to potassium ratio, you can identify how much stress is influencing your energy production and your mineral balance. You can learn if your body is in the alarm stage of stress, or if you have more prolonged stress that has pushed you toward the exhaustion stage.
Stress severely impacts your digestion and depletes your body's magnesium and zinc. By understanding your stress profile, you can provide more nutritional support (such as anti-stress nutrients like sodium and potassium) to help your body cope with stress, while adjusting your diet and lifestyle to better mitigate the stress in your life.
10) Hair analysis can help you understand how your diet and lifestyle are impacting your health, which can help you commit to making real change
In the last 12 years working as a Nutritional Therapist, I've seen the one thing that really makes the difference between a client who commits and follows through and one who doesn't stay the course.
What is that, you ask?
The client who gets results is the one who is excited to learn, and wants to understand the why behind what they are doing with their protocol. The understanding and education empowers long-term change and compliance. This is a big component of why I typically only work with clients in programs and courses; it allows me the time to deliver the educational understanding that fuels change and gets results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a hair analysis test for?
Hair Analysis tests for the following minerals: calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, copper, zinc, phosphorus, iron, manganese, chromium, selenium, cobalt, germanium, molybdenum, sulfur, uranium, arsenic, beryllium, mercury, cadmium, lead, aluminum, barium, bismuth, rubidium, lithium, nickel, platinum, thallium, vanadium, strontium, tin, titanium, tungsten, and zirconium.
It also tests for the following toxic elements: uranium, arsenic, beryllium, mercury, cadmium, lead, and aluminum.
You can view sample results here.
"How does a hair analysis test work?"
Here's how the Hair Analysis process works regardless of where you live (international clients included):
1) Choose a package that works for you here (prices range between $175 and $677 depending on the level of support you want with your results).
2) Receive a hair analysis test kit in the mail and complete the intake paperwork (health history + disclaimer).
3) Collect your hair sample for the lab and drop it in the mail (ladies – don’t worry, it’s only about 1 teaspoon of new hair growth and you can do a pubic hair sample as a last resort).
4) Get your hair analysis results delivered to you via email + your custom mineral balancing recommendations + 30 minute one-on-one consultation to make sure you understand everything in your plan if you added one-on-one support to your package.
As you can see, hair analysis is an amazing and widely available tool to use in your arsenal to help you achieve optimal health. I love using it with my clients to help them find their own nutritional "secret sauce" for looking and feeling great!
"How much hair is needed for hair analysis?"
Only about one full teaspoon or 125 milligrams of fresh hair growth is needed for hair analysis, an amount that can easily be collected from the crown and/or nape area of your scalp without being obvious. A scale is provided in the test kit to ensure the correct amount in collected. The newest hair growth (1-1.5 inches) is needed to show what is going on in your body most recently, as hair cut from the ends would show what was happening in your body several years ago depending on hair length. Here’s a little peek at how much hair this looks like: "I color my hair, can I still do hair analysis? Yes- but because permed, dyed, bleached, or chemically treated can contaminate your results, it is best to collect new the new virgin growth between hair colorings for the most accurate results. IE. if you get your hair done every 6-12 weeks, collect the new growth from closest to the root right before you get your next coloring. If you need to delay your hair test because of hair coloring, that’s okay too!
"Can I use hair from another part of my body for hair analysis?"
Yes, you can still do hair analysis even if scalp hair is not an option, but the results are not as accurate so it is not recommended and used as a last resort.
Do not send hair into the lab from any place other than the scalp without clearing it with me first. Typically, hair is collected from where you would wear a half-ponytail.
"What all is included in hair tissue mineral analysis package?"
What is included depends on if you order the Test Only option ($175) or a full support package ($577). My one-on-one support package includes:
- Hair Analysis lab testing (scalp hair is superior and preferred, but a pubic hair sample can be submitted upon request)
- Supplement review (what you're currently taking)
- Custom mineral balancing plan
- 45 minute consultation
- 1 month of email support related to your hair analysis plan
What Clients Are Saying:
"I loved the consultation. Catherine was so clear and took as much time as was needed to make sure that I understood everything. I learned where I am doing well and I learned what minerals I am low in, as well as how some supplements I was taking were throwing my mineral balance out of whack." (Amy, Hair Analysis Client)
“Catherine covered everything — the test was very thorough. I learned my mineral deficiencies "This process is, in a word, empowering. Knowing what's going on in my body is helping me piece together a large medical and mental health puzzle with help from my medical team. Catherine's knowledge is extensive, and her personable and positive manner helped me feel a greater sense of agency and optimism about my concerns. Beyond learning about the current mineral balance in my body, I learned a great deal from Catherine about how minerals interact to produce specific outcomes in the body and how simple, straight-forward adjustments to my diet and lifestyle could significantly reduce challenging medical and mental health symptoms. It is clear that Catherine is both a passionate nutritional therapist and a person of great integrity." (Kelsey, Hair Analysis Client)
“Catherine is extremely thorough, friendly, and knowledgeable. She really took the time to look at my diet and lifestyle to make sure she had the entire picture before making any recommendations. You will get an excellent picture of what deficiencies exist in your diet and very simple solutions that can be fixed with food rather than supplements. I learned so much and thought it was worth every penny. I plan do to a follow up as well as get my family tested.” (Nicole, Hair Analysis Client)
"I was very satisfied with my hair analysis purchase. I found answers to long-lasting issues I have. My mineral balancing plan was very easy to understand and implement." (Onsel, Hair Analysis Client)
[Read more client praise]
What if I have a question?
You can read all the hair analysis frequently asked questions here or just send me a message.
Ready to find out your mineral levels?
Get started right away with hair analysis testing here or enter your email below to learn all about the best way to understand your own mineral levels with hair analysis.
Have you ever tried hair analysis testing or do you have any questions about it? Please share in the comments below!
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References:
[1] Bogusław Czerny, Krzysztof Krupka, Marcin Ożarowski, and Agnieszka Seremak-Mrozikiewicz, “Screening of Trace Elements in Hair of the Female Population with Different Types of Cancers in Wielkopolska Region of Poland,” The Scientific World Journal, vol. 2014, Article ID 953181, 15 pages, 2014. doi:10.1155/2014/953181
[2]Joo, NS., Kim, SM., Jung, YS. et al. Biol Trace Elem Res (2009) 129: 28. doi:10.1007/s12011-008-8281-x
[3]Park, S.B., Choi, S.W. & Nam, A.Y. Biol Trace Elem Res (2009) 130: 218. doi:10.1007/s12011-009-8336-7
[4] www.malterinstitute.org/
[5] https://arstechnica.com/science/2018/02/supplements-are-a-30-billion-racket-heres-what-experts-actually-recommend/
[6] https://www.traceelements.com/Docs/The%20Nutritional%20Relationships%20of%20Copper.pdf?fbclid=IwAR35mQIh8jvezvwdIDU0H-j_QG2bMP-GJz02IT_Rqzhe26P9wS0K53ZugjQ
Mike
What Hair Analysis Testing Reveals: 10 Things Your Hair Can Tell You
How much does this cost & where do I send my hair????
Catherine
Hi Mike,
It depends on where you do it and who is interpreting your results. Are you looking for someone remote or local?
Abundantly,
Catherine
Fran
Where can I find a good reliable hair testing center? What's a reasonable price for all the tests? What tests should we ask for? Do they all do as many tests to get all these results? I believe in this but unsure where to go. Thank YOU for sharing.
Catherine
Hi Fran,
It largely depends on what lab runs the test, who is interpreting your results, and what else is including in your package. Are you looking to work with someone locally, or are you open to finding someone and working over the phone?
Abundantly,
Catherine
Bonnie J Miller
I think all that explanation makes sense, but how would I go about finding someone in my area who would assist me in this?
Catherine
Hi Bonnie,
You may want to read my reply to Susann and it might give you some ideas and things to consider.
Abundantly,
Catherine
Bonnie J Miller
Hi Catherine, Thank you for responding and I did read your response to Susan. So, I would like to find out how to work with you for my analysis.
Catherine
Hi Bonnie,
You can click right on over here to learn more about hair analysis and sign up.
Abundantly,
Catherine
Wanda Little
Where to find someone in my area that do hair analysis test
Catherine
Hi Wanda,
I'm not sure how to find someone in your area, but I do work with clients remotely from around the world, so distance is not an issue.
Abundantly,
Catherine
Susann Turnbull
So where does one get this hair analysis done?
Catherine
Hi Susann,
I offer it to those who live within the United States, with the exception of New York. Usually hair analysis can be done remotely, meaning you get a test kit from a practitioner and you send off your sample to the lab. Then the practitioner calls you when your test results come in and will formulate a plan for you.
If you do look for someone locally, just choose carefully as there are many different schools of thoughts about how to interpret the results and what foods you should add or avoid to balance your mineral levels. A practitioner's nutrition philosophy will really impact how they go about creating a plan for you. For example, I use real food and/or real food supplements over traditional hair analysis balancing supplements because food gets better results and is better tolerated. Also, there a quite a few hair analysis practitioners that are a huge fan of low carb diets, so be careful and always listen to your body 🙂
I hope that helps!
Catherine
Muriel
Why not offered in NY?
Catherine
Hi Muriel,
It's due to the laws there. You have to collect and mail your hair sample outside of New York state lines.
Abundantly,
Catherine
Cathy
Catherine- I live in NY. Any options at all for New Yorkers? -Cathy
Catherine
Hi Cathy,
Send me an email and I can give you some options.
Abundantly,
Catherine
Vicki Leonard
Can you please send me recommendations for NY State.
Marie
I heard you have to cut it at the scalp, not the ends and it can't be colored. I'd love to do it but I color my hair (and don't plan to stop) and my hair is long so chopping some off at the scalp would take 10+ years to grow out. I wish they could use my colored ends!!
Catherine
Hi Marie,
I actually color my hair too, and I'm still able to make it work. I highlight my hair every 3-4 months, so I'm able to cut off a little bit of fresh virgin growth before I color it again, since you only want the first inch of fresh hair growth for an accurate picture of your current mineral status. If you color more often than that, you'd have to trim off a lot more hair to get an equivalent amount.
While it would be nice to use the ends of your hair, that would give only tell you about your diet and nutrition 3-5 years ago, depending on how long your hair is 🙂
Abundantly,
Catherine
Lily
Hi Catherine, I red that we can send pubic hair too ? Is it true ?
Catherine
That is a very last resort because pubic hair is slower growing and tends to have higher mineral level readings making it much less desirable for testing.
Mary-Anne
Does the hair have to come from the top of the head or can it be from the neck? Also, 1 Tbsp of hair or even the amount of hair shown with this post seems like a big clump that would be really noticeable with fine hair like mine. Can you work with a few strands?
Catherine
Hi Mary-Anne,
That picture is not representative. Only about one full teaspoon or 125 milligrams of fresh hair growth is needed for hair analysis, an amount that can easily be collected from the crown and/or nape area of your scalp without being obvious. A scale is provided in the test kit to ensure the correct amount in collected. The newest hair growth (1-1.5 inches) is needed to show what is going on in your body most recently, as hair cut from the ends would show what was happening in your body several years ago depending on hair length.
Abundantly,
Catherine
Michael
Hi,
I found this very interesting as regard the Vitamin D especially and what it can do to your body. I was wondering if it is just vitamin D that does this or is it also vitamin D3 too?
Catherine
The article is referring to vitamin D3.
Bouncedancer
Michael, vitamin D3 is the standard vitamin D. There is vitamin D2 for vegans, but it's no good.
Meo
Vegans take D3 too...
Cheryl
So how large a sample are we talking about? I assume it can be taken at the nape of the neck but won't it look like a patch of missing hair? Like others mine takes a long time to grow and is already very thin
Catherine
It ends up being about 2 teaspoons of hair from the root (top 1 inch and the rest is discarded). My hair is naturally thin and I have no problem. I take my sample from two small areas where one would put a half ponytail, and my hairdressers rarely notice. I hope that helps!
Marsha Sickler
So where would someone in NY look for a hair analysis? As you specifically mentioned not in NY?
Catherine
Hi Marsha,
Per New York Public Health Law Section 574, laboratories are prohibited from processing samples from New York residences. I don't know anyone in New York that does Hair Analysis to recommend.
Abundantly,
Catherine
E
HI. Just wondering if you can't find out out the same things via blood work? How to find someone local to work with? Thank you.
Catherine
According to the lab I use, Trace Elements: "Hair is ideal tissue for sampling and testing. First, it can be cut easily and painlessly and can be sent to the lab without special handling requirements. Second, clinical results have shown that a properly obtained sample can give an indication of mineral status and toxic metal accumulation following long term or even acute exposure.
A HTMA reveals a unique metabolic world: intracellular activity, which cannot be seen through most other tests. This provides a blueprint of the biochemistry occurring during the period of hair growth and development.
Examples:
-Thirty to 40 days following an acute exposure, elevated serum levels of lead may be undetectable. This is due to the body removing the lead from the serum as a protective measure and depositing the metal into such tissues as the liver, bones, teeth and hair.
-Nutrient loss from the body can become so advanced that severe health conditions can develop without any appreciable changes noted in those same nutrient levels in a blood test.
-Symptoms of elemental deficiency can be present long before low levels can be detected in the serum.
-Excess sodium is associated with hypertension, but adequate amounts are required for normal health.
Hair is used as one of the tissues of choice by the Environmental Protection Agency in determining toxic metal exposure. A 1980 report from the E.P.A. stated that human hair can be effectively used for biological monitoring of the highest priority toxic metals. This report confirmed the findings of other studies in the U.S. and abroad, which concluded that human hair may be a more appropriate tissue than blood or urine for studying community exposure to some trace elements"
You can read more here: http://www.traceelements.com/EducationalResources/FAQ.aspx
Hair analysis can be done through the mail and over the phone, so it is super convenient as well.
Abundantly,
Catherine
Kaitlin
So this is very interesting, at the same time I'm wondering about some contradictions with advice given by other alternative healthcare practitioners who specialize in mineral balancing and hair analysis. Dr.Lawrence is supposedly a relatively well known authority figure in this domain (who had studied under Dr.Eck from what I understand). And although Lawrence also speaks about fast and slow oxidation, the calcium shell etc. he still often recommends calcium supplementation (even for slow oxidizers). I know one of his main supplements (Paramin) is a balance of Mg and Ca, and Lawrence often speaks to the need for a balance of nutrients in the body rather than single dosing large doses of certain nutrients. Anyways, I'd be interested to hear your thoughts regarding Lawrence's position on calcium supplementation.
Catherine
Hi there,
I don't do hair analysis the "Dr. Wilson" way. And that's all I'm going to say on the topic 🙂
Abundantly,
Catherine
Alexis Rae
This is crazy! I didn't even know this was a thing. Who knew so much information could be held in those tiny strands.
Nancy
I color my hair - does this prevent me from getting hair analysis?
Catherine
Nope! It's best though to get some virgin hair growth, so I do mine right before my next coloring.
Maryse Hutchins
hi ,, I'm from Canada,, is there anyone you would know of that does these testing? thanks
Catherine
Hi Maryse,
I'm able to do hair analysis testing for people around the world. You can learn more here: https://butternutrition.com/work-with-me/
Abundantly,
Catherine
Lucy8a
I know several have asked, and understand there are variables to take into account, but can you give us a ballpark cost range? Are we looking at $50 or $500 or more?
Catherine
Hi Lucy,
A first hair test and consult with me is $375. You can read more about it here: https://butternutrition.com/hair-analysis-seattle/.
Abundantly,
Catherine
lois
Hi Catherine. Just wondering how long it takes a person to do mineral balancing and see noticeable results once they have had hair analysis. Thanks
Catherine
Hi Lois,
It completely depends on the person and what is going on with their health.
Abundantly,
Catherine
Sofia
Hi Catherine. I take many supplements, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes. Should I stop taking all prior to a hair analysis? If so, how long should I be supplement free to do the test? Thank you.
Catherine
I don't have my clients stop taking their supplements before the test.
Abundantly,
Catherine
Lin
Is everyone's boron level almost non existent on the HTMA? Mine was like Joe's in the example. Or zero... Should I supplement with boron? I've never heard of this element before, is it essential?
I also have arsenic plus high strontium and barium which worries me a bit...
Meredith
Mine was the same (with the boron). Wondering the same thing--if I need to supplement.
Jill
I am a swimmer. Will the chlorine affect my results?
Catherine
Hi Jill,
Yes - you can still do hair analysis. According to the lab, pool water can impact your copper levels causing them to appear elevated, but that should be the extent of the impact.
Abundantly,
Catherine
Debra
I don't put cc info on the Internet , is there a phone number I can call to give that info and get a hair anlysis done?
Catherine
Hi Debra,
I just emailed you.
Abundantly,
Catherine
Jen
Hi there! I just had a hair test done with ARL but I don’t have anyone to help me with the results. Could you help me them, by chance?
Catherine
Hi Jen,
Just send me an email and we can discuss.
Abundantly,
Catherine
Crystal
Reverse a slow metabolism? I had to get put on thyroid hormone to do that. I had thyroid insufficiency, so my thyroid wasn't making enough hormone to give me energy. i was tired, cold, and constipated before being diagnosed as hypothyroid. I have to use Armour Thyroid because levothyroxine didn't help me. i do have to pay for it myself, but as long as it's affordable and continues to help me, that's okay.
Ian Simpson
I've a slow metabolism as well Crystal with similar symptoms to what you describe. I'd be interested whether nutritional balancing / hair testing can do anything as far as this goes. Have you any experience of resolving these types of issues with htma Catherine without going down the hormone route?
Sharon Quinn
Dear Catherine,
My hair has been permed. I assume that is similar to hair being colored as far as precautions and timing for getting a hair analysis. Is that correct or is there other things I need to do as wait longer, take hair from a different location? I was wondering, too, once the hair is cut, how long is ideal before being sent in to the lab? I have three swirling crowns on my head with baby fine hair-- I may have my hairdresser cut out the needed amount in order to not give me another glaring and nasty bald place. These crowns already make my scalp look like I've pink balding spots since I've passed the golden age gates beyond 65! lol.
By the way, I've started with Great Lakes Gelatin Collagen Hydrolysate. I'm hoping it will help with lost of things (lol) but especially for inner joint/hip pain that may be arthritis or IT band.... 🙂 Thank you for your website. It is not a tease, but informative, and I've referred several to your site for a read.
Catherine
Hi Sharon,
Thanks for the kind words, I'm glad you've found the blog helpful!
With permed hair, it would be the same as color treated hair - so it would be best to collect a small sample using the test kit I provide right before your next perm to get as much virgin growth as possible. Typically we want the first inch of fresh hair growth closest to the scalp. Typically the sample is taken from the half ponytail area which is easy to disguise. Feel free to email me directly if you have further questions.
Abundantly,
Catherine
Robyn
Which lab do you use for your analysis? I only know about Dr. Eck and Wilson via ARL.
Catherine
I use the Trace Elements lab.
Abundantly,
Catherine
Kiley
There is a test in my area that says it can also test food intolerance through hair sample do you think it would be accurate? Thank you
Gabriela Kania
The hair analysis testing is more like a body scanner that detects what kind of health issues one is having in the near future. It's like an early prediction to correct what's wrong with your body. This is exciting and scary at the same time. It's as if you don't even need a doctor to prescribe your medications because the testing covers everything that needs interpretation.
Cindy
I live in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada. I may be interested in having a hair analysis done, where would I find someone to do it for me?
Catherine
Hi Cindy,
I don't know anyone in your area, but I am in Seattle, and work with people from all over the world.
Let me know if you have any specific questions.
Abundantly,
Catherine
Denice
I've never heard of this. It's intriguing to me as I navigate through 50s health issues and also as a 5-year breast cancer survivor. I was interested in the food sensitivity tests I've seen advertised, but this seems more on point for what I'm looking to find out.
My question is, is it CUT hair or PULLED out from the root?
Catherine
Hi Denise, it's a small sample of hair cut from the root. You only want the first inch of fresh hair growth because that is what shows the most recent 1-2 months (using hair further away from the scalp would be irrelevant to your current cellular activity). You can see an picture with the amount of hair needed here: https://butternutrition.com/hair-analysis-seattle/.
Abundantly,
Catherine
Frank Havnoonian
And thats the reason why you have to take Vitamin K2 with your D3. It tells the body where to deposit the calcium brought into the body . No K2 means that the calcium COULD be deposited in the soft tissue (think kidney stones and WORSE) and yet you never talk about K2. WHY is that?
Catherine Crow, NTP
Hi Frank,
Vitamin K2 is made in the gut by your gut bacteria if you have a healthy gut-liver axis.
The solution to one supplement behaving badly is not to take another. That's Western Medicine's model.
Abundantly,
Catherine