Your labs came back normal. Again.
But you're exhausted. Constipated. Puffy. Waking up at 3am. Running on caffeine and willpower and quietly wondering what is actually wrong with you.
Nothing is wrong with you. But something is missing - and standard blood tests were never designed to find it.
99% of your body's magnesium lives inside your cells, not your blood. So your serum test looks fine while your tissues are critically depleted. Same with zinc, copper, and potassium. "Normal" on a blood panel means your body hasn't depleted the emergency reserve it keeps in circulation to protect vital organs. It doesn't mean your thyroid, liver, or gut have what they need to function.
Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) measures mineral status at the tissue level - where it actually matters. It's not a replacement for bloodwork. It's the layer your bloodwork has never been able to see.
→ Not sure if HTMA is right for you? [See which package is right for you here]
"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. Beyond learning about the current mineral balance in my body, I learned a great deal 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, HTMA Client
My HTMA Skeptic Origin Story
When I first tried hair tissue mineral analysis over ten years ago, I was a huge skeptic. Purposely cutting off a piece of my hair at the root to send in for testing felt strange - but I did it anyway.
I tested for almost nine months before I was blown away. I'd already seen 70-80% improvement in certain health issues through nutrition alone, but HTMA showed me the exact mineral deficiencies and imbalances I still needed to address. Once I targeted those with a specific supplement plan, I saw another 10-15% improvement quickly. That's when I knew I had to study it myself and use it with clients.
Hair analysis is a game changer for getting yourself out of nutritional debt - but I see it as icing on the cake to an already nutrient-dense diet. You can't supplement yourself out of poor eating habits.
What Is Hair Analysis?
Hair Analysis gives you insight into 35 different minerals in your body, plus your "significant ratios" - which reveal how well key systems are functioning:
- Metabolic type via the calcium:phosphorus ratio
- Stress mineral balance via the sodium:potassium ratio
- Thyroid mineral balance via the calcium:potassium ratio
- Hormone mineral balance via the zinc:copper ratio
- Adrenal mineral balance via the sodium:magnesium ratio
- Blood sugar mineral balance via the calcium:magnesium ratio
HTMA detects imbalances sooner than blood tests and shows early trends toward health problems - making it one of the most powerful prevention tools available. Here's what the research shows:
Hair Analysis and Cancer
A 2014 study of 399 Polish women found lower selenium, zinc, copper, magnesium and other minerals - and higher aluminum and potassium - across all cancer patient groups compared to healthy controls. Researchers concluded hair element analysis is "useful in screening tests for the biomarkers of various cancer diseases in female populations."
Hair Analysis and Breast Cancer
A study of 40 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients found they had low calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, manganese, and zinc, with high arsenic, sodium, and potassium compared to the healthy control group.
Hair Analysis and Metabolic Syndrome
A study of 343 individuals found that optimal calcium and magnesium concentrations in hair tissue were associated with decreased risk of metabolic syndrome, while high mercury concentration indicated increased risk.
How Do Mineral Imbalances Happen?
Diet - Processed food, fad diets, eating too little, and depleted soil all contribute.
Stress - Depletes minerals and impairs absorption simultaneously.
Medications - Many deplete specific minerals as a side effect.
Supplements - Taking one mineral without data can throw off others.
Environment - Cadmium, lead, aluminum, mercury, nickel, and copper accumulate from everyday exposures.
Inherited imbalances - Deficiencies and excesses can be passed down from parents.
10 Things Hair Analysis Can Teach You
1. Why your supplements might be making things worse
11 years ago I was on the vitamin D bandwagon like everyone else. What I didn't know: I have a slow metabolic type (like 75-85% of the population), and vitamin D supplements can be disastrous for slow oxidizers. Vitamin D increases calcium absorption, raises calcium, lowers potassium, and slows the thyroid further. This is why some women feel more exhausted after starting vitamin D - not better. HTMA shows you your metabolic type so you stop supplementing blind.
2. Your actual metabolic type
Fast oxidizers tend toward high energy with low calcium and magnesium. Slow oxidizers - the majority - run a low energy pattern with high risk for depression and sluggish thyroid. Knowing your type tells you exactly what nutrients will move your body in a better direction.
3. Whether your thyroid and adrenals are truly supported
The calcium:potassium ratio shows how well thyroid hormones are doing their job. The sodium:magnesium ratio reveals adrenal stress load. Both give you actionable data - not a diagnosis, but a direction.
4. Which supplements you actually need - and which to stop wasting money on
There are over 90,000 supplements for sale in the US. Without data, choosing them is guesswork. HTMA gives you a custom plan based on your actual body chemistry - so you spend money on what you need and stop taking things that could be making things worse.
→ Curious what your results would look like? [View a sample HTMA report here]
5. A complete picture of 35 elements
HTMA tests calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, copper, zinc, phosphorus, iron, manganese, chromium, selenium, cobalt, germanium, molybdenum, sulfur, plus toxic metals including uranium, arsenic, beryllium, mercury, cadmium, lead, and aluminum. The accompanying report covers your metabolic type, mineral levels, significant ratios, and toxic metal findings.
6. What your personal care products are doing inside your body
My friend was my first test subject. His zirconium and aluminum were off the charts - both markers for antiperspirant absorption. Mainstream antiperspirants contain aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex, and yes, your skin absorbs it.
A long-term client's copper levels nearly doubled between her first and second test - with no copper supplementation. She had recently gotten a copper IUD. Excessive copper accumulation is linked to thyroid insufficiency, fatigue, PMS, endometriosis, insomnia, depression, hair loss, and infertility. HTMA made the connection her doctor never would have.
7. What toxic heavy metals your body has been quietly accumulating
Heavy metals embed in tissue where blood tests can't see them - and they don't just cause their own symptoms. They displace the minerals your body needs most. Lead displaces calcium. Mercury displaces zinc. Cadmium - found in dark chocolate, organic rice, and root vegetables - accumulates in the kidneys and liver and directly disrupts hormone conversion and detoxification.
Here's what almost no one is talking about: as bone density drops in perimenopause and menopause, lead stored in bone since childhood gets released back into circulation. The symptoms look like accelerated aging, mood instability, and cognitive decline. HTMA screens for all of it - uranium, arsenic, beryllium, mercury, cadmium, lead, and aluminum - at the tissue level where it actually matters.
8. Whether your magnesium supplement is actually working
Magnesium deficiency is linked to anxiety, constipation, poor sleep, and heart attack risk. But supplementing without testing is guesswork. HTMA shows you your tissue magnesium levels - so you know if what you're taking is actually moving the needle.
9. Your stress profile and what it's costing you
The sodium:potassium ratio shows whether your body is in the alarm stage of stress or the exhaustion stage. Stress depletes magnesium and zinc while impairing digestion - creating a cycle that's hard to break without the right nutritional support. HTMA shows you exactly where you are and what your body needs to recover.
10. The "why" - which is what makes change actually stick
In 15 years as a Nutritional Therapist, the one thing that separates clients who get results from those who don't is understanding the why. When you see your own data, the protocol stops feeling like another thing to follow and starts feeling like something that makes sense. That's what drives real, lasting change.
What Clients Are Saying
"I'm very pleased with everything, learning to trust the process and rely on Catherine's wisdom and experience. I've had 3 consultations so far and I've seen over time how by making small daily steps with my food choices and supplementing according to my particular needs and I can improve my health now and for the future. I recommend an initial hair analysis with Catherine to anyone whose been trying different supplements, making diet changes, or just doing things randomly hoping to improve their health or treat symptoms on their own. There's no simpler, more accurate, comprehensive or painless way to get a true picture of what your body actually needs to get and/or stay healthy. The numbers don't lie. And because Catherine is there with you to share her knowledge and expertise by interpreting the lab data, she can ultimately save people's time and money spent on unnecessary medications, supplements and doctor visits while guiding their journey toward optimal health. Catherine is there for you: no judgement, no pressure just a willingness to share what she's learned and to see people get healed." - Sandra, HTMA 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 to do a follow up as well as get my family tested."
- Nicole, HTMA Client
How Does Hair Analysis Testing Work?
- Find a test package that works for you.
- Receive your kit in the mail and complete the intake paperwork.
- Collect about one teaspoon of new hair growth from the root and mail it in. A pubic hair sample works as a last resort.
- Receive your results by email with a one-on-one consultation for a full walkthrough.
Do I need a lot of hair?
Only about one teaspoon (125mg) of fresh growth from the crown or nape area. A scale is included in the kit. You need the newest 1-1.5 inches of growth - ends reflect what was happening in your body years ago.
What if I color my hair?
You can still test. Collect virgin new growth between colorings - right before your next appointment - for the most accurate results.
What's included?
The one-on-one support package includes lab testing, a supplement review, a custom mineral balancing plan, a consultation, and one month of email support.
You've spent enough time managing symptoms that have an explanation.
This test doesn't give you another protocol to white-knuckle through. It gives you a map - your mineral status, your stress pattern, your metabolic type, and the toxic exposures your body has been quietly accumulating. For the first time, you stop guessing.
For a lot of women, this is the missing piece they've been looking for for years.
→ [Find your HTMA package and get started here]
Have you ever tried hair analysis testing or do you have any questions about it? Please share in the comments below!
PIN IT:
References:
[1] Czerny B, et al. Screening of Trace Elements in Hair of the Female Population with Different Types of Cancers. The Scientific World Journal, 2014.
[2] Joo NA, Kim SM, Jung YS, et al. Biol Trace Elem Res (2009) 129: 28.
[3] Park SB, Choi SW, Nam AY. Biol Trace Elem Res (2009) 130: 218.
[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 says
What Hair Analysis Testing Reveals: 10 Things Your Hair Can Tell You
How much does this cost & where do I send my hair????
Catherine says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
Hi Bonnie,
You can click right on over here to learn more about hair analysis and sign up.
Abundantly,
Catherine
Wanda Little says
Where to find someone in my area that do hair analysis test
Catherine says
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 says
So where does one get this hair analysis done?
Catherine says
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 says
Why not offered in NY?
Catherine says
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 says
Catherine- I live in NY. Any options at all for New Yorkers? -Cathy
Catherine says
Hi Cathy,
Send me an email and I can give you some options.
Abundantly,
Catherine
Vicki Leonard says
Can you please send me recommendations for NY State.
Marie says
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 says
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 says
Hi Catherine, I red that we can send pubic hair too ? Is it true ?
Catherine says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
The article is referring to vitamin D3.
Bouncedancer says
Michael, vitamin D3 is the standard vitamin D. There is vitamin D2 for vegans, but it's no good.
Meo says
Vegans take D3 too...
Cheryl says
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 says
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 says
So where would someone in NY look for a hair analysis? As you specifically mentioned not in NY?
Catherine says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
I color my hair - does this prevent me from getting hair analysis?
Catherine says
Nope! It's best though to get some virgin hair growth, so I do mine right before my next coloring.
Maryse Hutchins says
hi ,, I'm from Canada,, is there anyone you would know of that does these testing? thanks
Catherine says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
Hi Lois,
It completely depends on the person and what is going on with their health.
Abundantly,
Catherine
Sofia says
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 says
I don't have my clients stop taking their supplements before the test.
Abundantly,
Catherine
Lin says
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 says
Mine was the same (with the boron). Wondering the same thing--if I need to supplement.
Jill says
I am a swimmer. Will the chlorine affect my results?
Catherine says
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 says
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 says
Hi Debra,
I just emailed you.
Abundantly,
Catherine
Jen says
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 says
Hi Jen,
Just send me an email and we can discuss.
Abundantly,
Catherine
Crystal says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
Which lab do you use for your analysis? I only know about Dr. Eck and Wilson via ARL.
Catherine says
I use the Trace Elements lab.
Abundantly,
Catherine
Kiley says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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