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How to take the perfect hair sample


(Updated Sept, 2022)



For ARL Laboratories Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA)


How to cut hair for the HTMA test

Getting your hair sample right is essential. A properly taken sample ensures your results reflect what’s happening inside your body, not contamination from the outside.


Follow this step-by-step guide carefully to ensure the most accurate results for your ARL Laboratories Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis.


Why It’s Important to Follow These Instructions Carefully


Your hair sample needs to:

  • Reflect your internal mineral status (not external contamination)

  • Represent your most recent mineral activity

  • Provide the lab with the correct amount and length of hair

  • Be clean and properly stored


Even small mistakes can affect your results, so it’s worth taking a few extra minutes to do this properly. The more accurate your sample, the more useful and reliable your HTMA results will be.



Step 1: Prepare Your Hair


What to do

  • Wash your hair with a plain, non-medicated shampoo

  • Dry your hair completely (air dry or blow-dry)


Important guidelines

  • Do NOT use conditioner

  • Do NOT use styling products after washing

  • Avoid medicated shampoos unless necessary (note this if used)


Special situations to be aware of

  • Baking soda washing or Epsom salt baths→ Stop at least 1 week before taking your sample

  • Anti-dandruff shampoos (e.g. Selsun Blue, Head & Shoulders)→ These are fine if needed, but switch to a plain, non-medicated shampoo for at least 3–4 washes before taking your sample→ Also note this on your questionnaire

  • Hair colouring

    • If only some hair is treated → take your sample from untreated areas

    • If all hair is coloured → take your sample before colouring, or after 4 washes

  • Permed or bleached hair→ Take your sample before treatment, or wait at least 3 months, when fresh, undamaged hair growth can be sampled close to the scalp

  • Heavy sweating (e.g. exercise, sauna)→ If you’ve been sweating heavily, wash and dry your hair before taking the sample

  • Water softeners at home→ Wash your hair 4 times with bottled or unsoftened water before sampling

  • Occupational exposure (e.g. mining, welding)→ Take your sample on a day you are not exposed

  • Using a hairdresser→ Print or share these instructions with them so the sample is taken correctly


Step 2: Cut the Hair Sample


Timing

Cut your hair 4 to 24 hours after washing and drying


How to cut your hair

  1. Use clean scissors

  2. Do NOT use electric clippers or any cutting device that has been lubricated with oil (such as mineral oil), as these can contaminate the sample

  3. Take hair from the nape of the neck (preferred, as it’s less noticeable)

  4. Lift small sections and cut as close to the scalp as possible


Helpful tips

  • Take several small cuts, not one large chunk

  • Combine these into one sample to avoid visible gaps

  • The goal is to collect a sample that best represents recent hair growth and mineral activity


If head hair is not available

  • Preferred alternatives:

    1. Beard hair

    2. Underarm hair

  • Use only one type of hair for your sample

  • Pubic hair is an acceptable alternative when other sources are not available or practical. It is particularly useful for assessing toxic element exposure, and an experienced practitioner can also use it to assess overall cellular mineral balance.

  • If you are not using head hair, make sure to note the source on your questionnaire


If you shave your head

  • Use a clean razor for a dry shave

  • Collect the clippings in a paper envelope

  • Repeat over days or weeks until you have enough hair (store the hair in a clean, dry paper envelope)


Step 3: Prepare the Hair Sample


What the lab requires

  • Maximum hair length: 3.5 cm (1.5 inches)

  • Amount: approximately 1 tablespoon (125 mg)


What to do

  • Short hair (≤ 3.5 cm)→ Use the full length

  • Long hair→ Cut and keep only the section closest to the scalp

Important: The scalp end of the hair is the part the lab needs, as it reflects the most recent mineral activity in your body.


Packaging your sample

  1. Place the hair in a clean paper envelope (Do not use plastic bags or foil)

  2. Clearly write on the envelope:

    • Your name

    • Your age

  3. Seal the envelope


Step 4: Send Your Sample


You will receive:

  • Your ARL Laboratories lab order form

  • Instructions for sending your sample


Follow these instructions and send your sample to the address specified.


Common Mistakes to Avoid


  • Using conditioner or styling products before sampling

  • Sending hair that is too long

  • Including the wrong end of the hair (the scalp end is required)

  • Mixing hair from different body parts

  • Using plastic instead of a paper envelope

  • Taking a sample too soon after colouring, perming, or bleaching

  • Not washing out water softener residue


Final Tip


Take your time and follow each step carefully. A well-prepared sample leads to more accurate ARL Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis results and clearer insights into your health.


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