HTMA - Frequently Asked Questions
How do I do this hair sample thing again?
See page HTMA - How to cut and prepare a hair sample
What if I don’t have head hair, can I use hair from another part of my body?
Hair head provides the most accurate readings. If there is insufficient hair on the head, beard hair may be used. Pubic hair is the least reliable and is used as a last resort if there is absolutely no head or beard hair that can be used.
I color my hair. Will this affect the analysis results?
HTMA deals with mineral content, so hair dyes usually don’t affect it. This is because hair dyes are CHEMICAL, not mineral based. *You WOULD want to avoid using henna as many henna colors are created with metallic salts, which would throw off metal readings on the HTMA
Having said this, it is best if you can cut the hair sample just prior to dying. If this is not possible, it’s a good idea to have washed the hair 3-4 times after dying it before sampling.
I BLEACH/HIGHIGHT my hair. Will this affect the analysis results?
Bleaching the hair can affect the HTMA somewhat, so it’s best to wait until you have washed your hair 5 times after bleaching the hair before taking the sample. If you get highlights, it’s possible to simply cut a sample from parts of your hair that have NOT been highlighted.
Will a water softener affect my hair test results?
Yes, it will. If you have a water softener, wash the hair 4-5 times with bottled water, or unsoftened tap water before taking the sample. Reverse osmosis water is also good.
How much hair do I need for the sample?
You will need:
How long after I cut my hair will the sample last?
Technically, a hair sample will last months after it is cut as long as it is stored in a clean paper envelope. But remember, we want a CURRENT snapshot of what is going on with your health. Therefore, a sample that has been recently cut is preferable.
How do I do this hair sample thing again?
See page HTMA - How to cut and prepare a hair sample
What if I don’t have head hair, can I use hair from another part of my body?
Hair head provides the most accurate readings. If there is insufficient hair on the head, beard hair may be used. Pubic hair is the least reliable and is used as a last resort if there is absolutely no head or beard hair that can be used.
I color my hair. Will this affect the analysis results?
HTMA deals with mineral content, so hair dyes usually don’t affect it. This is because hair dyes are CHEMICAL, not mineral based. *You WOULD want to avoid using henna as many henna colors are created with metallic salts, which would throw off metal readings on the HTMA
Having said this, it is best if you can cut the hair sample just prior to dying. If this is not possible, it’s a good idea to have washed the hair 3-4 times after dying it before sampling.
I BLEACH/HIGHIGHT my hair. Will this affect the analysis results?
Bleaching the hair can affect the HTMA somewhat, so it’s best to wait until you have washed your hair 5 times after bleaching the hair before taking the sample. If you get highlights, it’s possible to simply cut a sample from parts of your hair that have NOT been highlighted.
Will a water softener affect my hair test results?
Yes, it will. If you have a water softener, wash the hair 4-5 times with bottled water, or unsoftened tap water before taking the sample. Reverse osmosis water is also good.
How much hair do I need for the sample?
You will need:
- 1.5 inches/ 3.8 cm in length (a ruler is your friend!)
- enough hair to tip the paper hair scale (comes with your kit) so that, when the scale is tipped, it lies flat against the flat surface it’s placed on. NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS RULE!
- about 1 heaping tablespoon of hair (but please use the hair scale above as the best measuring tool!)
How long after I cut my hair will the sample last?
Technically, a hair sample will last months after it is cut as long as it is stored in a clean paper envelope. But remember, we want a CURRENT snapshot of what is going on with your health. Therefore, a sample that has been recently cut is preferable.