Hair Mineral Analysis Instructions

1. It is crucial that you take the hair sample properly. Specific instructions are on back page of each Hair Analysis Order Form. Read these!

2. Water softeners invalidate the sodium/potassium ratio. If you have a water softener, wash and rinse your hair at least 3 times in another water source.

3. Chemical treatments (dyes, perms, straighteners, etc) can contain metals that influence the test results. Hair must be grown out (at least 1½ inches) and only new growth used for the hair sample.

4. With a “home” color you need to wait 4-6 weeks and wash the hair 10-12 times. With a salon treatment you need to wait 6-8 weeks with 10-12 washings. In either case virgin (non-treated, new growth) is always preferred.

5. Regarding shampoos or other hair products that can alter results:

• Grecian Formula contains lead and iron.
• Head and Shoulders contains zinc and selenium.
• Selsun Blue contains selenium.
• Gels, creams, and hair spray can contain small amounts of minerals but mainly they have the ability to attract elements from the environment, dust and dirt from air that contain metals.
• Swimming pools can increase copper and sodium.

6. Use a clarifying shampoo like Suave Clarifying Shampoo (i.e. a shampoo that removes all products from the hair) and refrain from using any products on the hair until the sample is taken. It is recommended that the hair sample be taken after shampooing and has been dried for 4 hours and not more than 24 hours.

7. Use stainless steel thinning shears for shorter hair and stainless steel scissors for longer hair. Use only the first 1-1½ inches from the scalp out, discarding the rest of the hair.