How to - htma
The kit that you receive includes:
An order form, which doubles as an envelope to send your sample to the lab.
A “balance” for measuring the right weight for your hair sample.
A small envelope for your hair sample to go into.
Do NOT use any Shampoo that contains:
Zinc (eg Heads and Shoulders, Anti-dandruff Shampoo)
Selenium (eg Selsum Blue)
Please avoid using conditioners or other products on your hair after you wash it.
The hair should also be free of all gels, oils and hair creams prior to sample collection.
If your home has a water softener before sampling hair you must shampoo it twice with either unsoftened tap water, or preferably reverse osmosis/distilled water.
The portion of hair to be collected should be untreated.
This means that the sample can NOT be permed, dyed* or bleached. If all of the hair has been chemically treated, wait at least 2 weeks before sampling.Most samples are taken from the nape of the Neck or from the base of the skull, however anywhere on the head is acceptable. (More info below)
Cut in thin lines from various locations of the scalp, to avoid obvious bald spots.
Cut off any hair that exceeds 1 inch long and retain the sample closest to the root.
Place cut hair together on the scale - when the scale tips, you have provided enough hair for the lab.