Hair analysis

Hi,

Two questions, does hair analysis really work? And where is a good lab in the UK to get it from?

Thanks!

Conor

[humanbean]

Personally, I'm not a believer in hair analysis. I think the results would depend on your shampoo, conditioner, other hair products. It would depend on how long it was since you washed your hair. I think you would get different results depending on how much pollution there was in your environment that might attach itself to your hair.

There are simply too many outside influences that could affect the results for my liking.

I also wonder where they get their reference ranges from and whether they ever cross-reference and double-check the results they get from hair, with blood samples from volunteers.

[DellFinium]

Interesting question. My first encounter with a Nutritionist resulted in three consecutive hair mineral analyses, taken over 6 months' treatment with supplements, and the difference was quite remarkable as I returned to wellness, so I was quite impressed. A new Nutritionist hasn't done it, and I haven't asked why, as they all have their own approaches.

Reports included graphs showing levels of minerals such as calcium and magnesium, with relevant imbalances and deficits, and metals also included.

I think CSIs use it in drug testing (I seem to remember my husband telling me that, once...he used to work in drugs labs in the 80's). But this isn't quotable.

As always, I'd do your research.

[Clutter]

Conormdrew,

About 40 years ago my mother had hair analysis to see whether her hair was strong enough to take a hair colour and a perm. Answer was not at the same time but interestingly she was advised to see her GP as thyroid dysfunction was indicated. Transpired she was very hyperthyroid.

[Ruthi]

You are supposed to send them clean, no product, no dye hair cut from close to the scalp to minimise contamination.

In my experience they it does work, and mine mirrored a urine analysis done at the same time.

I'm not sure if there are any labs in the UK. My sample went to Trace Elements Inc in the USA who seem to be regarded as the best. I used Pulse Screening.

[Hidden]

I don't think there is sound evidence they work. Where they do produce evidence, it can be confusing. For example, hair analysis which shows low levels of mercury being excreted might just mean the person can't excrete it easily. So if you do it, deep breath, cross fingers .. it might show up something, it will take a lot of research to work out what it is showing. That's true of blood tests too, of course.

[mcenerny in reply to Hidden]

I had the hair analysis done and was quite surprised at its accuracy, consistent with my other labs. If you read the information and follow the directions given very carefully, all of the issues mentioned by the skeptics are taken into consideration, and the analysis of the report explained which results needed verification by other means and why. It also alerted me to a couple of potential health issues that should be checked out with other testing. I found it very helpful, as it explained why some of my health interventions were not working, (due to high metal levels, and which ones). It gave me a starting place to work on getting my system restored. Blood serum labs only reflect your status at that moment in time, and not necessarily at the cellular level, as some components circulate in the blood without being absorbed due to other deficiencies. The hair analysis produces a 3 month window of nutrient status as well as potentially toxic levels of other components in your body. It is not the end-all test by any means, but a careful read of the report tells you what is likely not relevent and why.

[Hidden in reply to mcenerny]

That's really interesting.

[Hidden in reply to mcenerny]

Thanks for that info, where was your test done?

[mcenerny in reply to Hidden]

doctorsdata.com Louisiana, USA

[Hidden]

Thanks to everyone that replied, I need to look into it more but I can't seem to find concrete evidence on their efficacy... Then again there does seem to be a fair number of people who have benefited from it in one way or another.

[Hidden]

If hair is dyed they usually cannot get a clear reading.

[Daisy77]

I have had it done a couple of times. My hairdresser cut the samples for me from near the scalp prior to colouring.

[Hidden in reply to Daisy77]

I had it done too but maybe the routes wernt big enough at the time. They said they couldn't analyse it properly due to the chemicals in the hair dye. I had to go to a centre in Liverpool to give a sample. I suppose it depends what they are testing for also.

[Daisy77]

I waited as long as I could before the colouring, seemed fine.

[LAHs]

Yes basically hair analysis is a wonderful analytical tool but coloring will limit the results. But think of this, you can get an historical record of your exposure and absorption of toxins (esp. mineral) from the recent (close to the scalp) to months ago depending upon when you last had your hair cut. I do not think external factors (like pollution) have much influence since sample prep is a big deal in any type of chemical analysis. They probably rinse it with alcohol and distilled water to say the very least. Hair is very sensitive to our health, I believe you can actually get a bump (or crinkle) in your hair when your are ill.

[Katoir]

I used Trace Elements via naturopath and this flagged up my thyroid issue . I didn't think it could be possible ( no obvious symptoms ) and felt I had miscarried because of stress. I went for blood tests which confirmed underactive thyroid so they were spot on plus I used them when pregnant and supplemented and had a very positive healthy time. I have used mineral analysis to support my health on several occasions .