Have you been considering Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) but aren’t sure how to collect your hair sample at home without my help? Many people are interested in this type of testing, but feel unsure about the process.
The good news is: it’s actually very simple.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to take a proper hair sample for HTMA so you can get accurate, meaningful results.
What Is HTMA and Why Does It Matter?
HTMA (Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis) is a powerful tool that helps us understand your body’s mineral balance over time.
This gives insight into:
- Metabolism
- Stress patterns
- Energy production
- Nervous system regulation
- Mineral deficiencies and imbalances
I use HTMA as the starting point in my Personalized Detox & Health Optimization Program, where we create a customized plan using nutrition, targeted supplements, and—when needed—additional functional testing such as Organic Acids or GI-MAP.
Can You Do HTMA at Home?
Yes! You absolutely can.
While I often collect samples for in-person clients, I also work with many people remotely. The only difference is that you (or someone helping you) will collect the hair sample at home.
And with a few simple guidelines, it’s very easy to do correctly.
Before You Start: Hair Sample Preparation
To get the most accurate results, follow these simple guidelines:
- Your hair should be clean and completely dry
- Use your regular natural shampoo and conditioner, but keep things simple (no color-enhancing or super emollient types)
- Avoid styling products (gels, mousse, oils, sprays, leave-ins)
- Avoid medicated or mineral-based hair products (like dandruff shampoos) for 1–2 days before sampling
- Do not apply any products after washing your hair
Most importantly:
👉 The sample must come from natural, uncolored hair close to the scalp
If you color your hair, simply wait until you have about 1 inch of new growth before collecting your sample.
How to Take a Hair Sample for HTMA
You’ll need:
- Clean, dry hair
- Scissors
- Your collection envelope and scale (provided when you begin the program)
- A paper towel (optional, for easy cleanup)
Step-by-step:
- Cut small amounts of hair from multiple areas of the head
This ensures a more representative sample - Cut as close to the scalp as possible
We are only using the most recent hair growth - Keep only the first inch of hair closest to the root
Discard the longer ends - Repeat until you have enough hair to meet the required sample weight
That’s it! Simple and straightforward.
What If You Have Short Hair?
If your hair is very short, your stylist can collect the sample during your next haircut.
Just make sure:
- Your hair is clean
- No products are applied before the cut
Why Proper Sampling Matters
Accurate sampling is important because your HTMA results guide your entire protocol.
Hair products, chemical treatments, or improper collection can affect the mineral readings, so following these steps helps ensure we’re working with reliable data.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’ve been dealing with:
- Low energy
- Digestive issues
- Hormone imbalances
- Metabolic concerns
…and you’re ready to look deeper at what’s going on in your body, HTMA is a powerful place to start.
You can learn more about working with me here 👉 Personalized Detox & Health Optimization Program
Or reach out directly by emailing me at brandy@falconhealingarts.com. I’m happy to guide you through the process!
