Hair analysis is a process to measure your hair's mineral content. The idea is that the mineral content of the hair mimics that of the body. If your hair shows too much or too little of certain minerals, your body would have too much or too little of the same level. Some medical experts say that hair analysis may reveal hidden medical problems. Others dispute those claims, calling them quackery.
Minerals
Hair analysis can reveal whether your body has enough calcium and other minerals. It can also show whether you have been exposed to radiation, mercury, pesticides and food chemicals. Doctors who provide hair analysis say that such testing can show metabolic dysfunctions and allergies before symptoms appear.
Costs
Depending on the equipment used and other factors, costs of the procedure can range from $40 to $200 or more. The procedure is not generally covered by insurance.
Procedure
A doctor sends a hair sample (usually from the back of the neck) to a testing laboratory. The lab will analyze proteins in the hair's fiber to show what toxins, vitamins and minerals are present.
Controversy
Dr. Steven Barrett of Quack Watch disputed claims that hair analysis can detect disease. He cited a report by the American Medical Association (AMA) that noted that body health may be unrelated to hair condition. He also said commercial labs have not checked their techniques against standard reference materials and that normal levels of hair minerals have not been defined. He further noted that hair's mineral contents can be affected by color, diameter, growth rate, geography, season and the person's age and gender. Because of slow growth, the hair sample submitted for testing may not accurately reflect current body conditions.
Dr. Barrett quoted the AMA's position on hair analysis, adopted in 1984 and reaffirmed 10 years later: The AMA opposes chemical analysis of the hair as a determinant of the need for medical therapy and supports informing the American public and appropriate governmental agencies of this unproven practice and its potential for health care fraud. Barrett noted that many hair analysis labs have closed down or stopped offering the service.
Current Status
Jeannette Curtis of Healthwise, states that hair analysis has become more reliable and acceptable over the past 20 years however, there is still a concern of false positive results and that mineral content in hair can vary by hair color and ethnicity.
Warning
If you choose to have your hair analyzed, be advised that this service is often provided by nutritional counselors and others in an effort to sell vitamins, nutritional supplements and nutritional services. Combine the results with those of a physical exam and other medical tests (as well as a family and personal medical history) in order to get a more complete health analysis.
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