What this test measures
Hair Analysis Profile uses inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to quantify dozens of metallic elements in hair samples. Heavy metals deposited in growing hair stay there until the hair is cut, providing a time-window record (about 1 month of growth per 1 cm of hair near the scalp). Panels typically include toxic metals (mercury, arsenic, lead, cadmium, aluminium) and a range of essential and trace elements.
It is important to set expectations honestly: hair is a reliable matrix for documenting chronic methylmercury exposure (the form in fish) and some chronic arsenic exposure. It is much less reliable for essential nutrients (zinc, copper, selenium etc.) because external contamination from shampoos, hair products, water and dust strongly affects results.
Why it matters
Chronic mercury exposure from fish consumption — and chronic arsenic exposure from groundwater (a major problem in West Bengal, Bihar, parts of Assam and the Indo-Gangetic plain) — both deposit in hair over months. Hair analysis is an accepted tool for documenting cumulative exposure, especially when blood/urine levels are equivocal or exposure has stopped.
In Indian occupational and environmental medicine, hair analysis is appropriate for: investigating chronic methylmercury exposure in fish-heavy diets; community surveys in arsenic-affected districts; documenting historical exposure when a worker has left a high-exposure job; and forensic investigations. It is NOT appropriate as a wellness "detox" screen for asymptomatic individuals, and it is NOT a reliable test of nutritional or mineral status — claims that "low hair zinc means you need supplements" are not supported by evidence. Many private "hair mineral analyses" sold direct-to-consumer have been criticised by professional bodies for unreliable interpretation.
How to prepare
Stop hair colouring, perms, bleaching for at least 6 weeks before sample collection. Wash hair with normal shampoo (not medicated, anti-dandruff, or specialty products) the day before. Sample is cut from the scalp (close to root) — about 1 g of hair (a small bundle 3–5 cm long). Tell the lab if you regularly swim in chlorinated pools, work in dusty or metal-rich environments, or use unusual hair products — these affect interpretation.
Markers & reference ranges
Reference ranges below are typical adult values. Your lab's reported range may differ slightly based on the assay platform and patient demographics — always read your report against the range printed on it.
| Marker | Normal range | If low | If high |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Mercury (µg/g (ppm))[1][2] | < 1 ppm (general population) · WHO action level: > 5 ppm | Low — consistent with limited recent methylmercury exposure. | 1–5 ppm: moderate fish consumption or environmental exposure. >5 ppm: significant chronic exposure (heavy fish diet, occupational); WHO threshold for neurodevelopmental concern in pregnancy is 1–2 ppm. |
| Hair Arsenic (µg/g (ppm))[1] | < 1 ppm | Low — consistent with limited chronic exposure. | 1–5 ppm or higher suggests chronic environmental exposure (most commonly contaminated groundwater in India). Confirm with urine arsenic speciation. |
| Hair Lead (µg/g) | Reference values not well standardised | Likely no chronic exposure. | Confirm with blood lead — hair lead is less reliable than blood lead because of external contamination. Use as a screen only. |
| Hair Zinc / Copper / Selenium (µg/g) | Reference ranges variable; nutritional status not reliably inferred | Low hair levels do NOT reliably indicate body deficiency — many studies show poor correlation with serum and clinical status. Use serum/plasma instead. | High hair levels often reflect external contamination from products, water, or environment, not body excess. |
Hair vs blood vs urine — what each tells you
| Element | Best matrix | Hair as supplement? |
|---|---|---|
| Mercury (methyl, chronic) | Hair | Yes — gold standard |
| Arsenic (chronic environmental) | Urine speciation | Yes — supplements urine |
| Lead (current burden) | Whole blood | Limited — contamination issues |
| Cadmium (cumulative) | Urine | Limited |
| Zinc / Copper / Selenium (nutritional) | Serum/plasma | NO — hair unreliable |
| Calcium / Magnesium (status) | Serum + 24-hr urine | NO — hair not useful |
Frequently asked questions
Is hair analysis a reliable nutritional test?
No. Multiple position statements (CDC, US Federal Trade Commission) have warned that hair mineral analysis is not a reliable test of body mineral or nutritional status. Many commercial "hair mineral profiles" make unsupported claims.
When is hair analysis genuinely useful?
For documenting chronic methylmercury exposure (fish), chronic arsenic exposure (especially in arsenic-affected districts), and certain forensic / occupational scenarios where a time-window of exposure is needed.
How much hair is needed?
About 1 g (a small bundle 3–5 cm long) cut close to the scalp from multiple sites at the back of the head.
Will hair dye affect results?
Yes — significantly. Avoid colouring, perming or bleaching for at least 6 weeks before sample collection.
My hair has high zinc — should I worry?
Probably not. High hair zinc is often caused by zinc-containing shampoos or external contamination. If body zinc status is a concern, your doctor will use a serum zinc test.
Should I get a hair test as a routine health check?
No. Broad hair element panels in asymptomatic, low-risk individuals are not evidence-based. They often produce results that are misinterpreted and lead to inappropriate "detox" therapies.
How long does the report take?
Typically 5–7 working days because of low-volume specialised processing.
Related Autoimmune / Rheumatology tests
Tests commonly ordered alongside HAIR ANALYSIS PROFILE, or that help interpret an unexpected result.
Sources & references
- ATSDR — Toxicological Profiles · accessed 2026-05-30T00:00:00.000Z
- WHO — Mercury and Health Fact Sheet · accessed 2026-05-30T00:00:00.000Z
- CDC — Hair Analysis Limitations · accessed 2026-05-30T00:00:00.000Z
- Mayo Clinic Labs — Hair Analysis · accessed 2026-05-30T00:00:00.000Z
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