Would I get results from HMA if my hair is dyed?
Broadly speaking after six or so washes if it is semi-permanent then testing will be fine. If permanent you really need to wait until the hair grows out at the roots, which is where you will take the sample from. This is the official line just because it saves clients being concerned about the results.
In research it has only ever been hydrogen peroxide (i.e. bleaching agents) and lead (i.e. blackening agents) that have been found to distort results – also selenium sulphide found in some lightening shampoos. However, we suggest a cautious approach just in case the manufacturers have changed the format of the dye. The client is asked to inform us of the hair colouring used. We don't compensate for the colouring but note it so that if we get a really “wild card” result we will try and check the ingredients.
In a nutshell, Dr Watts usually says that it is fine to go ahead and test, but if the client is concerned wait six weeks!
Depending on the type of hair dye used, you may wish to go ahead right away or wait for a little while. Your hairdresser should be able to advise on the ingredients in the dye.
What minerals does the test look at?
Calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, copper, zinc, phosphorous, iron, manganese, selenium, chromium, boron, cobalt, molybdenum, sulphur, germanium, barium, bismuth, rubidium, platinum, thallium, vanadium, strontium, tin, titanium, tungsten, zirconium
Toxic minerals: antimony, uranium, arsenic, beryllium, mercury, cadmium, lead, aluminium
Significant ratios: Ca/P, Na/K, Ca/K, Zn/Cu, NA/Mg, Ca/Mg, Fe/Cu
Toxic ratios: Ca/Pb, Fe/Pb, Fe/Hg, Se/Hg, Zn/Cd, Zn/Hg, S/Hg, S/Cd, S/Pb
What about vitamins?
Minerals are found in the hair – vitamins are not! But because of their inter-relationship, a HMA can give important indications about the need for vitamins. For example, vitamin D helps maintain strong and healthy bones by retaining calcium so anyone suffering from rickets (disturbed calcium metabolism) would normally be recommended to use vitamin D. If a HMA shows a low level of calcium, it's likely that there's a need for increased vitamin D.
Zinc metabolism needs adequate levels of vitamin B6; vitamin C aids iron absorption - the list goes on!
Are hair samples washed before analysis?
Yes. I know there is dispute as to whether samples should be washed or not, but Dr Watts, and other eminent scientists are of the opinion that washing out substances that may have contaminated the hair externally is best.
Which laboratory is used and what is their method?
The US Laboratory we represent in the UK (Trace Elements Inc.) uses an induction coupled plasma emission spectrophotometer (ICP) and an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AA) to analyse the elements. The laboratory is certified by The Department of Health and Human Services which certifies all clinical laboratories and is inspected regularly by the State Department of Health. All clinical laboratories must adhere to these guidelines (Clinical Laboratories Improvement Act).
How much does it cost?
The test and analysis results cost £50 sterling. This can be as one payment, or by ordering my ebook for £5 sterling followed by a payment of £45 sterling when you send your hair sample. (Instructions for taking the sample are contained in the ebook).
For immediate online delivery of an ebook giving comprehensive information on mineral deficiencies or excesses that may be damaging your health, including a test kit, pay £5 via the Google Checkout link (on the left of the page) or pay $10 (plus local taxes) with ClickBank's secure servers below.
Order eBook Via ClickBank's Secure Servers
Should you then order a test, a balance of £45 sterling is payable when you return your hair sample.
Alternatively, for the test kit only (no ebook) send £5 sterling cheque made payable to “Nutrition 4 All” and posted to:
Nutrition 4 All
Dept (4-HMA)
34 Kynaston Wood
Harrow
HA3 6UA
United Kingdom