how to cut hair

The requirements for getting an accurate representation of the present trace mineral levels from a hair analysis include taking a proper sample. These instructions describe the correct procedure to follow: 

Hair should be clean and dry when it is being sampled. The sample should be taken between four and twenty-four hours after washing. For the best quality results, use plain shampoo and do not add any conditioner or any products after washing. Retest samples should be taken from the same area as the original sample if at all possible. If you have a water softener, wash hair at least 4 times in non-softened tap or reverse osmosis water. If you use a bleach treatment on your hair, sample the hair before bleaching or wash the hair for at least a few weeks before cutting your sample. Tints and dyes rarely effect the test because they do not contain minerals, therefor this is not an issue. 

Head hair taken from the nape of the neck (see illustration below) will provide the best sample. The growth of the hair here is relatively steady and should give good, consistent results. Although head hair is best, if not possible, axillary hair, pubic hair or other body hair may be used. The growth pattern here varies and is rather sporadic, but it produces adequate results. Note, however, that samples from the head and different parts of the body should not be mixed. 

A standard comb and regular stainless-steel scissors are all that are needed. For short hair, thinning shears may be used to keep from disturbing the hair style as much as possible. With long hair, a hair pin or clip may also be useful. Do not send in hair cut from an electric shaver, as it will skew the results. 

Comb and lift a section of hair at the nape of the neck. Either pin or clip the section or hold it up out of the way. Separate a smaller section (as shown in Photo A) and cut the hair as close to the scalp as possible. For short hair 1 1/2" in length, or less use the entire sample. For long hair over 1 1/2" in length cut off and use 1 1/2" of the hair from the end that was next to the scalp (the root end, as shown in Photo B). Discard the rest. If you have a paper scale (call or email if you’d like me to send you one) place the hair on the “X” of the card until the scale tips or send in a heaping tablespoon full. Place hair in an envelope with your name, age and gender. Do not use plastic bags or aluminum foil. 

*The sample should be about the size of one heaping tablespoon.*