To collect a hair sample, you cut small amounts of hair from close to the scalp at the back of your head, keep only the inch or so closest to the scalp, and place the hair in the bag or envelope from your kit. Hair samples are stable at room temperature and do not require refrigeration or special storage before shipping.
Important: Register your kit before you collect. Follow your kit for the exact amount of hair required — the target differs between test types.
Before you start
Use clean, sharp stainless-steel scissors. Do not use a razor, clippers, or electric trimmer — these do not produce the cut end needed for analysis.
Do not collect chemically treated hair. If your hair has been permed, dyed, bleached, relaxed, or straightened, wait at least one month for new, untreated growth before testing.
Label the collection envelope or barcode sticker with your name, date of birth, and collection date. Use a blue or black ballpoint pen — not a felt-tip or dry-erase pen. Unlabeled samples are rejected.
Note: If you cannot use head hair, some kits allow pubic hair as an alternative. Do not mix hair from different body sites in the same sample. Note the collection site on the label if your kit asks for it.
Cutting the sample
Part your hair at the back of your head near the nape of your neck. Collecting from this location gives the most consistent sample for testing.
Cut from 5–6 small, spread-out areas so you do not leave a visible thin spot.
Cut as close to the scalp as possible. The segment nearest the scalp reflects the most recent growth and is what the test measures.
Keep only about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of hair from the scalp end, and discard the rest. If your kit instructs you to keep the root end aligned or taped, follow those directions.
How much hair to collect
The required amount depends on your specific kit. The table below describes the two most common measurement methods.
Method | Target |
Cardboard scale (included in some kits) | Add hair to the white circle until the scale tips down and touches the table. One tip equals 0.25 gram; most kits need 0.5 gram total (about two tips) |
No scale (volume estimate) | About 200 mg — roughly a tablespoon of loosely packed hair, approximately the thickness of a pencil |
Keep cutting and weighing or estimating until you reach the amount your kit specifies.
Packaging your sample
Place the collected hair in the clear zip-lock bag or collection envelope provided in your kit.
Confirm the label is complete and seal the bag or envelope.
Place it in the shipping envelope.
Hair samples do not require refrigeration and can be shipped any day of the week, including Fridays.
Need more help?
If you cannot collect enough hair or recently chemically treated your hair, contact our support team through chat with your Kit ID. There is no cost for a replacement collection kit when a new sample collection is needed for the lab to complete your analysis.