1. Wash your hair
The day before collecting, wash your hair with a plain shampoo (no conditioner, no medicated or dandruff shampoos). Dry it normally — no gels, oils, or hair treatments.
2. Cut the sample
Using clean, stainless-steel scissors, cut hair from the nape of the neck or several spots around the back of the head — as close to the scalp as possible, within 1.5 inches of new growth. You need about a teaspoon of hair (roughly 125 mg).
3. Keep the roots together
Place the hair in the small paper envelope included in your kit with the root ends aligned at the printed top of the envelope, so the lab can read the direction of growth. Never use plastic, foil, or a zip-lock bag.
4. Fill out the form & mail it
Complete the lab submittal form inside the kit with your details, seal the envelope, and mail it by regular first-class mail — no refrigeration or expedited shipping is needed. Results arrive in about 7–10 business days.
A few things to avoid
No hair dyes, permanents, or bleaching within 6–8 weeks of collection if possible (dyed hair can still be tested — just note it on the submittal form). Skip the conditioner and any hair products on collection day, and don't store the sample in plastic.
Where the lab is
Your completed envelope goes straight to the testing lab — the address is printed on the kit's submittal form, so there's nothing extra to look up or pay for.
This page is for general guidance only and doesn't replace the instructions included in your kit. Always follow the collection directions printed in your test kit.