Hair Deficiencies Blood Test
Healthy hair, strong nails, and radiant skin are outward reflections of your inner health. Our Hair Health Panel is a comprehensive blood test designed to go beyond the surface and uncover the internal factors influencing your appearance. This is not a home testing kit; the blood sample is expertly and safely taken by us, ensuring the highest level of accuracy and reliability. By analyzing key biomarkers, including essential vitamins, minerals, and other indicators, this test helps to identify the nutritional deficiencies or imbalances that may be the root cause of your concerns. This detailed information provides the scientific foundation needed to create a truly effective and personalized wellness strategy, leading to visible and lasting improvements.
Indications
This comprehensive panel is for anyone who wants to optimize their overall health, with a special focus on those experiencing issues with their hair, skin, and nails. It is particularly beneficial for:
Individuals with Hair Concerns: If you are experiencing hair thinning, excessive shedding, slow growth, or a lack of vitality and shine, this test can pinpoint the exact deficiencies contributing to your concerns.
Clients with Brittle Nails: For those with nails that are weak, brittle, or prone to breaking, the panel can reveal the nutritional imbalances that are compromising their strength.
Those with Skin Issues: The test provides insights into how internal factors are affecting your skin's health, helping to address issues like dullness, dryness, or a tired appearance.
People Starting a New Regimen: If you are about to begin a hair, skin, or nail treatment plan, this test helps ensure it is targeted and effective from day one.
Anyone Seeking to Optimize Their Health: It's an excellent tool for those who want to fine-tune their diet or supplement routine with scientific data, ensuring they are giving their body exactly what it needs
What we test, in detail
DHEAS
is the sulphated form of DHEA, a hormone which declines gradually from the age of 30. It is produced by the adrenal glands and is responsible for male characteristics in both men and women. DHEAS levels affect hair as elevated levels can be converted into androgens, which can cause hair follicles to shrink and lead to hair thinning and hair loss.
A raised result in women may contribute to hirsutism (excess hair) as well as male body characteristics. It can also be raised in polycystic ovary syndrome.
In both sexes raised DHEAS may indicate Cushing’s disease (when the body produces too much cortisol) as well as a possible adrenal tumour.
Low levels of DHEAS may indicate adrenal dysfunction and could contribute to a low libido, fertility problems and, in women, osteoporosis.
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CRP
C-Reactive Protein (CRP) is an inflammation marker
CRP levels affect hair by indicating the presence of inflammation in the body, which can damage hair follicles and contribute to excessive shedding or other inflammatory-related hair loss conditions. It does not identify where the inflammation is located. High Sensitivity CRP (CRP-hs) is a test which is used to detect low-level inflammation which is thought to damage blood vessels which can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
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TESTOSTERONE
Testosterone levels affect hair because its conversion to a more potent form, DHT, can shrink hair follicles and disrupt the growth cycle, leading to common forms of genetic hair loss. Testosterone is responsible for your bone and muscle strength, mood, energy and sexual function.
Testosterone levels lower as you become older it is unusual to find naturally elevated levels in men. Low testosterone is more common than raised.
Raised testosterone for women can result in male characteristics such as body hair, greater bulk, a deeper voice and acne of which are all symptoms of polycystic ovaries, a condition in which elevated testosterone is commonly seen.
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FOLATE
Folate levels affect hair by supporting cell division and red blood cell production, which is crucial for the rapid growth of hair follicles and for preventing premature hair loss or greying. Folate is needed by the body in your diet every day plays a role in DNA replication and protection, it’s important for the production of red blood cells as well as in the prevention of neural tube defects in babies.
Low levels can indicate anaemia and can be implicated in raised homocysteine levels.
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IRON
Iron levels affect hair by being essential for haemoglobin, the protein that transports oxygen to the scalp and hair follicles, making a deficiency a common cause of hair loss and thinning. The test measures the volume of iron within your blood with the aim of diagnosing iron deficiency anaemia or iron overload syndrome (haemochromatosis).
The symptoms of too little or too much iron can be very similar I.e fatigue, muscle weakness, moodiness and difficulty concentrating
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MAGNESIUM
Magnesium is an abundant mineral which the body needs for energy production, nerve function and muscle contraction. Magnesium levels affect hair by supporting protein synthesis and promoting healthy blood circulation to the scalp, which are both essential for strong hair follicle function and growth.
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VITAMIN D3
Vitamin D is important for bone strength as well as energy levels, mood, and immune health. Vitamin D3 levels affect hair by stimulating the formation of new hair follicles and helping to regulate the hair growth cycle, which is essential for preventing premature hair shedding and thinning.
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B12
Vitamin B12 levels affect hair by being essential for the production of red blood cells, which deliver oxygen and nutrients to the scalp and hair follicles, thereby promoting growth and preventing shedding.
How does it work
Very straightforward. You make an appointment to come in, after a consultation we take your blood and send it to our partner laboratory where the tests take place. You will receive the results within 2 working days in an email from us.
Once you receive your results, we will help you interpret them, but discussing them with a healthcare provider is always recommend.
A professional can help interpret the findings and create a personalized strategy to enhance your well-being. Based on your results, you may need dietary adjustments, tailored exercise plans, or supplements to support hormone balance. In cases of significant imbalances, hormone therapy may be an option.
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This test is not just about identifying problems—it’s about empowering you to take charge of your health and well-being.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Active Localized Infection: An active infection, rash, or skin disease at the intended puncture site.
Allergy to Materials: A known allergy to latex (used in some tourniquets and gloves) or to alcohol wipes used for sterilization.
Blood Clotting Disorders: A history of bleeding disorders such as hemophilia, or if the client is on strong blood-thinning medication (like warfarin), as this increases the risk of a significant hematoma (bruising). In such cases, a medical professional must be consulted first.
Severe Vasovagal Response: A history of fainting or severe dizziness during blood draws. The procedure can still be performed, but the client must be lying down to minimize the risk of injury.
PRE TREATMENT
Hydration: Drink plenty of water in the 24 hours leading up to your appointment. Staying well-hydrated makes the injection process smoother and helps your body utilize the vitamins more effectively.
Avoid Blood Thinners: If possible and with a doctor's permission, avoid taking blood-thinning medications or supplements (such as aspirin, fish oil, or large doses of Vitamin E) for 2-3 days before your appointment to minimize the risk of bruising at the injection site.
Eat Before Your Appointment: Have a light meal or snack beforehand to prevent light headedness, especially if you are prone to needle phobia.
Avoid Alcohol: Limit or avoid alcohol consumption for at least 24 hours prior to your treatment, as it can dehydrate the body and thin the blood.
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Wear Appropriate Clothing: Advise the client to wear a short-sleeved or loose-sleeved shirt that can be easily rolled up.
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Inform of Medications: The client should inform about all medications and supplements they are currently taking, as some can influence test results.
AFTER CARE
Apply Pressure: Maintain pressure on the bandage or cotton ball placed over the puncture site for 2-5 minutes to prevent bruising.
Keep the Bandage On: Keep the bandage on for at least 30 minutes to an hour.
Avoid Heavy Lifting: Refrain from heavy lifting or strenuous exercise with the arm that was used for the blood draw for the rest of the day to minimize the risk of a hematoma.
Keep the area clean and avoid swimming pool, sauna and steam rooms for 24h.
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Stay Hydrated: Continue to drink water to rehydrate.
Monitor the Site: for any signs of prolonged bleeding, severe swelling, redness, or pain, Contact us if these occur.