What Is Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis and How Can It Help You?
What Is Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA)?
HTMA is a functional test where a small sample of your hair is dissolved and analysed with precision. This allows us to see both your nutritional status and potential heavy metal toxicities. Because hair stores minerals and metals over time, HTMA gives us a window into what’s happening at the cellular level—not just a “snapshot” like a blood test might provide.
What Does HTMA Measure?
Nutritional Elements
Calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, copper, zinc, phosphorus, iron, manganese, chromium, selenium, boron, cobalt, molybdenum, and sulphur.
Toxic Elements
Uranium, arsenic, beryllium, mercury, cadmium, lead, and aluminium.
Additional Elements & Ratios
HTMA also examines the balance between essential minerals and the ratios between nutrients and toxins—giving us insights into how your body is actually using what it takes in.
What This Test Can Tell Us
From these measurements, we can gather valuable information about:
Metabolic type – How quickly your body converts food into energy.
Adrenal and thyroid function – Indirect markers of stress response and energy regulation.
Liver function – How effectively your liver is detoxifying and balancing minerals.
Digestive function – Clues about how well you’re absorbing nutrients from food.
Heavy metal toxicities – Detecting harmful exposures that may be impacting your health.
Why HTMA Can Be So Helpful
Minerals are the spark plugs of the body—they’re involved in every cellular process, from energy production to mood regulation. When minerals are out of balance, symptoms can show up as:
Fatigue or burnout
Brain fog or poor concentration
Anxiety, irritability, or low mood
Poor sleep
Hormonal imbalances
Difficulty coping with stress
Slow recovery from illness
Digestive issues
HTMA doesn’t just identify deficiencies; it shows patterns of imbalance. For example, you might not be “low” in magnesium, but if calcium and magnesium are out of ratio, you could still experience symptoms.
What Happens After the Test?
Once your HTMA results are back, a practitioner interprets the patterns—not just the individual numbers. From there, you receive a personalised plan that may include:
Nutritional guidance
Mineral and vitamin supplementation (tailored to your ratios)
Lifestyle adjustments to support adrenal, thyroid, or liver function
Herbal support where appropriate
Detox strategies if heavy metals are present
This makes HTMA not only a diagnostic tool but also a roadmap for creating balance and supporting long-term vitality.
Hi, I’m Meg, a naturopathic herbalist helping people reconnect with their health through the power of plant medicine. I offer personalised herbal consultations Australia-wide, combining traditional wisdom with modern naturopathic principles to create tailored herbal support for your unique needs.
The information provided on this website is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please see my full disclaimer here.
