Hair Analysis for Trauma: Scam or Science?

The Big Question: Can Hair Really Reveal Trauma?

We’ve all been there—scrolling past wild wellness claims that sound too good to be true (or maybe just too weird). So when a fellow practitioner cornered us on a social media ad we're running and blurted, “Seriously, hair analysis for trauma? Is that even real, or is it the latest bit of snake oil?”—I'll admit, we laughed and rolled our eyes a bit before we answered.

But honestly, it’s a fair question. With the internet serving up miracle cures left and right, skepticism is healthy! That’s exactly what this video dives into: Does HTMA (Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis) have real value for supporting trauma recovery, or should we toss it in the bin with mood rings and magnetic bracelets?

The Skeptic’s Challenge: Can Hair Really Spill Our Secrets?

Here’s the thing—most lab work gives you a fleeting snapshot: one stressful week or big night out, and boom, your cortisol is all over the map. But your hair? It quietly records the story of how your body has been dealing with survival stress and trauma over the long haul, strand by strand (no, it doesn’t predict lottery numbers, sorry).

We break down how HTMA works, why a skeptic’s eyebrow raise is warranted, and the surprising ways hair can show us the body’s long-term adaptations to chronic stress. It’s not about handing out diagnoses or becoming a human polygraph or crystal ball. It’s about connecting the dots between lived experience, physiology, and psychology—minus the hocus pocus.

Why This Matters for Practitioners (and Our Inner Skeptics)

We’re not here to preach or peddle magic bullets. We’re here to show what happened when we put HTMA under the microscope—metaphorically and literally. If you’ve got a client whose symptoms seem to have no rhyme or reason, or you’ve ever wondered, “Am I missing something crucial here?”—this one’s for you.

So if you’ve ever rolled your eyes at a new wellness trend, congratulations, you’re in good company! Bring your questions, your doubts, and maybe your sense of humor. Let’s see if hair analysis has earned its place in trauma-informed care—or if it’s just another overhyped trend.

Click play—and let’s get skeptical (in the best way possible).

First published on January 13th, 2025. We update accordingly as new information and insights emerge.