How to send your sample

Follow these five simple steps to prepare and send your hair sample for analysis.

scissors

Step 1

Cut your sample

Cut a small bundle of hair about 1 inch (≈3 cm) long and about the thickness of a pencil (roughly 50–60 strands). See the FAQ below for more information.

plastic bag

Step 2

Place in the bag

Carefully place your hair sample into the collection bag provided in your kit.

Tip: It’s better to send slightly more hair than too little. If you’re unsure, use the sample checker below before mailing.

enevelope

Step 3

Send it back

Place the collection bag (and any included form) in the prepaid envelope and drop it in any mailbox. No additional postage is required.

Analyze your sample (optional)

Hair in the bag

Not sure if you collected enough hair? Use this service on your phone to upload a photo of the hair sample in the bag, and we’ll estimate whether it’s sufficient for laboratory testing.

Place the hair inside the small envelope. Set the envelope in a well-lit area with even lighting. Avoid harsh shadows. Take a portrait-orientation photo:

  • The photo must be portrait mode (vertical).

  • The envelope must also be portrait orientation (short sides at the top and bottom).

  • Center the envelope in the frame.

Your image will be analyzed using AI services (such as OpenAI or Gemini). Please ensure your photo contains only the hair sample and no personal information.

Please use the QR code to open the page on your mobile device.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Please cut approximately 50 strands of hair, each measuring about one-half to 1 inch in length.

  • Head hair is preferred; however, hair from other areas of the body is acceptable. You may include additional hair if desired.
    The root is not required; please do not pull the hair out.”

  • After obtaining the hair sample, please place it in the square on the specimen envelope and follow the instructions on your phone.

  • Place the specimen envelope and the completed specimen form into the provided return envelope, then deposit it in the mail.

  • No DNA or genetic data are collected

  • No. Your sample can be taken from the cut ends of hair strands—roots are not required. You do not need to pluck hair or include the follicle, and you don’t need to send full-length strands. Simply cut a small bundle to the recommended length and amount, and place it in the collection bag.

  • Not really. What matters most is the total amount of hair (by weight/volume), not how long each strand is. Shorter pieces are fine as long as you include enough hair overall. Aim for the recommended bundle size (about the thickness of a pencil, roughly 50–60 strands). If you’re unsure, use the sample checker to confirm before mailing.