How to Collect a Hair Sample at Home (Step by Step)

By Root Cause Test · Updated October 26, 2026

Collecting a sample for an at-home wellness scan takes about five minutes. This guide walks through the general steps for hair and saliva, and what to avoid so your sample is usable. After you order a Root Cause scan, your client portal has the exact instructions for your kit; follow those if anything differs.

What you need

• Clean scissors
• A clean sheet of paper or a small paper envelope
• A small zip bag or envelope for the saliva sample, as described in your instructions
• A regular mailing envelope and a postage stamp (or the optional $15 prepaid kit)

Collecting the hair sample

1. Start with clean, dry hair. Wash with your usual shampoo and skip gels, sprays, or oils that day.
2. Choose an inconspicuous spot, such as the back of the head near the neck. Take small snips from a few places rather than one patch.
3. Cut close to the scalp. The hair closest to the root is the most recent growth.
4. Collect a small amount, roughly a pinch or about a tablespoon of loose hair, unless your instructions say otherwise.
5. Place it on clean paper, fold it, and put it in the envelope. Avoid plastic for the hair itself unless instructed.

No head hair? Body hair can often be used instead. Check your portal instructions or contact us.

Collecting the saliva sample

1. Do not eat, drink (other than water), smoke, or brush your teeth for about 30 minutes beforehand.
2. Follow the saliva collection method in your instructions.
3. Seal it and label it with your name and order details.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Using hair with fresh styling products on it
• Touching the sample with greasy or lotion-covered fingers
• Forgetting to include your name or order details
• Sealing a damp sample; let it dry first

Mailing your samples

Standard letter mail is free on our side: put your samples in a regular envelope, add a postage stamp, and mail them. The optional $15 prepaid kit is only for convenience. If you want the fastest turnaround, send the envelope overnight. The collection-site address is in your post-purchase email and on the instructions page after you log in.

Typical turnaround is 7 to 14 days after your samples arrive. See the full how it works page for every step.

Related guides

• Bioenergetic Testing Explained: What It Is and What It Is Not
• Hair Sensitivity Test vs Lab Tests: An Honest Comparison
• Food Sensitivity vs Food Allergy: What Is the Difference?
• How Much Does Bioenergetic Testing Cost? 2026 Price Comparison
• What is a bioenergetic hair and saliva scan?

Wellness information only. Not medical advice. Not an allergy test or medical diagnosis, and not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to a licensed clinician about symptoms or health conditions.