Hair Analysis: What These Test Patterns Tell You

When looking at a Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis report, understanding mineral patterns is one component to good interpretation. If interpreted correctly, there are numerous variables a hair test can identify. This includes: Adrenal Function, Thyroid function, Toxic Metals & Hidden Toxic Metals, Various components of Digestive Function, Carbohydrate Tolerance.

In addition to this, there are several additional mineral patterns that can be identified on a hair test. These patterns can reveal much about a person’s behavioral tendencies, stress patterns as well as nutrient deficiencies. The following are some examples of hair tests. Credit is hereby given to my teacher in Hair Analysis Lawrence Wilson, MD for his contributions to this article summation.

‘4 Highs’ Pattern

A 4 Highs Pattern is when the first four electrolyte minerals are elevated, higher than the “Ideal”. A 4 Highs pattern is identified with Calcium greater than 40, Magnesium greater than 6, Sodium greater than 25 and Potassium greater than 10. A 4 Highs Pattern reflects abnormally high deposit of minerals into the hair, which is a major sign of “bio-unavailability” of these minerals.

4 Highs Patterns often reflect defensiveness, as well as deep stressors of some kind. Dr. Wilson identifies the 4 lows pattern as being a “secondary alarm reaction”.The extraordinary stress may be induced from numerous factors, including toxic, heavy metals.

Also noted in this test are significant levels of toxic metals, including mercury, aluminum and cadmium. It is suspected with this test that there are more metals that are hidden. As the 4 highs pattern corrects through nutritional balancing, it is common to see metals coming out in greater amounts.

‘4 Lows’ Pattern

Lows pattern is quite different than a 4 highs pattern. 4 lows pattern is a sign of severe digestive distress. It is often a sign of a Hydrochloric acid (HCL) deficiency. There may be numerous reasons for this, including underlying infections, gut permeability, and low intestinal immunoglobulin function.

A 4 Lows pattern represents severe stress, often exhaustion, as Dr. Wilson describes 4 lows: “a car spinning its wheels and getting nowhere fast.”

The low phosphorous level of 12 also indicates impaired digestive function.

Accompanying 4 lows on this hair test is a high sodium/potassium ratio, indicative of hyper adrenal function.

4 Lows patterns can oftentimes take quite a while to correct, as often stomach and gut repair needs to be facilitated.

The high mercury is likely higher and is reflective of “hidden” mercury.

“Calcium Shell”, Adrenal Hypofunction with Copper Toxicity

A Calcium Shell is when hair calcium is higher than 165. This test reveals hair calcium of 209. It is a sign of biounavailable calcium. Accompanying this pattern is also some biounavailable magnesium, which is indicated by the Mg level of 14.0. A Calcium shell indicates psychological withdrawl, suppression or repression, as Dr. Wilson puts it: “living behind a wall of calcium.”

Accompanying this pattern is hidden copper toxicity as indicated by high zinc, high calcium and a low sodium/potassium ratio. Copper toxicity is a serious problem that is very common.

Also reflected on this hair test is diminished adrenal function as indicated by both a low sodium/potassium ratio and a low sodium/magnesium ratio.

Arsenic, Mercury, Copper Toxicity, Adrenal Hyperfunction, ‘Step Down’ Pattern

A Step Down pattern appears when the first 4 electrolytes appear to have a continuous descension. A person is often persevering despite “great odds”.

Accompanying this pattern is excess adrenal activity as indicated by the elevated sodium/potassium ratio. This person’s arsenic level and copper levels are extremely high, indicated high values of these metals.

The elevated calcium/magnesium ratio indicates excess carbohydrate consumption.