Honest answers about what our hair screening does, what it doesn’t, and how it compares to other options. If you can’t find what you need here, email info@intolerancelab.co.uk.
The basics
What’s the difference between allergy and intolerance?
They’re often confused, but they’re very different. An allergy is an immediate, sometimes dangerous immune reaction (IgE), often present from a young age. An intolerance tends to develop later in life and takes longer to show symptoms, which makes the trigger harder to pinpoint — screening can help narrow down where to look. If you suspect a food allergy, always see your GP first.
What do you test for?
Around 350 food items and 350 non-food items — pet hair, pollen, detergents and more — 700+ in total. See the full list here.
Is this a test for intolerance?
Yes — we screen for food intolerance, not food allergy. Intolerance symptoms generally sit in the digestive system; allergy is an immune response and can be life-threatening. We don’t test for allergies.
What are the most common food intolerances people explore?
Lactose, casein, gluten, egg, nuts and yeast come up often in our data — but people can react to almost anything. It’s always worth testing rather than guessing.
Who it’s for
Are the tests available on the NHS?
No, but some health insurance providers will cover the cost — contact your provider to check.
What age is the youngest you’d consider testing?
We don’t test anybody under six years old.
Can I take the test if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
Good nutrition matters enormously during pregnancy and breastfeeding. To avoid any possible risk to mother or baby, our policy is not to offer tests, advice or lifestyle changes during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Taking the sample
Are the tests painful?
No — it’s about as painful as plucking a hair from your body (which is to say, barely at all).
My hair is very short — can I still do the test?
Yes. Your sample doesn’t have to come from your head — leg, arm or chest hair all work.
My hair is dyed — will that affect the results?
No, dyed hair doesn’t affect the results.
I’ve already cut out some foods — should I reintroduce them first?
No need. The screen examines your hair at a cellular level, so you don’t need to be actively eating a food for it to show up.
How do I find out my results?
Order online — there’s no kit to wait for. We’ll email your instructions, then you post 9 or 10 strands of hair to our UK lab in an ordinary envelope (standard postage is fine). Your report is emailed within 3 working days of your sample arriving.
Hair screening vs. other methods
How does this compare to a blood test?
They look at different things entirely. A blood test checks for IgE-mediated allergy reactions specifically. Our hair screen looks at a much wider panel of everyday items to help you build a shortlist worth exploring through an elimination diary. They’re not interchangeable, and we’d never suggest one replaces the other for a suspected allergy.
Should I get a blood test or a hair screen?
We only offer hair screening. If a reaction is fast — within an hour or two of eating or contact — that pattern is more typical of an IgE allergy, and your GP is the right first call; they may consider a blood test. If your pattern is slower or harder to pin down, that’s exactly the kind of question our screen is built to help narrow down.
How do doctors test for food intolerance?
Doctors don’t generally run intolerance tests — GPs can order allergy testing, which is a different thing. Some integrative practitioners or naturopaths use IgG blood panels for a narrower slice of intolerances.
Why hair
Can you really screen for food intolerance from a hair sample?
Yes — it’s the method we use. It’s non-invasive (no blood draw, no clinic visit), which makes it easier for children and anyone anxious about medical procedures. It also lets us screen a large number of items from one small sample, and keeps our costs — and yours — down.
What is a good food intolerance test, in your view?
We’d say ours, for a few honest reasons: it’s non-invasive, you can take the sample at home, it works well for children, and one small sample covers 700+ items — more than a typical blood panel. You can read genuine customer reviews on our reviews page.
Understanding intolerance vs. allergy
Does intolerance mean the same thing as allergy?
No. An intolerance is a digestive-system reaction that can take 24–48 hours to appear and isn’t life-threatening, though it can affect quality of life. An allergy is an immediate immune reaction that can be life-threatening and needs medical attention.
What causes food intolerance?
There’s no single answer — possible contributing factors include family history, gut health, antibiotic use, bacterial imbalance, a previous gut infection, or general immune factors. It varies a lot by individual.
What are some signs people associate with food intolerance?
Everyone reacts differently, but bloating, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue, brain fog, skin issues and a runny nose are commonly reported after eating a trigger food. This list is for context only — it isn’t a diagnosis, and persistent or severe symptoms should always go to your GP.
Food allergy questions (we don’t test for these)
We’re an intolerance lab, not an allergy clinic — for anything on this list, please see your GP or an allergist.
How are food allergies diagnosed?
Allergies are immune reactions and can be serious. If you suspect one, see your doctor as soon as possible — they’ll typically use a blood test or a skin-prick test.
Can I test for food allergies at home?
No — allergy testing needs a doctor. If you suspect a food allergy, please see your GP promptly.
What’s the best way to get tested for a food allergy?
Talk to your doctor about the right test for your situation — this isn’t something we offer or a decision we’re placed to make for you.
About us
Are you legit?
Yes. You can read genuine, unedited feedback — including the less flattering reviews — on our reviews page, and see how we handle discount codes on our discount code page. We’d rather you judge for yourself than take our word for it.
