Haar
Hair cortisol
Psychological stress research is often interested in measuring cortisol secretion over extended periods of time. Whilst the occasional occurrence of acute cortisol reactions may not be particularly problematic for an organism, the cumulative burden of frequent hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activation and / or long-term changes to basal cortisol secretion is associated with a range of maladaptive effects. Common measurement strategies only reflect acutely circulating cortisol levels (blood or saliva) or cover cortisol secretion over short time periods usually not exceeding 24 h (urine). The analysis of cortisol in hair constitutes a major methodological advancement here. Being incorporated into the growing hair, hair cortisol concentrations are assumed to provide a retrospective reflection of integrated cortisol secretion over periods of several months.
FAQs (frequently asked questions) about hair cortisol
Prof. Dr. C. Kirschbaum
Biopsychologie – TU Dresden
Zellescher Weg 19, Raum 212
D – 01062 Dresden, GERMANY
phone: +49-1525-3724735
Use a courier service that will deliver the samples within 3-4 working days (TNT, FedEx, UPS etc.).
When filling out the paperwork, DO NOT STATE ANY COMMERCIAL VALUE (write 0.1$ in the form; otherwise we will have to pay taxes). Name the following customs tarif number: 3001 20100.
The hair sampling is a very important step in the process of hair steroid analysis. This presentation will give you all relevant information concerning this subject
For hair steroid analysis one single hair strand with an overall diameter of at least 3 mm (⅛ inch) is needed. Please note, if the hair strand is too thin, a correct result cannot be guaranteed. However, hair sampling normally does not leave any visible marks and is mostly well tolerated by participants.
The single hair strands can be placed in separate aluminium foils and stored at room temperature over long periods of time. Please find further information concerning hair storage / packaging in this general presentation.
Please send us the filled out “order form” both via email (Ina.Kaden@tu-dresden.de) and place a copy in the package when sending the samples. It is important that the single packed hair samples are all labelled with consecutive numbers. Please also send us an Excel-File with all hair samples and corresponding code via email (Ina.Kaden@tu-dresden.de)
Instructions for hair sampling and shipping samples
Instructions on labelling and shipping hair samples
Order Form Hair
How to make the packthread loop
Anfertigung Haarschlaufe (deutsch)
How to make the packthread loop (english)
Instructions for hair sampling (Video)
Video "How to collect a hair sample"
More detailed technical information can be obtained from our scientific papers under "Publications".