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Abstract An effective analytical method for bromine and iodine determination in human hair using interference-free inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was developed. Human hair was digested based on combustion reaction to obtain compatible solutions with ICP-MS analysis. Using microwave-induced combustion (MIC), masses of human hair ranging from 50 to 300 mg were efficiently digested. Only a diluted alkaline solution (100 mmol L−1 NH 4 OH) was used for the absorption of both analytes, which was fully compatible with ICP-MS analysis. Using these conditions low limits of detection were obtained (LOD of 0.01 μg g−1 for Br and 0.004 μg g−1 for I). Recovery tests at two levels (50% and 100%) using a standard solution or mixtures of the sample with certified reference materials (CRMs) were carried out to evaluate the suitability of proposed method and recoveries between 94% and 102% were always obtained. Accuracy was evaluated by analysis of a human hair CRM, and the Br and I concentrations obtained by the proposed method did not differ significantly from those described in the certificate. Repeatability (RSDs ≤ 4%) and reproducibility (RSDs ≤ 7%) of the results using proposed method were always very suitable. The digests obtained using the MIC method were fully compatible with ICP-MS and the interferences currently found using conventional digestion methods were completely eliminated. Ultra-trace concentrations of Br and I were determined in human hair, demonstrating that the proposed method is a suitable strategy, and it presents several advantages compared to others published in the literature. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • The MIC method provided suitable digests for Br and I determination in human hair using interference-free ICP-MS. • Low limits of detection were obtained for Br and I. • Blank values were negligible and additional dilution step was not required. • The drawbacks of analytical methods for human hair analysis proposed in the literature were overcome. • The proposed analytical method can be used accurately and reliably by researchers in a variety of fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]