Heavy metal concentrations were measured in 150 human hairs samples collected from five provinces in China to investigate heavy metal exposure levels and influencing factors. The gender, age, diet and lifestyle habits of the volunteers were investigated through questionnaires to analyze their effects on hair element concentrations. Metal concentrations in hair were 1.62 μg/g (Mn), 0.99 μg/g (Co), 0.22 μg/g (Cd) and 8.49 μg/g (Pb), which were low compared with those reported in mine contaminated areas. Cd concentration was higher in females than males, Pb concentration was lower in the elder group and the younger group. No difference of Cd and Co concentrations among rice consumers and/or wheat consumers was found. Pb concentration in rice consumers were higher than those in rice and/or wheat consumers. Fish consumption were a factor affecting hair Cd and Pb levels, while smoking was not one main pathway of hair Cd and Pb exposure.