Drug tests are normal procedures that are applied in various circumstances including employment, lawsuits, and sports. Hair follicle drug testing is believed to be efficient among all the forms of drug testing and has the longest window period. In this guide, you will find out what hair drug testing is and ways on how to pass the test.
A hair drug test is a method where an individual’s hair strand is tested for any drug and its by-products. Unlike urine samples or saliva tests that may only show drug use in the past few days, hair tests can show use over the past three months – up to 90 days. Drugs taken orally enter the bloodstream and when the hair is growing it absorbs the metabolite of the drug. Testing starts with a scalp hair sample or from other body areas if needed. At a lab, chemicals extract drug residues from the hair shaft. Advanced methods confirm the results’ accuracy, crucial for reliable outcomes.
During a hair drug test, a small piece of hair that amounts to 1. 5 inches is then removed from the scalp. This sample is then taken to a laboratory, where with chemicals the analysts can extract drug residues from the hair. These residues are then subjected to some tests like immunoassay and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in order to determine whether these drugs are present.
The first method of drug detection is immunoassay, in which antibodies are used to search for traces of a particular drug. If it shows a positive result, the sample is rechecked with GC-MS. This method is very accurate, identifying specific drug residues and measuring how much is there. Using both tests helps reduce mistakes, so the results are as correct as possible.
The window of detection of weed in a hair follicle depends on the frequency and quantity that the person uses it. Here are the general guidelines:
Up to 7 days. In case you have used marijuana once, its usage will most likely be identifiable in your hair for up to a single week. This is because the concentration of drug metabolites is comparatively small, and they may not penetrate the hair shaft.
Up to 30 days. For those who use marijuana occasionally, the detection window extends to about a month. Occasional use means that drug metabolites are deposited in the hair more frequently, increasing the likelihood of detection.
Up to 60 days. Average or frequent users who take marijuana often but not daily shall be able to detect the drug in their system for two months at most. The regularity of use is much higher, and this results in a higher concentration of metabolites in hair.
Up to 90 days. Heavy users, people who take marijuana often, are likely to produce higher levels of drug metabolisms and this will be seen in hair for the next three months at least.
Up to 90 days. Cannabis has up to a 30-day detection in moderate, occasional users, while those who use marijuana on a daily basis have a detection window of up to 90 days. This leads to a high accumulation concentration of the metabolized substances that in turn ensures that the drug is easily detected in the body for some time.
Up to 90 days. The amount of marijuana detected in the hair is found to increase with the duration of use, and chronic users will discover that the substance can be identified in their hair for as long as 90 days. The buildup of the metabolites in the hair guarantees that only long-term use will be detected on the hair test.
This examination looks for various drugs, and each of them possesses a certain level of detectability. Here are the substances tested and their cutoff levels:
Detected at very low concentrations (1 pg/mg with EIA, 0.30 pg/mg with GC-MS), focusing on THC.
Includes heroin, morphine, and codeine, detected at 300 pg/mg with both EIA and GC-MS.
Covers drugs like methamphetamine and MDMA (ecstasy), detected at 500 pg/mg using EIA and GC-MS.
Cocaine and its byproducts are detected at 500 pg/mg with both EIA and GC-MS.
Phencyclidine (PCP) is found at relatively low levels, detected at 300 pg/mg with both EIA and GC-MS.
These cutoffs are designed to capture a substantial amount of drug use while minimizing the risk of false positives due to random exposure or consumption.
Hair drug tests are mandatory in situations like these. Here are some common situations where passing a hair drug test is crucial:
| Scenario | Description |
| Corporate Compliance | Required by companies to ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies and regulatory standards. |
| Healthcare Settings | Mandatory in healthcare professions to maintain patient safety and uphold professional standards. |
| Federal Employment | Necessary for federal employees to meet government regulations and maintain national security standards. |
| Sports Integrity | Performed in professional sporting associations to address issues of drugs and alcohol and ensure compliance with the set standard. |
| Educational Institutions | Implemented in school-going systems to guarantee a secure environment for the learners and their overall well-being. |
Some factors can influence the outcomes of this hair drug test. All these factors may be useful knowledge so that you get better prepared and stand a better chance of acing the test.
Individuals who have a higher BMI will retain drug byproducts for a longer time because such substances are stored in fat tissues and diffuse into the bloodstream in a slow and steady manner.
Faster metabolism means toxins are processed and removed quickly. This can lower the amount of drug byproducts in hair.
Using drugs often or in large amounts increases the concentration of byproducts in hair, making detection more likely.
Younger people usually metabolize drugs faster, helping clear byproducts more efficiently.
Darker, thicker hair tends to hold onto drug byproducts more than lighter or finer hair. This is because darker hair has more melanin, which can attach to drug byproducts.
| Interpretation | Description |
| Negative Result | Indicates that no detectable traces of specific drugs were found above the threshold level. This suggests that the individual has abstained from drug use recently. Negative results are generally reliable, although factors such as hair growth rate may occasionally influence outcomes. |
| Positive Result | Indicates that drug metabolites were detected above the threshold level. This confirms recent use of the tested drugs within the detection window. Positive results undergo confirmation using advanced techniques like GC-MS for accuracy. Consequences vary depending on the context, such as employment, legal, or athletic scenarios. Additional testing, disciplinary measures, or other actions may follow based on the policies of the administering organization. |
There are various methods to pass a hair drug test. These include detox shampoos, natural methods, and more intensive treatments. Let’s explore each method in detail:
Macujo Aloe Rid Shampoo classic is one of the most effective shampoos for cleaning hair from drugs for the passing of a hair drug test. This shampoo easily detangles the hair and is particularly designed to cleanse the hair shaft of the metabolite of a particular drug. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to use it:
There is another hair detox shampoo for passing hair drug tests called Zydot Ultra Clean Shampoo. This shampoo is meant to operate on hair shafts in order to lower the remaining amounts of the drug metabolites which remain in the hairs. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to use it:
Macujo Method is among the most used detox method in passing hair drug test. This process encompasses several procedures that enable the opening of the hair cuticle and extraction of drug metabolites within the hair shaft. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the process:
The Jerry G Method is another effective detox method for passing hair drug tests. This method uses the treatment of bleaching/ dyeing the hair in order to wash out drug metabolites. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the process:
In addition to detox shampoos and intensive treatments, there are also natural methods for passing a hair drug test. These methods involve lifestyle changes and natural remedies to help remove drug metabolites from the hair. Here are some natural detox methods:
A healthy diet supports the body’s natural detoxification processes and helps remove drug metabolites from hair, but it’s not a complete solution on its own. To detox effectively through diet, focus on drinking plenty of water to flush out toxins and support detox processes. Eat antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables daily to neutralize toxins, and avoid processed foods that can interfere with detoxification. Include detoxifying foods like garlic, ginger, turmeric, and leafy greens in your meals to further aid in detox efforts. Remember, while diet is beneficial, it’s essential to consider additional factors for a comprehensive detox plan.
Regular exercise supports the body’s natural detox processes and helps remove drug byproducts from hair, but it’s not enough alone. To use exercise for detox, do cardiovascular activities like running or swimming for 30 minutes most days to boost circulation. Include strength training with weights or bodyweight exercises 2–3 times weekly to build muscle and aid detox. Sweating from activities like hot yoga or sauna sessions can also help expel toxins through the skin. For effective detox, combine exercise with other strategies.
Proper hair care plays a role in removing drug byproducts and supporting the body’s detox processes, but it’s not sufficient on its own. To detox through hair care, follow these tips: Wash your hair regularly with a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo to remove external residues. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or dye that can damage hair and make metabolite removal harder. Opt for natural hair care products instead. Condition your hair weekly with deep treatments to maintain its health and strength, which can help resist damage. Remember, while caring for your hair is important, a complete detox plan should include other methods too.
Shaving your head is not a foolproof method. If you arrive with a shaved head, testers may use body hair, which has a longer detection window, or request a different type of test.
Regular shampoos cannot remove drug metabolites from hair. Detox shampoos and specific detox methods are required for effective results.
While hair drug tests are highly accurate, false positives and false negatives can occur. Factors like hair treatments and environmental exposure can influence results.
Passing a hair drug test requires a combination of effective detox methods, healthy lifestyle choices, and proper hair care. By understanding the hair follicle drug test process and using the methods outlined in this guide, you can increase your chances of passing the test and achieving your goals. Whether you’re facing a pre-employment screening, a return-to-duty test, or a legal proceeding, being prepared and informed is the key to success.