Hair follicle tests have become increasingly common in workplace drug screening and legal situations. These tests can detect drug use over a longer period than urine or blood tests, making them harder to beat. This article will explain how hair follicle tests work and provide information on ways people try to pass them. We’ll also discuss the importance of staying drug-free for your health and career.
What is a Hair Follicle Test?
A hair follicle test checks for drug use by analyzing a small sample of hair. Usually, about 1.5 inches of hair is cut from close to the scalp. This sample can show drug use over the past 90 days or even longer.
How Hair Follicle Tests Work
When you use drugs, they enter your bloodstream. As your hair grows, it absorbs traces of these drugs from the blood. The drugs become trapped in the hair shaft as it grows out from your scalp.
The testing process involves:
- Collecting the hair sample
- Washing the hair to remove external contaminants
- Dissolving the hair to release any trapped drug molecules
- Using sensitive lab equipment to detect drug traces
Drugs Detected by Hair Tests
Hair follicle tests can find many types of drugs, including:
– Marijuana
– Cocaine
– Amphetamines (like meth or ecstasy)
– Opioids (heroin, morphine, codeine)
– PCP
These tests are very sensitive and can detect even small amounts of drugs.
Why Hair Tests are Hard to Beat
Hair tests are tough to cheat for several reasons:
- Long detection window: They can show drug use from months ago.
- Hard to tamper with: You can’t easily swap or alter the sample.
- Sensitive: They can detect even occasional drug use.
- Comprehensive: They test for many different drugs at once.
Common Myths About Passing Hair Tests
There’s a lot of bad advice out there about beating hair tests. Let’s clear up some common myths:
Myth 1: Shaving your head will work
Reality: Labs can use body hair if head hair isn’t available.
Myth 2: Special shampoos can clean your hair
Reality: Most “detox” shampoos don’t work. The drugs are inside the hair, not on the surface.
Myth 3: Bleaching your hair removes drugs
Reality: While bleaching might reduce drug levels, it rarely removes them completely.
Myth 4: One-time use won’t show up
Reality: Even single use can sometimes be detected, especially for heavy drugs.
Methods People Use to Try Passing Hair Tests
While we can’t recommend ways to cheat on drug tests, it’s important to understand what methods people attempt. Remember, many of these are risky, unreliable, or illegal.
- Abstinence
The most reliable way to pass a hair test is to stop using drugs completely. It takes time for your hair to grow out clean, usually about 90-120 days for head hair.
- Hair Treatments
Some people try harsh chemical treatments to damage their hair and hopefully remove drug traces. This includes bleaching, perming, or using strong detergents. These methods are risky and often ineffective.
- Shaving
While shaving your head won’t work (they’ll use body hair), some people shave their entire body. This is extreme and suspicious.
- Detox Products
There are many shampoos and products claiming to clean your hair. Most don’t work because drugs are inside the hair shaft, not on the surface.
- Hair Replacement
In extreme cases, people have tried to replace their hair with clean hair from someone else. This is very risky and easy for testers to spot.
For more detailed information on passing hair follicle tests, you can check out WRAP EDMS’s advice on how to pass a hair follicle test.
The Risks of Trying to Cheat
Attempting to cheat on a hair follicle test is risky:
- Legal consequences: Tampering with a drug test can be illegal.
- Job loss: Getting caught often means immediate firing.
- Health risks: Some “cleaning” methods can harm your skin or hair.
- Wasted money: Many detox products are expensive and don’t work.
The Importance of Staying Clean
Instead of looking for ways to cheat, consider the benefits of staying drug-free:
Better Health
Drug use can harm your body and mind. Quitting improves your overall health and well-being.
Career Opportunities
Many good jobs require drug tests. Staying clean keeps your options open.
Legal Safety
You avoid the risk of legal trouble related to drug possession or use.
Financial Benefits
Money spent on drugs can be saved or used for better things.
Improved Relationships
Drug use often strains relationships with family and friends. Quitting can help heal these bonds.
Tips for Quitting Drug Use
If you’re using drugs and worried about passing a test, the best long-term solution is to quit. Here are some tips:
Seek Professional Help
Doctors, counselors, and addiction specialists can provide support and treatment options.
Join Support Groups
Groups like Narcotics Anonymous offer peer support and proven strategies for staying clean.
Identify Triggers
Understand what situations or emotions make you want to use drugs. Learn to avoid or cope with these triggers.
Find Healthy Alternatives
Replace drug use with positive activities like exercise, hobbies, or meditation.
Build a Support Network
Surround yourself with people who support your goal of staying clean.
Be Patient
Recovery takes time. Don’t get discouraged by setbacks.
What to Expect When You Stop Using
When you quit drugs, you might experience withdrawal symptoms. These can include:
– Anxiety or irritability
– Sleep problems
– Appetite changes
– Physical discomfort
These symptoms are usually temporary. They show your body is adjusting to being drug-free.
How Long Does It Take to Test Clean?
The time it takes for your hair to test clean depends on several factors:
- Type of drug used
- How often you used
- Your metabolism
- Hair growth rate
Generally, it takes about 90-120 days for head hair to grow out clean. Body hair can take longer because it grows more slowly.
Preparing for a Hair Follicle Test
If you know you have a hair test coming up and you’re clean:
- Avoid secondhand smoke or accidental exposure to drugs.
- Keep your regular hair care routine. Sudden changes might look suspicious.
- Be honest about any medications you’re taking. Some can affect test results.
- Stay calm. If you’re clean, you have nothing to worry about.
Understanding False Positives
Sometimes, hair tests can show a “false positive” result. This means the test wrongly indicates drug use. Causes can include:
– Certain medications
– Some foods (like poppy seeds)
– Hair treatments
– Lab errors
If you get a false positive result, you can usually request a more detailed confirmation test.
Your Rights and Hair Follicle Testing
It’s important to know your rights regarding drug testing:
– Employers must usually inform you about their drug testing policy.
– In most cases, you have the right to refuse a test, but this might affect your job.
– You should be informed of positive results and given a chance to explain.
– Some states have laws limiting when and how employers can conduct drug tests.
Conclusion
Hair follicle tests are a powerful tool for detecting drug use. While there are many myths and questionable methods for trying to beat these tests, the most reliable approach is to stay drug-free. If you’re struggling with drug use, remember that help is available. Quitting not only helps you pass drug tests but also improves your health, career prospects, and overall quality of life.