When it comes to drug screenings, one particular test has gained a reputation for strictness that surpasses the rest — the hair test. As such, navigating this method of screening requires a deep understanding of hair follicle drug test detection times.
Hair follicle drug tests are becoming more and more popular, and it’s not hard to see why. They are less intrusive and offer a more detailed snapshot of substance use history compared to other types of drug screening. Given that employers can choose not to hire you or even terminate your employment contract based on a positive drug test, the stakes are exceptionally high.
This article will explore the topic of hair drug testing in depth. It outlines how long THC remains in the hair, the process of hair drug testing, and factors influencing detection times. We also provide you with helpful strategies and tips to help you detox your hair and prepare for drug screening.
How Does THC End Up in Your Hair?
THC stands for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the main active ingredient in marijuana that causes a euphoric high. When you consume weed, THC is released into your bloodstream and circulated to various parts of the body. THC eventually binds itself to hair follicles thanks to the blood vessels in your scalp. As your hair grows, it transports the drug residues above the scalp, where a hair test can detect them.
THC may be detected in non-consumers due to second-hand contact. This can happen when you’re exposed to cannabis smoke, which deposits traces of THC on your hair.
How Long Does Marijuana Stay in Your Hair Follicles?
On average, marijuana is detected in hair samples for up to 90 days after the last exposure. This timeline is calculated based on hair growth rate and factors in the section of the hair strand used for drug screening.
If you’re wondering, “how long does delta 8 stay in your system?” The answer would still be about 90 days. All THC compounds, including delta 8, delta 9, and delta 10, are metabolized by the same enzyme and remain detectable for the same period.
Testers collect samples close to the scalp. During screening, they analyze 1.5 inches of hair, which represents three months of growth since hair grows about half an inch per month. Hair growth rate varies from person to person, making this 90-day timeframe an estimate rather than an exact duration. For instance, it may take 90 days for one person to grow 1.5 inches of hair, while another requires 110 days for the same amount of growth.
Compared to other drug screening techniques, hair tests have the longest detection window. Therefore, abstaining from drug use for a few days or even weeks is not enough to help you pass a hair follicle test.
Factors Affecting How Long THC Stays in Your Hair
Now that we’ve answered the question “How long does weed stay in your system?” let’s look at some of the main factors that impact the detection time of marijuana in your hair.
Frequency of Use
Frequent cannabis users are likely to have an extended detection window compared to occasional users. Higher-potency weed also contains more THC, leading to a longer detection time.
Metabolism
Your metabolism affects how fast THC is absorbed and eliminated from your system. Individuals with a faster metabolism will generally process and eliminate drug residues at a quicker rate and, therefore, have a shorter detection window.
Hair Color
People with darker hair colors, such as black and brown, tend to experience longer detection times. This is because these colors are characterized by a high melanin content, which acts as a binding agent for THC.
How Does Hair Drug Testing Work?
Now that we’ve comprehensively answered the question “How long does THC stay in the system?” let’s discuss the hair testing process.
Hair drug screening requires a hair sample for analysis. The collector typically uses scissors to cut 100–120 strands of hair close to the scalp. These samples need to be at least 1.5 inches long. If the hair on your head is too short, body hair can be used for testing. In such scenarios, the collector can obtain a combination of arm, chest, leg, and underarm hair.
After the hair sample is collected, it is sent to a lab, where it undergoes a two-step testing process. The initial screening test, known as ELISA, yields either a negative or non-negative result. A negative test result means that there are no detectable drug metabolites in the specimen. In case of a non-negative result, a confirmatory test (GS/MS) is conducted. This second test confirms a positive drug test result and identifies the specific toxins present in the hair.
What Drugs Can Be Detected?
In addition to pot, hair drug tests can detect a variety of substances, including:
- Opiates (heroin, codeine, and morphine)
- Amphetamines
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
- Cocaine
- Benzodiazepines
- Barbiturates
- Ecstasy (MDMA)
- Methadone
- Propoxyphene
- Methaqualone
There are different panel drug tests, each capable of identifying specific substances. The most common workplace drug screening is the 5-panel test, which looks for marijuana, amphetamines, cocaine, opiates, and PCP. The table below explores hair follicle drug test cut-off levels.
| Drug | Initial test cutoff (pg/mg) | Confirmatory test cutoff (pg/mg) |
| Cannabis | 1 | 0.3 |
| Cocaine | 500 | 500 |
| Opiates | 300 | 300 |
| PCP | 300 | 300 |
| Amphetamines | 500 | 500 |
How Can You Beat a Hair Follicle Drug Test?
If you’re facing the prospect of a hair drug screening, there are a few proven strategies that can alter drug concentration in your hair, allowing you to beat the test.
The Macujo Method
For those wondering how to pass a drug test, the Macujo method remains the ideal solution.
The Macujo method is a hair detoxification regimen designed to eliminate drug toxins from the hair, making it a crucial procedure for those looking to beat a hair follicle drug test. For optimal results, you’ll need to use the right ingredients and follow the step-by-step instructions precisely.
What You’ll Need
- Tide laundry detergent
- Clean and Clear deep cleansing solution
- Heinz vinegar
- Old Style Aloe Toxin Rid Shampoo
- Zydot Ultra Clean Kit
- Goggles (to protect your eyes)
- Rubber gloves (to protect your hands)
- Several shower caps, towels, and combs
Macujo Method Instructions
- Wear your gloves and goggles to protect yourself.
- Dampen your hair with warm water for easy application of products.
- Apply and massage Heinz vinegar into your scalp and hair.
- With vinegar in your hair, saturate your entire head with Clean and Clear. Massage it gently into the hair and do not rinse it off.
- Put your hair in a shower cap and wait 45–60 minutes.
- Wash the mixture away using warm water.
- Shampoo your hair using Old Style Aloe Toxin Rid. Rinse and repeat this step one more time.
- Use Tide detergent to wash your hair thoroughly. Rinse carefully using warm water.
- Use the Zydot Ulta Clean kit to wash your hair again.
The Macujo method is a highly effective technique for passing drug tests, even for extreme levels of toxin exposure. It’s recommended that you repeat the cleansing routine at least 7 times before submitting a hair sample.
Old Style Aloe Toxin Rid Shampoo
Old Style Aloe Toxin Rid Shampoo is the go-to detox shampoo for individuals looking to remove all traces of drugs from their hair. It comes in a 5-ounce bottle, meaning that it can be used for multiple applications. This hair follicle drug testing shampoo is ideal for moderate to heavy levels of toxin exposure and is often paired with Zydot Ultra Clean.
With a $134 price tag, Old Style Aloe Toxin Rid shampoo is relatively expensive. However, this is the most effective detox shampoo on the market.
How to Use Old Style Aloe Toxin Rid Shampoo
- Wash your hair using a regular shampoo, then rinse it with warm water.
- Apply a dime-sized amount of Old Style Aloe Toxin Rid shampoo to your hair. Massage it thoroughly, paying attention to your roots.
- Allow the detox shampoo to sit in your hair for at least 15 minutes.
- Carefully rinse your hair with clean water.
For optimal results, you need to repeat this detox regimen at least 15 times before the test. If you’re short on time, you’ll have to wash your hair multiple times per day to clear toxins before your drug test.
Zydot Ultra Clean Kit
Zydot Ultra Clean is a more affordable alternative, priced at $35.95. However, it’s worth noting that this detox product is designed for light toxin exposure.
A Zydot Ultra Clean kit consists of three separate products: shampoo, purifier, and conditioner. These three components work in synergy to remove drug residues while maintaining the health of your hair.
How to Use Zydot Ultra Clean Kit
- Wet your hair with clean water until it’s saturated.
- Use half of the detox shampoo to lather your hair. Massage it into your scalp and hair for 10 minutes, then rinse it.
- Apply the entire bottle of purifier to your hair. Massage it thoroughly and wait 10 minutes before rinsing it off.
- Wash your hair again using the last half of the detox shampoo.
- Apply the conditioner, let it sit for 3 minutes, then rinse it off.
Which Employers Use Hair Drug Tests?
Since hair strand drug tests have a convenient sample collection process and can detect drug use over a 90-day window, they are quickly becoming the preferred screening method. This is especially beneficial for employers who need to assess the historic substance use of potential employees.
Hair drug tests are used across different industries, including:
- Trucking and transportation
- Financial industries
- Oil and gas
- Construction
- Gaming industry
FAQs
How Long Can Drugs Be Detected in Hair?
Hair strand tests can reveal drug use for up to 90 days after you last partied. Due to this broad detection timeline, hair testing is popular with employers who want to assess an employee’s or candidate’s history of substance use.
Does Old Style Aloe Toxin Rid Shampoo Work for Hair Drug Tests?
Yes. Old Style Aloe Toxin Rid Shampoo is specially formulated to penetrate the hair strands and clear accumulated toxins. Due to its effectiveness, this detox shampoo is a crucial component of the Macujo method.
Will I Pass a Hair Drug Test If I Only Smoke Once?
Hair follicle tests are ideal for revealing a pattern of drug use over a prolonged period of time. If you’ve only smoked once or twice in the last 90 days, the metabolite concentration in your hair may be low enough, allowing you to pass a hair test.
How Long Before A Hair Drug Test Should I Start The Detox Process?
You need at least three days to detox your hair before a drug screening. If you’re a chronic user, you need even more time to complete the detox process multiple times.
Is It Legal To Use Detox Products To Pass A Drug Test?
Yes. Using detox products to prepare for a drug test is a personal choice. Since they are not considered adulterants, a lab would have no reason to test for detox products such as Old Style Aloe Toxin Rid shampoo and Zydot Ultra Clean.
Conclusion
A hair strand drug test is the toughest form of screening for weed users due to its 90-day detection window. As with any other method of testing, abstinence is the only surefire way of passing.
However, if you’ve had recent contact with substances, there are a couple of effective strategies to help you cheat a hair follicle drug test. The first one involves cleansing your hair using a reliable detox shampoo. Old Style Aloe Toxin Rid Shampoo and Zydot Ultra Clean have an impressive track record, having helped countless weed lovers over the years. If you’re dealing with heavy toxin exposure and want to be extra cautious, we’d recommend the Macujo method.
In your search for effective hair testing solutions, you’re bound to come across a host of home remedies. While some have shown promise, they’re still a gamble. Also, detox pills and drinks are more suited to urine drug tests than hair tests.