Need to pass a hair test, but in a short period? Unlike urine tests, hair follicle tests can trace the drug for up to 90 days. Yet, do not worry. Though there is no magical solution, some methods may help. This blog describes "how to pass a hair follicle test in 2 days."
What is a Hair Follicle Test?
A hair follicle test is a type of drug test that can detect both illicit and non-illicit substances. It can detect illegal drugs such as marijuana, ecstasy, cocaine, etc., and prescription medicines. A little hair sample (at least 1.5 inches) from the head is taken for hair testing. The sample is subsequently subjected to examination.
How to Pass a Hair Follicle Test: 3 Detoxification Methods
Even though the hair follicle test is well known for its high accuracy, you can still beat it. The first step is to stop consuming drugs. Another method is detoxification, which is the basis of passing the test.
Here are three quick ways to clear a hair drug test:
1. Use A Detox Shampoo:
If you have a hair follicle test coming up, one of the first things you should do is invest in a good quality detox shampoo.
A detox shampoo can work by deeply cleansing your hair and scalp of any toxins or residue that may be present.
Old Style Aloe Rid Shampoo and Zydot Ultra Clean are the best detox shampoos for hair tests, and they have the special blend of chemicals that can remove drug residues such as THC from your hair.
When applied to wet hair, the vivid green shampoo densely lathers up and effectively eliminates impurities.
How to use a detox shampoo:
First, shampoo your hair with ordinary shampoo, and then rinse it.
Now, massage detox shampoo into your hair follicles.
Allow it to sit in your hair for 15-20 minutes before rinsing it off.
For the best results, use it every day until the day of your hair follicle test.
2. Macujo Method:
The other detox method that can be helpful. But, it may cause hair damage because the more you damage your hair, the less the drug metabolites it produces. Repeat the Macujo method three times the day before the test and then again in the morning.
Follow this procedure step by step:
Wet your hair with lukewarm water. Slowly pour vinegar into your scalp and hair. Massage it thoroughly for 10 minutes. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes.
Now, use salicylic shampoo to wash your hair. Make sure all of your hair strands are thoroughly covered in shampoo.
Cover your head with a shower cap and leave the vinegar and shampoo on your hair follicles and scalp for 30 minutes.
Now, rinse off your hair with lukewarm water.
Shampoo your hair once again with the Aloe Rid Detox Shampoo. Allow the shampoo to work its way into your scalp and hair by massaging it for several minutes. Thoroughly rinse it at least two times.
The final step is to wash your hair with a modest Tide detergent until it is completely clean.
3. Jerry G Method:
The method was devised to dissolve the cuticle and eliminate any leftover metabolites in the hair cortex. Follow this procedure step-by-step:
At least 10 days before your hair follicle test, stop taking substances.
On the first day, you discontinue the drug, bleach your hair, and use an ammonia-based hair dye to restore the color of your hair.
Now, carefully wash your hair with a detox shampoo like Aloe Rid Detox Shampoo. Avoid using a hairdryer to minimize hair damage as much as possible.
Repeat the technique after 10 days. Bleach, color, and shampoo with Aloe Rid Detox Shampoo.
A few hours before the hair drug test, apply baking soda paste to your hair. Allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes. Then, wash off the paste with the Aloe Rid Detox Shampoo before taking the test.
How to Prepare for a Hair Drug Test?
Follow these tips to prepare and beat a hair drug test:
Stop Using the Drugs
The first and best approach to prepare for the drug test is to discontinue the use of the drugs at least 3 months before undergoing a test, as a hair follicle test can detect the drugs for up to this period.
Avoid Hair Treatments
Hair treatments like dyeing or bleaching can help eliminate drug particles, but they can worsen the problem as chemicals used in these treatments can negatively affect the hair. This can impact test results.
Inform the Lab About Current Medications
Certain over-the-counter or prescription medicines may affect the test results, giving false positives. So, always inform the lab about your current medications.
Keep the Hair Clean
Wash your hair frequently using detox shampoos to remove the accumulated drugs and prevent the buildup of smoke, dust, and other particles from the surroundings.
Avoid Overusing Hair Products
Do not use hair products like gels, hair serums, and sprays frequently, as they can accumulate on your hair, making it difficult for detox shampoos to work effectively. Use them occasionally before undergoing the test.
Reduce Stress
Stress affects hair and metabolic processes that can indirectly impact the test outcomes. So, manage your stress by sleeping, exercising, or meditating, helping the body get cleansed internally and maintaining the hair’s health.
How Does a Hair Drug Test Work?
This is how it works:
Sample Collection: A lab technician cuts about 1.5 inches of a hair follicle from the root and checks it.
Lab Analysis: They wash the hair and chemically treat it to extract and analyze the drug metabolites with the help of advanced approaches such as GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry).
Results: The lab detects the presence of certain drugs and their quantities. It can identify usage patterns.
What Can a Hair Test Detect?
A hair sample can reveal the presence of narcotic compounds, the most famous of which are:
Opioids like codeine, morphine, and heroin
Amphetamines like Methamphetamines, Ecstasy, Eve.
Cocaine
Marijuana
Phencyclidine
Here are the drugs with their initial and confirmatory screening cutoff that can help evaluate the preparedness for your hair drug test.
Drug Class | Initial Screening Cutoff | Confirmatory Testing Cutoff |
Opiates | 300 pg per mg | 300 pg per mg |
Marijuana | 1 pg per mg | 0.3 pg per mg |
Cocaine | 500 pg per mg | 500 pg per mg |
Amphetamines | 500 pg per mg | 500 pg per mg |
Phencyclidine (PCP) | 300 pg per mg | 300 pg per mg |
Detection Window of a Hair Drug Test
Hair follicle drug tests are known for detecting drugs for a long period. The time of drug detection in hair samples is up to 90 days, based on the situation. Here is its detection window according to the frequency of use:
Usage Frequency | Detection Window |
Single and occasional use | Up to 90 days |
Moderate use (1 to 3 times a week) | Up to 90 days |
Regular use (4 to 6 times a week) | Up to 90 days |
Heavy use (daily) | Up to 90 days |
Factors Impacting Hair Test Results
The accuracy and detection window of a hair drug test can vary based on these factors:
Frequency of Use: The more frequently you take drugs, the more the body will accumulate them in hair follicles, leading to increased chances of their detection.
Recent Use: A study says that use of the drug within the last few days might not be detectable, as drug metabolites take about 1 week to reach hair follicles.
Metabolic Rate: People with a faster metabolism will metabolize the substances quickly, leading to less retention of drug metabolites in the hair, thus lowering the risk of detection.
Hair Type & Color: The darker and thicker the hair, the higher the chances of detection of metabolites, as the hair shaft consists of more melanin.
Hair Length: Research shows that drug tests can detect drugs from a 1.5-inch hair sample within the last 90 days. However, longer hair length can increase the detection time.
Body Mass Index (BMI): Individuals with a lower BMI might metabolize and eliminate the drug metabolites faster than those with a higher BMI. This is because their bodies store fewer metabolites, which reduces the risk of their accumulation in hair follicles.
Environmental Exposure: In some situations (like secondhand drug smoke), drug metabolites can end up in the hair, which can trigger false positive results.
Home Testing Kits: A Private & Confident Way to Prepare Before the Test
Home testing kits are a convenient approach to check if you are ready for the real hair follicle drug test.
This is how it works:
First, take a small hair follicle, generally from your head's top as it gives the most accurate test result, and collect it in an envelope or pouch.
Send the hair sample to the laboratory for the detection of drugs or their metabolites.
Once the test is done, similar to a professional testing procedure, you will get the detailed report of the test.
The whole process of the test takes a few days to one week, depending on the schedule and delivery time of the lab.
Benefits of Home Testing Kits
Privacy & Convenience: Offer testing for yourself without needing anyone else to conduct the test. Also, they are convenient to use as they come with everything you need to collect and send the sample.
Early Detection of any Problems: Before undergoing an official drug test, these testing kits let you know whether there are any potential issues. If they still detect any traces, you can further take more preparation steps.
Confidence Boost: Passing the home test can make you more confident, reducing the risk of anxiety and uncertainty. This can let you perform better during the professional drug test.
Potential Drawbacks:
Not 100% Accurate: They can give an idea of how appropriately your body has detoxed, but they are not as precise as professional drug tests.
Limited Scope: May not identify all the drugs and their metabolites, so some substances may not be detectable.
Expensive: They can be costly, especially if you need more kits several times. The price can vary based on the type and laboratory used.
Disapproving Common Myths
Here are some popular myths about hair drug testing with facts:
Myth 1: Bleaching the hair will eliminate drug metabolites.
Fact: Metabolites generally penetrate the internal part of the hair shaft, where the bleaching product can't reach. So, bleaching doesn't remove the drug.
Myth 2: Shaving the hair will clear the way for positive results.
Fact: No, it can't. A hair drug test can be conducted using hair from any part of the body.
Myth 3: Discontinuing the drug immediately can help you pass a drug test.
Fact: No, hair drug tests can detect drug metabolites for up to three months (90 days). So, if you stop taking it before the test, you might not have enough time to eliminate the drugs.
Myth 4: Drug results are always 100% accurate.
Fact: No, there is not always 100% accuracy. Some hair tests might give false-positive or false-negative results due to several factors like new hair growth, current medicines, and short detection of recent use.
Summing Up
So, how to pass a hair follicle test in 2 days? Hair follicle tests are hard to pass, but not impossible. The first and foremost precaution is to discontinue the use of substances. Using detox shampoo is another easy and most effective method. You can also use home remedies like the Macujo and Jerry G methods to pass a hair follicle test. But before undergoing a test, inform your current OTC and prescription medications to the lab technicians as some medicines can give false positive results.
Read Also: How to Pass a Drug Test for THC: Tips & Detox Methods
Frequently Asked Questions
Are detox shampoos foolproof?
No, they are not. But, they can lower the amount of the drug, giving a better chance to pass the test.
What will mess up a hair follicle drug test?
Hair treatments such as bleaching, coloring, and shampooing can impact the drug concentration, which can mess up test results.
Does hydrogen peroxide remove drugs from hair?
It may slightly lower the drug metabolites in hair, but it is unreliable for removing them completely.
Will I pass a hair drug test if I smoked once?
Yes, you can pass the test, but it will depend on the test timing and probability.
Does sweating help pass a hair follicle drug test?
No, it can't help pass the test, as metabolites are accumulated inside the hair, which can't be eliminated through sweat.
Reviewed by
