How To Pass A Hair Drug Test in 2020: 4 Proven Ways To Beat It
Need To Pass A Hair Drug Test In Your Future?
You’ve come to the right place.
On this site, you’ll find the latest information about how to pass a hair follicle drug test, get your questions answered, and learn about the four proven ways to beat it – including which THC detox shampoos work best, how long you need to abstain – and more.
If you have a question about your situation, I’m more than happy to help. Just leave a comment at the bottom of any page.
Alright, let’s get straight to it:
Four Proven Ways To Beat a Hair Drug Test
If you’ve been using drugs frequently for more than a few days recently and have a hair drug test coming up soon, then there are only four proven ways to pass a hair drug test, as follows:
- Abstain for 110+ Days: The most proven way to beat a hair test is also the simplest. Just stop using at least 110 days before your next hair test.
- Shave It All Off: Don’t have 110 days before your test? Then you can try shaving your head and your body. But be warned: most test labs are onto this trick. If they can’t get a 90-day sample of hair, then they may fail you.
- Do-It-Yourself Detox: You can try stripping THC and other drug traces from your hair using a proven home hair cleaning regimen and/or detox shampoo. The Macujo and JerryG methods are two proven at-home hair detox regimens that lots of people swear by.
- Use Detox Products That Work: Only a select few hair detox shampoos can clean traces of alcohol and drugs out of your hair. But skip the drinks and pills – they won’t help you on a hair drug test.
Learn more about these four methods.
What Would You Like To Know?
- How The Hair Drug Test Works
- Proven Ways To Beat The Hair Drug Test
- Two Home Remedies That Work
- Detox Products That Work
Hair Drug Tests Are Now the Norm
In the U.S., the hair drug test is gaining favor over older and more frequently used urine and blood tests for three reasons:
- Hair tests detect a much longer history of drug use: Hair stores a longer history of drug use than either urine or blood, which are limited to days for most drug types.
- Hair tests are harder to cheat: there are no privacy issues with removing a hair sample from a person’s head, so the sample can be taken in full view.
- Older tests are losing effectiveness: urine testing has become less reliable due to the proliferation of cheat products like synthetic urine and powders.
Occupational, Health, and Safety magazine recently recommended that H.R. departments use it over other methods.
In response, the market for home remedies and cheat products has boomed. Today, there are dozens of companies claiming they can help you pass a hair drug test with flying colors.
But can they?
Why I Built This Site
A few months ago, a good friend asked me to check the internet to see if there was any way to beat an upcoming hair test he was facing. We were in a restaurant, so I did what most people do – I Googled it on my phone.
The search results frustrated me. Most of the sites were unreadable, old forum posts, or filled with cheesy bylines and popups. NONE of them worked on my phone (see example below).
I’m an app developer, so this irked me. Don’t these people understand their audience (young, mobile)??
So, I took it upon myself to collect the most reliable facts and information I could find and get it into a site that anyone can read on their mobile phone.
To get smart, I interviewed friends that have used some of the home remedies, detox products, and test kits I found; I visited dozens of forums online; and, I spent a LOT of time researching the subject both on and off the web.
I learned there is compelling evidence that some products and cleaning methods improve your chances of passing a hair drug test – even if you’ve recently smoked pot, snorted cocaine, or taken narcotics. I also learned which products and methods work the best, based on feedback from real people who used them.
There are three groups of people who might find this site useful: drug users, employers, and health professionals. Each has a stake in the hair drug test.
Let’s start by discussing HOW hair drug tests work (not too complicated), then move into the various methods people are using to get around them today.
How The Hair Drug Test Works
The reason a hair follicle test works are simple: your hair needs blood to grow, and it gets that blood via the root of the hair follicle.
When you use drugs, traces of the drug are deposited directly from your bloodstream into and onto the hair shaft, via the hair follicle. Either the drug itself is deposited, or your body may react to a drug by producing metabolites, which are then deposited onto and into your hair.
As your hair grows over time, the chemicals that are deposited onto your hair store a record of your drug use, sort of like the rings of a tree record the changing of the seasons.
What Happens During the Test
When you arrive at the test location, a small sample of hair will be cut from the top or back of your scalp right at the skin line and placed into a sealed container.
A sample length of about 1.5 inches is typically taken because human hair grows about 1-2 inches every 90 days, and the period most commonly sampled is 90 days.
The sample is then sent to a lab to be tested for trace chemicals. Turnaround time on the hair follicle test is typically short, less than three days.
Which Drugs Are Detected By A Hair Drug Test?
The following chart shows which drugs are detectable by hair drug tests – and how far back in time drug use can be detected for each method.
As you can see, pretty much every drug stays in your hair, once it’s there.
Detection Times for Alcohol and Other Drugs
| Drug Type | Cutoff Level | Detection |
| Alcohol | N/A | 90 days |
| Marijuana | 50 ng/mL | 90 days |
| Cocaine | 300 ng/mL | 90 days |
| Amphetamines | 1000 ng/mL | 90 days |
| Opiates | 2000 ng/mL | 90 days |
| PCP | 25 ng/mL | 90 days |
| MDMA | 500 ng/mL | 90 days |
| Benzodiazepines | 300 ng/mL | 90 days |
| Barbiturates | 300 ng/mL | 90 days |
| Codeine | 100 ng/mL | 90 days |
| LSD | 0.5 ng/mL | 90 days |
| Nicotine | 200 ng/mL | 90 days |
While some drugs will naturally degrade over time, THC traces tend to remain in your hair until you cut it.
NOTE: Most employers do not test for the following drugs:
- Hallucinogens (LSD, mushrooms, mescaline, peyote)
- Inhalants
- Anabolic Steroids
- Hydrocodone (Oxycodone, Vicodin)
The hair follicle drug test was originally designed to detect heavy long-term drug users, not occasional pot smokers. For short-term testing, employers and labs still use urine and blood tests. That said, a hair test may detect an infrequent user.
A hair test can detect drug use for up to 12 prior months, but accurate results are typically limited to the past 90 days. In contrast, urine and blood tests cannot test for use further back than a few days. This is why a lot of employers prefer the hair follicle test.
Interestingly, because hair grows at a steady pace, a hair drug test can also tell an employer exactly when someone took drugs and when they stopped. Most tests don’t report the timeline, but take this fact into account when answering questions, after the test.
How Long Does It Take for Drugs To Get Into My Hair?
For head hair, it takes 5-7 days for tainted hair to be available for sampling because it takes that long for hair to grow from the root to above the scalp line.
From that point forward, drug traces will remain in your hair until you either cut it or strip it out with chemicals.
Hair Samples From Other Parts of Your Body
If your head hair is too short for the lab to sample 90 days, then the test station may choose to sample hair from other parts of your body.
In general, body hair grows more slowly than the hair on your head. The table below explains the drug test limitations of each source of the hair.
| Source | Limitations of Sample | Detection |
|---|---|---|
| Head |
|
1 cm=1 mo. up to 1 year |
| Arm
Back Chest |
|
4-8 mos. |
| Armpit |
|
4-8 mos. |
| Pubic Region | Alcohol Testing only:
|
4-8 mos. |
| Leg | Alcohol Testing only:
|
4-8 mos. |
Learn more about how long THC remains detectable in your body and hair.
How Accurate is a Hair Follicle Drug Test?
The hair drug test is just as accurate as a blood or urine test, with the added advantage of detecting a much longer history of use.
Most drug test companies and labs claim 99% accuracy for all of their tests.
Which kinda makes you wonder: how the heck can anyone beat a test if it works 99% of the time?
The short answer, of course, is that just as with urine tests, hair drug tests are NOT 99% accurate in the real world.
People find ways around them. Drug tests have flaws.
Drug testing accuracy has been declining for many years.
Hair Drug Test Kits & Labs
It’s helpful to know which labs and tests are used most often by employers, and therefore are likely the most accurate.
For example, Psychedemics is widely considered the best hair testing company in the business, so if your test is handled by them, then you’ll need to bring out the big guns.
Also, keep in mind that you can also order a test to make sure you or your loved one tests clean.
Hairconfirm and Psychemedics are the leaders in at-home hair drug test kits. These kits are rated four stars or better on leading retail drug sites.
Scroll to see more –>
| Psychemedics | Hairconfirm | Hairconfirm |
|---|---|---|
| 11-Panel At-Home Hair Drug Test Kit | 12-Panel At-Home Hair Drug Test Kit with Prescription Drugs | 7 Panel At-Home Hair Drug Test Kit |
| Buy It Now At | Buy It Now At | Buy It Now At |
| 6-12 days | 2 days | 2 days |
| Marijuana PCP Amphetamines Cocaine Methamphetamines Opiates Hydrocodone Oxycodone Hydromorphone | Marijuana PCP Amphetamines Cocaine Methamphetamines Opiates Esctasy / MDMA Hydrocodone Oxycodone Hydromorphone | Marijuana PCP Amphetamines Cocaine Methamphetamines Opiates Esctasy / MDMA |
All employers and consumers send their kit samples to some lab for processing. Listed below are the most-used hair drug test lab services in the U.S.
| Company | City | Telephone |
|---|---|---|
| The Ness Counseling Center | Los Angeles, CA | 310-360-8512 |
| Mobile Drug Testing Experts of Florida, Inc. | Palm Beach Gardens, FL | 561-371-6026 |
| Pre-employ.com, Inc. | Anderson, CA | 800-300-1821 |
| RTI International | Raleigh-Durham, NC | 919-541-7052 |
| United Screening Services Corp | Miami, FL | 800-731-2139 |
| A&B Employer Solutions, LLC | New Haven, CT | 203-848-6397 |
| AGL Resources | Naperville, IL | 630-388-2701 |
| All Valley Drug Screens | Brownsville, TX | 956-551-6742 |
| American Screening Corporation | Shreveport, LA | 318-798-3306 |
| ARCpoint Labs of Spokane | Spokane, WA | 720-296-9057 |
| Confirm BioSciences | San Diego, CA | 800-656-0745 |
| Dynamic Testing Solutions | Calgary, AB | 403-262-2721 |
| KrossFire Testing, LLC | Perkins, OK | 405-612-6182 |
| Medical Plaza Mobile Surveillance | La Porte, TX | 281-941-4174 |
| Natchez Pathology Laboratory | Natchez, MS | 601-442-8171 |
| National Screening Centers | Houston, TX | 713-226-7847 |
| Psychemedics Corporation | Dallas, TX | 800-628-8073 |
| Rochester Hills Medical Center, P.C. | Rochester Hills, MI | 248-852-9290 |
| Standard Register - Lab Solutions Group | Exton, PA | 610-873-2078 |
To see a list of all accredited drug testing labs in the U.S., click here.
Four Proven Ways To Beat a Hair Drug Test
OK, so this is where the controversy begins.
I’ll start with the proverbial caveat: there is no single method, detox kit, or detox product that can guarantee you’ll pass a hair drug test. None.
That said, there are a few methods, products, and services that can give you a fighting chance.
All of these methods work by reducing or eliminating the residual drug footprint in your hair.
Some of the detox product manufacturers back their claims with up to 200% money-back guarantees, so apparently they are quite comfortable making them.
Let’s walk through each type of solution, starting with the simplest.
1. Abstain for 110+ Days
But, honestly, if you are worried about getting or keeping a great job or you risk losing your child over a hair drug test, then your best bet is to just stop using, at least 110 days before your next hair test.
Why 110 days?
Well, if you smoke weed moderately or heavily, it takes up to 10 days for drug traces to drop in your blood, plus another 100 days to grow 1.5″ of clean hair through your scalp – enough to be sampled for a standard hair test (which looks back 90 days).
If your hair test is testing for drug use even further back, then you’ll need to grow longer hair – and abstain even longer.
Of course, not everyone gets 110 days advance notice of a hair drug test. We wish!
If this is your situation, don’t fret – you have three more options (keep reading)…
2. Shave It All Off
When hair tests came onto the scene in the mid-2000s, it was obvious to everyone that the most effective way to beat a hair drug test is also the simplest: about five days before your test, just stop using drugs and shave your entire body. Any hair sample that grows after that point will be clean because it takes about seven days for new hair to make it up to the scalp/skin line.
Simple, right?
Maybe a little too simple, it turns out. There are a couple of fatal flaws with this approach.
First of all, many employers will automatically fail you if you walk into the test center with your head looking like a bowling ball. Think about it: you’ll have to explain why you shaved every hair off your body less than a week before your “hair” drug test.
Second, most employers are onto this simple hack, so it’s not advised. If they can’t get the hair from your body or head, then they will almost certainly test you using a urine or blood test, which will detect more recent drug use.
3. Do-It-Yourself Detox
Some regular drug users swear by two deep hair cleaning methods that you can do yourself at home using over-the-counter products.
The two most popular home cleaning methods are the Growman/Macujo and Jerry G methods.
Both methods remove traces of THC metabolite from your hair using chemicals.
The Jerry/Macujo method uses the old formula of Aloe Rid shampoo, salicylic acid, and vinegar, while the Jerry G method uses bleach.
There’s a lot of debate over whether these two methods work that well.
Most doctors and drug test companies say they don’t.
Hundreds of happy people say they do.
In many cases, people supplement a home remedy with special detox shampoos and/or detox body flushes, THC detox pills, and detox drinks.
But I haven’t seen any compelling evidence that supplements and drinks will help you pass a hair drug test. They are designed to help you pass a urine test, after all.
4. Use Detox Products That Work
Purchasing a detox shampoo to rid your hair of drug traces before the test is the easiest path, so a lot of people choose this route.
The problem is, there are lots of shampoos claiming they will eliminate all traces of drug use from a person’s hair follicles.
Most products can’t do it.
Let’s take a look at a few I found that seems to work.
Detox Shampoos
Stripping chemicals out of your hair with a special cleansing shampoo is a popular solution, but be warned: only a few hair detox shampoos work as claimed. Most fail because they can’t get into the hair shaft itself, which is where many drug traces live.
As is true with any powerful over-the-counter remedy, the stuff that works costs more. So pay attention to the price. From what I can see, anything that costs less than $20 probably doesn’t work as claimed.
TestClear still sells the old formula. TestClear bought up a lot of the remaining stock of Aloe Rid when the old formula was discontinued, so that’s why I recommend buying from them. But they are in short supply, and it isn’t cheap.
WARNING: Be careful when shopping online. Scams are popular with this in-demand shampoo. People have paid for the old formula but received the new formula instead (WHICH DOES NOT WORK). Check the 1-star reviews on Amazon to see what I mean.Here are the five best-rated and most frequently mentioned detox shampoos for passing a hair drug test. Aloe Rid (old formula) is by far the most recommended.
Scroll to see more –>
Please note: none of the products above are FDA-tested and approved for beating a hair drug test.
Hair Drug Tests: Myth and Facts
Here are some of the most common myths regarding hair drug tests we’ve seen flying around and the facts.
Myth: I’ll be safe if I shave off all my hair.
Fact: No, you won’t. Labs are used to such tricks.
We’ve touched a bit on this above. Shaving your head looks like a dead simple solution, but it likely won’t work. If the lab doesn’t automatically fail you, they’ll take a hair sample from your body.
This could actually be worse for you since it’s likely that body hair can show drug use further back than the 90-day drug use history head hair offers.
Myth: Any shampoo will clean the drugs off my hair.
Fact: You need special shampoos to strip the drug metabolites off your hair.
Ordinary shampoos are not nearly strong enough to remove traces of THC or other drugs from your hair. You’ll need a special shampoo that’s formulated specifically for hair drug detox.
But be careful which detox shampoo you choose. Many brands, especially the cheaper ones, make big but untrue claims about the effectiveness of their shampoos.
See our reviews of the best detox shampoos above, including Aloe Toxin Rid (old formula), Zydot, and Clear Choice, among others.
An effective detox shampoo will cost you more, but it’s worth it when it’s a job on the line.
Myth: Hair drug tests are used for only a few drugs
Fact: This was true a few years ago, but it no longer is.
More and more drugs can now be tested using a hair sample. Here are some of the drugs that can be detected using a hair follicle drug test.
- Benzodiazepines (Xanax)
- Demerol
- Buprenorphine (Suboxone)
- Zolpidem (Ambien)
- Alcohol
- Tramadol
- Fentanyl
- Sufentanil
- Synthetic Marijuana
- Ketamine
- Methadone
- Cocaine
- Marijuana
- Amphetamines and methamphetamines
- Opiates (heroin, codeine, and morphine)
- Expanded Opiates (hydrocodone, oxycodone)
- PCP
- Barbiturates
- Propoxyphene
Myth: Labs cannot use pubic hair for a drug test.
Fact: This is true for some labs, but not all, so we wouldn’t recommend betting your career on a lab’s testing policies.
As we have discussed, shaving your head doesn’t save you from a positive drug test. The lab can take body hair, usually from the armpit, chest, face, or legs.
What if you shave off all those areas as well? Surely, they won’t pluck a hair from down there, right?
Some labs, as a matter of policy, won’t use pubic hair for drug testing. But some do. If you plan to shave as a way of beating a hair drug test (which we don’t recommend), you’d better shave everything from head to toe, as you can’t be sure the lab won’t take anybody hair they can use.
However, experts recommend against using pubic hair in a drug test because of potential contamination from urine. Urine contamination can actually increase the concentration of some drugs.
Hair Drug Test Cutoff Levels
Even if you have used a certain drug, you may be lucky and pass a hair drug test if the drug levels in your hair are below the cutoff.
The lab doesn’t automatically call a positive test if you have any traces of drugs in your hair. There has to be enough of them.
The cutoff level (expressed in picograms per milligram) varies for different types of drugs. Here are the common cutoff levels in a standard 5-panel hair drug test.
- Amphetamines, including methamphetamine, amphetamine, and ecstasy – 300 pg/mg for the screen (initial) test. The same cutoff also applies to the confirmatory test.
- THC – 1 pg/mg for the screen test and 0.10 pg/mg for the confirmatory test.
- Opiates including heroin, oxycodone, and morphine – 200 pg/mg for both the initial and confirmatory tests.
- Cocaine – 500 pg/mg for both the initial and confirmatory tests.
- PCP – 300 pg/mg for both the initial and confirmatory tests.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best DIY methods to pass a hair follicle drug test?
The two DIY hair detox techniques that seem to work for most people are the Macujo method and the Jerry G method. They are tough on hair, but they give you the best chance of passing your test.
We’ve not seen any other DIY method that’s successful enough for us to recommend.
How far back does a hair follicle test detect drug use?
A hair follicle drug test checks for drug use up to 90 days back. Hair can show drug use much further back than that. However, labs only use 1.5″ of hair from the root, which shows a 90-day drug use history.
How to read a hair follicle drug test result?
You’ll get your test results in 24-72 hours. A negative test result arrives sooner, while a positive result takes longer because of the second confirmatory test.
Your test results will display the screening and confirmation cut off levels. It’ll show the levels of different drugs detected in your hair.
If the detected levels are above the cutoff, that’s a positive test. If the level of drugs detected is below the cutoff, that’s a negative test.
Can a hair test detect one-time use?
It is unlikely that a hair drug test will be positive if you use a drug just once. Most drugs require repeated use for enough metabolites to be deposited in the hair.
However, if you took a large number of drugs during that one time, enough metabolites may have entered your hair to get a positive test result.
How much does a hair drug test cost?
A hair drug test costs between $50 and hundreds of dollars depending on several factors.
A home hair drug test kit will be cheaper than a lab test. For a lab test, the cost depends on the test panel. A panel that tests for more drugs will cost you more.
Note that if a potential or current employer requests a drug test, you usually don’t have to pay anything. The employer covers the costs of the test.
Can I use lice treatment to pass a hair follicle drug test?
You may have heard about some stoners using lice treatment to pass a hair drug test. However, we have not seen any evidence that lice treatment works. We recommend sticking to proven detox shampoos and DIY hair detox methods.
Can I use a hair relaxer to pass a hair drug test?
Hair relaxers contain chemical compounds that strip some of the drugs from your hair. One study showed a significant decrease in drug levels in hair that had been treated with a relaxer.
So, yes, you can use a hair relaxer to pass a hair drug test. To be safe, we recommend combining it with a good quality detox shampoo.
Email This Guide To Yourself
Enter your email below, and we’ll send you everything on this site packed into a neatly organized 24-page eBook (.pdf) that you can read later on, or share with others.
Learn More
- Read my review of Old Style Aloe Rid shampoo, where I explain how the shampoo works and where to buy it safely.
- Speak live with TestClear, the leading drug test and detox products retailer that has been helping people pass drug tests since 1995.
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hair_analysis
- http://www.dol.gov/elaws/asp/drugfree/drugs/dt.asp#q6
- http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/HAC/hair_analysis/03-0330HairSampleTesting-Community.pdf
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/4021042
Best of luck!
– J.Z.
View Comments
Thank you for putting this info out! Hate to see a one time user get labeled an abuser over a stupid hair test
Thanks Bill. You nailed the biggest problem with the hair test: a single use, months ago, can get you fired.
Been clean for almost a year, smoked 3 hits of a joint a month and a half ago and have a folicle test. I havent done anything at all prior or since that incident...am i going to pass?
Yes, my bet is you will pass.
So I smoked weed in a bowl for the first time on July 12th. Would I be able to pass a hair follicle test sooner than 90 days
Yes, as long as you don't use any more, until then ;-)
Just found out I have to test next week. Which only gives me 4 days to pass the hair test. I smoke about half a G a day split with my husband.. I have stopped smoking and am using the macujo method (w old nexus) including a baking soda wash before the vinegar step to open the folicals.. If I do this twice a day for the 4 days and top it off with ultra clean the day of what do you think my chances are? Also I have dark curly hair
I don't give odds here (no one can do that precisely).
But I can tell you that you are doing everything I know that you should do, to pass.
Wishing you the best of luck.
I have been clean since January and hit the pipe one time will I pass? I have a hair follicle test today
Yes, you should be just fine. One time use after that many months clean isn't enough to fail.
karen Mcginnis did you pass. I have a test very soon wanting to onow if you passed and what did you do??
Check my story...
I smoked 2 grams with a friend early march this year. I have a follicle test tomorrow...do you think I will pass?
Yes, I think you will pass. Good luck!
DI'd you pass your test
Did you pass?
So if u been clean for over a year and u have juat about a shot or 2 and are due for a test about 20 days later would u pass
Derek - yes, you would probably pass if that's all you've done in a year+
Okay so I need help I have a hair follicle test for a job I hit a bowl 2 times on New Years and then I took two hits of crack at the beginning of December I've been clean ever since that but in August I was heavily smoking crack and quit and was four months sober am I going to pass my test?
You will probably pass... 2 uses of each drug in the past 120+ days isn't likely to fail you.
I have been clean of everything for 2 years and yesterday took 2 hits of a joint. I will have a test in the next week, do I need to do anything special at all or do you think I will be good?
No, you don't need to do anything special. Good luck on your test.
I ate 4 edibles about two weeks ago and I have a hair test at the end of the week, do you think ill pass?
Yes, I think you will pass.
I have been clean for almost a year and smoked 2 hits of some pretty good weed about 2 weeks ago. I am going to have a hair test sometime in the next month. Am I screwed?
No, you're not screwed - you should pass with no problem.
I smoked the last couple years like 4-5 times a week sometimes more. If I stop smoking right now I should be ok in 90 days? It doesn’t continue to grow out of your hair until it is completely out of your system?
You will need more than 90 days for the reason you noted: for heavy users it will take 10+ days for traces of THC-COOH (the THC metabolite that hair tests look for) to drop below the legal limit in your blood.
From that point forward, new hair growth will be clean. But it takes about a week for new clean hair to grow through your scalp line (to be tested).
So, to be completely safe, you need to give yourself 110-120 days since your last use.
Do the two home remedies growman and Jerry G are they only good for the THC metabolites or does the remedies work on other drugs also?
Great question. The only strong proof I've seen is for THC, which tends to be the hardest drug to detox from your body.
I just want to share my story:
I had a hair follicle test that I needed to do for personal reasons. The drugs I were concerned about were ALOT of xanax, a few lines of coke on two separate occasions, and a few adderall also done on maybe three occassions. So I would consider myself "borderline" for failing (mainly because benzo was not going to be on the 5 panel). I have dark brown hair, kinda thick, that hit right below my breasts. The two drugs I was concerned about were used about 1 1/2 months ago. The night before my test, I took some scissors and cut my hair to my collar bone (so there wasn't so much to work with.) I dunked my head in warmed up apple cider vinegar and put a cap on. Every 20 minutes or so I re-soaked my hair when it started to dry out. I did this for about 1 1/2 hours and then fell asleep (lol) for about 4 hours. I woke up and re-soaked my hair and rubbed in Clearasil face wash with 2% salicylic acid. Rubbed this into my scalp and left on for another hour. Took a shower and rinsed it out with regular tide. Added a dab of conditioner because my hair was like a rug. Was done for the night and went to bed. Next morning, I took blue flash lightening powder and 30 volume developer from Sally's and bleached my entire hair. I could only stand to leave this shit on my hair for 40 minutes because my scalp was ON FIRE!!! Literally tears, rocking back in for crying. I jumped in the shower and rinsed it out. I washed it out with tide again. I blew dried my hair and then got back in the shower and washed my hair with Omni from the head shop. Used half the bottle and shaped my hair up and scrubbed my roots for 20 minutes. Rinsed it out and repeated. I put a bit of conditioner in just so I could brush it. Brushed it out with a new brush and blowner dried it out. Then I dyed my hair back to my natural color. This hurt almost worse than the bleach. Cried like a baby for 40 minutes. Had to rinse it out in almost cold water because my scalp hurt soooooooooo bad. Had a little of the Omni wash left in the bottle so washed with that again. Just a normal wash. Conditioned it this time pretty well, blow dryed, styled, and sprayed with hair products in an attempt to mask the smell of dye. Went that day, took hair follicle test. It was at CRG and the lady cut right at scalp in the dead center of the back of my head. She actually cut so close I later found out she cut my scalp and I was bleeding! Just got my results and I passed! Wanted to share my story to help others in need! This website gave me so much great advice. Thanks!!!
Awesome news, Crisa - congrats!
Omg... I think I would have just faced the consequences. But, I am very impressed you went through all of that. I was clenching my teeth just reading this. I'm glad you passed!
Same Jeri! Lmfao!
After all you went through, you deserved to pass!! Awesome
Thank god I have a chance it seems. I am borderline exactly like her. Thanks I needed the encouragement.
I have a hair follicle test in two days for pre employment. I consumed cocaine 6months ago. So I decided to take a personal hair follicle test at a center. I got the test results and did not pass. My hair is 18 inches long, I’m scheduled to get a hair cut tomorrow and wanted to know if cutting 14 inches is enough to pass this test. Please advice!!!!
Check out cleaning regimens on this page: https://hairfollicledrugtest.info/thc-detox-clean-hair-home-remedies/.
Hi, what center did you go to to take a hair follicle test?
Honey are you okay...my Jesus and his precious lamb be with you
Hey I just read your info on hair follicle test how many days did it take for the whole process you did?
Oh my gosh I'm surprised you didn't lose all your hair
Please tell me that this story is true I have personal issues myself and i have a test to do in December but I don't think I can just quit right now I only have one drug of choice and that's cocaine but I need to pass this test!! Please help me
What Happened with your test? I have similar situation
Soo what did you do to pass?
Department of family and children services took my kids 2 days ago i need to go get a hair test done help
Did you get your children back??? What kind of test did they do?
Need help with the same thing asap how did you oass
Hi guys! I just recently had to take a hair test for a job that can lead me into my engineering career. On my 100th day clean I was called in to take the test. I was a pretty heavy smoker but in the last month I switched back to mid weed since I know the the content is lower. During the week before I took a shit ton of biotin and let a clarifying shampoo sit on my scalp for 30 minutes a night. When I went into my drug test she cut my hair a half inch off my scalp! I'm terrified I'm going to fail, it's been three days and no word yet, what do you think my results will be?! Halp.
Results?
Hi!
Sort of late on this but I had a hair drug test on March 23rd 2018. The last time I had used adderall was November 9th-November13th! I just got the all clear from the company I will be working for that my background check cleared, meaning my drug test cleared! It is past the 100+ day minimum.
Also a little about me: my hair grows very quickly, possibly more than the average .5 inches every month. Also did not use anything for the past 90 days. I also was very lucky to have a woman who cut my hair at the root. (I know she did because I felt the scissors exactly at my scalp). This was also a quest diagnostics test.
I need some help. I quit smoking marijuana SIX months ago.. My first hair follicle was only TWO months after I stopped smoking and I failed.. So I had to take another one a month later and failed.. Now I have to take my last one the 11th of this month and I'm freaking. I should have passed the second time because it was 3 months but I didn't and I fail my life will be ruined.. I'm not sure why I am failing..
Can you fail from being around smokers!? It was the same level 1. Something both times and still failed! I haven't done anything but I have really long hair and when she cut my hair she sent the full length off which was about half way down my back.
I don't really know. The test labs say that, no, you cannot fail a test for THC due to exposure to second-hand smoke.
I'm not sure I completely trust them, but they're firm on this.
I've read that if a person is around any toxins in the air (Marijuana smoke, for example) 48 hours prior to testing that the toxins from the smoke will stay in your hair due to exposure thru the air. Not 100% sure if claims are accurate, but something to think about.
D_O
I just failed a test and I have not smoked in over 30yrs. My brother smokes and I go visit him often and that's the only place I am exposed to weed. So I would say YES and I missed out on a good job.
Emily,
There are 2 things that can cause this kind of trouble:
1. The speed at which YOUR hair grows (vs. the average): hair on a human's head grows at a rate of 1" to 2" every 90 days, or 1.5" on average. Some people grow hair slower and others grow faster. For slow-growers, it can take more than 4 months for to grow a clean 1.5" from their scalp.
2. Hair sample length: The other issue you may be experiencing is that the test sample taken was longer than 1.5". It happens, but the lab typically won't do that unless you employer specifically requested it (and paid for it).
If you think you're a slow-grower or that your employer might have asked for >90 days of test visibility, then I would definitely clean your hair using the Macujo or JerryG method. Just to be safe.
Best of luck!
JZ
I did cocaine on monday have to do a hair follicle on Tuesday please help wut can i do
If that's all you've done, then DON'T worry! a hair test cannot pick up on drug use just one day ago. It takes at least 5-7 days to show up in your hair.
If you've been using all along, however, then totally different story.
I seriously doubt it will show up. Best of luck!
How does the hair test work with taking pain pills???
The hair drug test works the same way for all drugs. The only difference is how far back in time they can detect drug use, because traces of different drugs disappear from your system at different rates. See the table above (Which Drugs Are Detected By A Hair Follicle Drug Test?) for the cut-off times, by type of drug.
Thank you. So drugs do cone out the hair at some point? Depending on what the chart says. Thanks.
Hey how did your test come out and what did.you do
I have a hair follicle test 4-20....(how ironic). I last smoked Saturday. What's the best and safest method for me to past this test????
Redd,
Check out our page describing the two most popular home cleaning methods that lots of people swear by to remove THC metabolites from your hair (Macujo/Growman and Jerry G): THC Detox: Clean Your Hair With These Home Remedies.
Best of luck!
If I got to take a hair test in 7days and I haven't had a drink of alcohol in a month or two will the alcohol show up in my hair? and is there a way I can sweat or use any thing to hide it?
Depends on how much alcohol you used.
In general, yes, they will be able to detect it in your hair if you drank w/in the 90-100 day period prior to the test.
You can try one of the two methods mentioned above (Macujo and Jerry G). They were developed for THC/marijuana, the hardest drug to scrub out of your hair.
Good luck on your test.
JZ
Did u pass Keece?
If I do the macujo method will it alter my hair color to where they might suspect me of trying to cover any traces
Good question! No, I don't think the Macujo will alter your hair color much. The Jerry G method is another story, entirely.
I did a couple of key pumps of coke, I have a hair test in about a month I’m half. Do you think this will show up? And what can I use to get it out, my hair is pretty short.
Jake, if that's all you've done in the past ~110 days, then you should test clean without having to do anything special. As long as it's a 90-day test.
Cutting it close. Preferably you'd have 100 days b/w last use and your test. You might want to cut your hair down to 1" (which should eliminate all traces from Dec 31), and see what the lab does. They might go with the shorter 1" sample or ask you to come back in a few weeks (which means you're all clear).
Wat about a perm does tht eliminate all traces??
I have a hair and urine test in about April of 2016 when should I stop smoking weed?
Rob,
You'll need to stop using about 100 days prior to your test. If you quit during Christmas season, you'll be good to go. To make sure you're squeaky-clean for the lab, cut your hair down to 1.5" everywhere on your head a few days before the sample is taken.
Best of luck!
If you were in a room with people smoking weed but not smoking yourself, could you detox that same day via pills/drinks so then it never goes into your hair?
Basically can you detox a small amount of weed out of your blood before it makes it into your hair?
I have a drug test in 13 days and I don't even smoke and I'm worried to fail this test because of second hand.
You can NOT get THC-COOH or THC into your hair follicles by standing and breathing in a room of smokers. That is a myth.
TCH-COOH gets into your hair follicles through the bloodstream and/or from your sweat glands - AFTER a regular dose of THC has been processed by your body.
There is no way you can get a positive-test-level of THC-COOH into your hair via second-hand smoke alone.
This has been studied to death by medical researchers.
I tried the home remedy of shampooing with tar shampoo, vinegar, clay and pink salicylic acid. I washed twice daily for a week solid, scrubbed in salt etc. No go!I failed. Applying for jobs and have long hair I would rather not shave my head but wondering if this is really my only option.
Deb,
There are lots of cleaning procedures discussed online. Not knocking yours, but my research shows that the two cleaning regimens that work the most frequently for the largest number of people are the Macujo and Jerry G methods. Most of the reports are for THC/weed.
Good luck!
Jz
I had a very minor amount of cocaine at the beginning of march 2015. I have not used anything since then. I have been keeping my head bicked to the scalp and nairing my entire body on a religious basis. I may have a hair test coming up. Just wondering if the time will be ok, from then to now to let my hair begin to grow out?
Yes, you should be fine. It takes 7 days for the last bit of tainted hair to grow beyond the scalp line. If you've been shaving since early March, it's all gone now.
I stopped smoking weed 2 months ago and have been shaving my head every week since then and now I am letting it grow back, so I should definitely be good right? Also is it possible that even if you have enough hair on your head that they could take it from another part of your body?
Yes, you should be OK as long as you have 1.5" of hair to sample when you get tested. If not, then they may want to sample your underarm or pubic hair.
Actually Jay you forgot one tiny but very crucial detail. Let's say you've been smoking for a month and stopped tomorrow. As you say if you wait 7 days and then shave you will be growing new "clean" hair correct? Unfortunately it's not like that. You have to completely detoxify your body if any drug in order to shave and grow new clean hair. You having THC in your system will still grow into your hair. So it takes 30-90 days depending how much you smoked for your body to be clean, buy a cheap urine kit, make sure your clean, then you can shave all you want.
Ben,
Thanks for keeping me honest! No, I didn't forget this detail - and I agree, it is very crucial. That said, your numbers are a bit off.
According to the National Drug Court Institute (NDCI), the time it takes for THC metabolites to fall below the test threshold of 50ng/L is as follows:
For Infrequent users: 4 days
For Chronic/Frequent users: 10 days
The best strategy is to just stop using 100 days prior to your hair test, if you want 1.5" of clean hair. But if there's no practical way to do that, then you need some way to clean your existing hair (this was my friend's predicament).
More information about this can be found here: http://www.leafscience.com/2014/04/22/how-long-thc-stay-system/
This 2006 NDCI report that explains why the "30-day window" that so many people quote - especially law enforecement - is a myth: http://www.ndci.org/sites/default/files/ndci/THC_Detection_Window_0.pdf
It all depends on your body weight and how often you smoke I'm heavy 250 lbs and smoke a lot everyday so a few years ago I quit smoking for over 2 months and then failed a urin test. As far as I know the thc stays on your body fat and in my case I have lots of it and even after 2 months I failed a urin test not hair
John, sorry, but that's actually (mostly) a myth.
Body fat does retain TCH-COOH, the metabolite that drug tests detect for use of THC.
However, body fat does NOT "protect you" from a hair test. For example, body fat doesn't "sponge up" excess THC or THC-COOH, preventing it from entering your bloodstream. Body fat does, however, keep the metabolite in your body, longer.
That said, body fat VERY SLIGHTLY slows down the rate at which TCH-COOH (metabolite) increases in your bloodstream, per dose or whatever. So, a heavier person will need to smoke a LITTLE BIT more to achieve the same trace levels in his bloodstream, in the same timeframe, than a thinner/lighter person would. But that difference is a lot smaller than people think.
So your saying wait the 100th day and cut ALL your hair off to make sure it will grow 100% clean?
To clarify: after you abstain for 100 days (light user) or 120 days (heavy), then cut your hair down to 1.5 inches in length (or less), and you'll be good to go.
My question is that I rarely smoke (1-2x /yr) and I will have a folicle test about 45 days since theast time i smoked. The test will be in 2 weeks. If i cut my hair now will it regrow clean? Or will it take 90 days to naturally clean up? Also i have short hair and do they really need 1.5 inches of hair? Mine is rarely that long ever.
Ward,
Infrequent marijuana users clear THC metabolites out of their system (below the 50ng/L threshold) within 3-4 days, and it takes about 5-7 days for that newly clean hair to grow through your scalp.
So any hair that pops out of your scalp starting 10 days after your last use is probably clean.
Yes, most labs required 1.5" of hair. If you don't normally wear your hair long, then bring photos to help explain. The lab might listen.
But they still need a sample to do their job. So they might do any of the following:
1. ask for a sample from your armpit, pubic region or chest hair.
2. if you're lucky, they may settle for a Urine test (rare but has happened).
3. elect to reschedule your test, if you agree to grow your hair longer.
But your hair should be clean when you walk in, as long as you shaved down to the scalp 10+ days after your last use.
Good luck,
JZ
Hey I took 3 pulls on some pretty good weed and a week later I took 1 pull. I haven't smoked in two years prior to these two occasions. Do I need to be worried about failing a random hair test within the 90 days?
Probably nothing to worry about. Good luck!
how did it work out for you?
Any word on this result? I’m literally in a practically identical situation and have to go in tomorrow morning. There probably won’t be a response in time I understand, but I’m nervous nonetheless
I am scheduled for a pre-employment hair test. I applied three weeks ago and received an offer and was notified of the hair test one week ago. I have never interviewed with this company so they have absolutely no idea what I look like. In the company substance abuse policy, it says if an employee cannot provide an adequate head hair sample (bald or short hair), they should take leg or arm hair. If they cannot get an adequate body hair sample, then they will use a urine or saliva test. Also, they are told not to take a sample that can be cosmetically detectable where possible (so I am hoping that eyebrow sample is off the table).
I am planning on walking into the facility next week with a short haircut (1/4 inch) and a fully shaved body. I will tell them that I am a swimmer who recently had a meet and 2 weeks was simply not enough time to let me hair grow out to an appropriate length.
Do you think this will work? I can pass a urine test, I just need to get to the point where they offer me a urine test instead of the hair test. The testing clinic is instructed to consult with the company's HR protocols if an adequate hair cannot be taken. It doesn't seem like they are really too concerned with automatically failing people they can't get a sample from.
The toxicology lab they use does not process fingernail samples, so that is not a concern for me.Let me know what you think, as it seems like you have some great experience with pre-employment tests. Also, my other question is, do testing facilities ever shave hair from the body to obtain a sample or do they always trim the hair with special scissors? Thanks!
Cameron,
Scissors or a razor? both are used.
Shaving body hair? yes, they might do that.
Pressing for a urine test looks like the right strategy for your situation.
But if you say you're a swimmer, then be prepared to provide evidence of a recent competition, where you train, your team, etc. They may ask for this to back up the reason for using an alternative test.
Best of luck!
I pretty much took the same approach you did. But instead, I told them that my girlfriend doesn't like body hair and insists that I shave it off. In fact, my ex-girlfriend made me shave all body hair. So it wasn't that much of a lie. Anyways they took a urine test because my hair on my head was only bout 1/4 inch long. They sent the sample to a lab and about a week an a half later I received a call from HR of the company I applied for and she tells me I good to go. There was talk about me going back to the clinic once my hair is longer. But, from the conversation I had with the HR lady I'm ok to start. Orientation is in a couple weeks.
Good luck on your test.
This page was helpful, comments and all, but I still would like to ask a few questions. I have a test coming up within the next few weeks, not sure how far back they will look but it's for a big company. In one of your comments you mentioned a threshold. Do all tests have a threshold of what's passable/acceptable THC levels? I had a few small hits at the end January of this year, but haven't had anything since 2011 and since that time I cut my hair significantly so the 2011 levels are gone I presume. I have a weave in now so the majority of my hair is braided up with some is left out, so will they be able to cut a strand from what is left out of my hair? Given the amount I smoked, I'm uncertain about trying some of these methods, but also am not sure about how fast my hair grows since by time I take the test it will be a little over 100 days since I smoked that tiny amount. Should I be ok?
Amanda,
Re. the threshold:
Most hair drug tests use a cutoff of 50ng/L for a chemical that's produced when your body metabolizes THC. They're actually measuring the by-product, not the drug (THC) itself.
My bet is that you will test clean, given the info you shared.
For an infrequent or 1-time user, 100 days of hair growth since last use pretty much eliminates the risk for most people.
I can't speak for your hair growth rate, but I know that African American hair tends to hold more metabolite and grow slower than others, which increases the risk of detection.
Tip: make sure they cut no more than a 1.5" (90 day) sample *from your scalp line*, which is what they're supposed to do. The best way to guarantee this happens is to cut your hair down to 1.5" *everywhere on your head* right before your test.
Best of luck on your test,
JZ
Hey J, just wanna give you a big thank you for this public service of yours. I'm grateful for the time you've dedicated to helping all of us out.
Thanks!
I've beaten hair test two different occasions simply using aloe rid , leaving in overnight & immediately dying my hair
Can you tell us where you got the aloe rid ? We're heating it was discontinued since 2005. Sos please
Which drugs did you possibly have in you're system?
Did you do the Mac method. And are you a light smoker
ok I have to weigh in ... I've worked for same casino 3 separate times now . Every time they took my hair . I am a daily pot smoker & have been for 15 yrs ... First two times I used aloe rid . Left it in over night , died hair in morning ( never bleached it ) passed both times . Last time I used "ultra swim" left it in over night 2 nights in row & dyed hair in morning . Again , I passed . It's not tht complex .
Is aloe rid that expensive one?
Do you have to dye your hair as well or can you just use the shampoo treatment??
There are 2 different methods that people use to strip TCH-COOH from their hair:
1. Macujo: shampoo + other cleaners only (no dying)
2. Jerry G: dye/bleach your hair
(learn more about both methods here):
How effective have you read the Aloe Rid to be? It is MUCH more expensive than the other products I have seen, while I'm willing to shell it out to pass this it is a bad though to spend that money and then fail on top of it.
Also, I've seen instructions to use the product up to the day of the test. What if you have a week in between use and the test itself because of rescheduling? Would that week in between negate its usefulness? Thanks for this site, I was so relieved to have all this reliable information in one place once I discovered I'd need it!
Of all the shampoos, Nexxus Aloe Rid (old formula) is mentioned by far more people who actually passed the test that any other product.
I wouldn't wait a week between last shampoo and your test. After 7 days, it's highly likely that more tainted hair will have grown out.
Best of luck on your test.
JZ
When buying Aloe Rid, it asks if you want Ultra Clear shampoo or Clear Choice Shampoo for the day of test. Which is the one you should buy?
Buy Ultra Clear.
Please help,
I've been a heavy smoker 1-3grams a day of good pot for a long time. Long story short I need to be ready for whatever test (have a feeling it will be hair). I stopped smoking completely exactly 1 week ago and did white May 16th. I'm an athlete fast metabolism very low body fat. I started shaving my whole body a week ago. I'll probably be tested late next week. If I wait 3 days and cut my hair to 1/2" and start the mac and aloe rid process, my hair also grows on the faster side. So by 10 days cut my hair down again hopefully cuting off that 1/2" of tainted hair ill have 1/2" of clean hair? Or should i forget about cutting my hair and just doing the treatments ASAP. This is amazing position and I can't lose it please help
Given your history, you aren't going to win by cutting your hair down to 1/2" this close to the test.
Shaving completely (all over your body) is the only way to eliminate tainted hair at this point. But that leaves no hair to test...
Thank you for your reply. I've read using aloe rid for 10 days and ultra clean the day of is 95% successful and no need to do the Mac method. I guess I'll keep my hair normal length aprx 1" do both Mac and the treatment. Do you think I'll be okay? I did lighten up my smoking the past few weeks before I got news of the Job offer but still daily. Thank you again. I don't know what I'll do if I lose this position over this. Expense is not a problem when coming to this
Like everyone here we thank you...you're a Drug Detox Angel! The question I have pertains to the accuracy of whichever testing lab that this company may be using...especially when money isn't really an issue, mainly b/c LV casino's have the money to pay for the best labs. So that being said; is it possible that they may be able to detect the use of any of the above detox shampoo's, and therefore failing me do to using some sort of cover-up treatment.?.
Your welcome ;-)
Yes, it is possible they will detect a specific shampoo, especially if you leave it in your hair.
That said, I've never seen or heard about a situation where someone failed a test due to using a detox shampoo.
Can you shave your head 10 days after you stop smoking weed or do you have to wait and shave 10 days after your system is clean, like when you can pass a urine test. Just wondering if the bottom of the hair follicle stays dirty until your system is completely clean.
DJ,
Good question!
Answer: Shave your head 5-7 days *after your system is clean*.
Here's where the "10 day shaving rule" comes from (for MJ users):
If you are a casual/infrequent MJ user, it takes 3-4 days for the THC metabolites in your bloodstream to drop back down below the 50 ng/L hair test threshold.
So the calculation is:
(3-4 days to clean system) + (5-7 days to grow tainted hair through the scalp)
= wait 10 days before shaving your head.
For heavy MJ users, it can take up to 10 days of abstinence to drop below the threshold. If you fit this category, then you should wait 15-20 days before shaving.
A lot of people still believe it takes 30 days to clear THC out of your system, but that myth was debunked a few years ago. See my comment above for links to the latest hair test science.
Good luck!
JZ
Thanks so much for your informitive website. I have a general question that I can't find the answer to online.
50-55 days ago I did 2 lines of cocaine, should that fall above or below the cut-off limit on a standard hair test?
Jim,
The cut-off limit is only important when determining how long it takes for a drug to clear out of your bloodstream, so it can no longer get into your hair. From the point your bloodstream is clean, it will take about 90 days to grow enough hair to meet the hair test min. requirement.
Luckily, blood traces for most drugs quickly drop below the cut-off limit within a day or two - including cocaine. THC is the only drug that can take longer, but only if you're a chronic / heavy user.
So...
As long as your test is more than 90 days from last use (35-40 days from today) and you cut your hair down to 1"-1.5" (all over your head) right before the test, then you should test clean.
If your test is sooner than that, then bear in mind that once a drug transfers from the blood into the hair follicle, it's really hard to get it out. That's why people developed the strong cleaning regimens discussed above (Macujo and Jerry G methods).
Hope this helps,
JZ
What if I quit smoking marijuana 13 weeks ago? But have been going to the gym since? Lots of sweating doing lifting and a little bit of cardio 20-30 minutes 3-5 days a week? Also using the Sauna for about 15-20 minutes usually 2 - 2-1/2 hour work outs? Would this help my chances if I have to take a test on June 12th? Also will fitness supplements such as pre work out, protein, and testosterone boosters affect my result?
Thank you
Working out doesn't change anything, unfortunately.
Hair is oblivious to your pain. It's kinda mean that way ;-)
If you were using MJ lightly and quit 13 weeks (91 days) ago, then you should have at least 1" of clean hair at the time of your test (98 days from last use). Get it cut to 1" or so the day before the test, if you can.
Best of luck,
JZ
I have been a daily pot smoker for 20 years. I have quit now for 24 days and plan on shaving my entire body and attemp to grow all new clean hair. My question, as a heavy smoker how long should i wait before i shave? Secondly, i shave my head and will likely have to have my sample taken from my arm pit, chest, arm, or leg hair. Is there a different waiting period for that. I can grow a beard out thay long and may take that route. Btw you are freaking awesome for helping people that are turning things around and doesnt want the past to haunt them.
The latest research says that if you are a chronic/heavy smoker, it takes about 10 days for THC-COOH (the THC metabolite detected in the test) to fall below the minimum threshold in your bloodstream. Once the blood is clear, it takes 5-7 days for the last bit of tainted hair to reach the surface of your skin.
So, to grow 1 1/2" of clean hair for the test, you'll need 117 days between the time you quit and the test.
Body hair tends to grow more slowly than scalp hair, but growth rates differ by person and unfortunately I don't know of anything specific to guide you waiting times there.
Facial hair is considered body hair.
Generally speaking, the lab will prefer testing body hair sampled from above the waistline/pubic region, due to the chance that hair lower than that was contaminated by urine (false positive).
Good luck!
JZ
Does that mean that if you did something less than 5 days ago it will not reach the scalp for the follicle test?
Yes, it takes 5-7 days for tainted hair to grow through your skin.
I did .4 grams of meth over a 4 day period starting April 29th. I had not done any for a month prior to this incidence. Will the amount in April show up early to mid july? Also my husband had a mess up around a month ago. I shaved his head down almost to the scalp and plan to do it again in a week or so, will this remove any traces of use? Also if he was to shave the rest of his body would the body hair that grew back have any traces of drug use?
Re. you: yes, your drug use will probably show up in a normal (1.5 inch strand) hair drug test.
Re. your husband:
You have probably removed all traces of drug use from his scalp hair at this point. If you shave his entire body right now, you would probably eliminate all traces from his body hair, as well.
BUT... the standard hair test requires the lab to take 1.5" of hair from the scalp, so they can test for 90 days of drug use. If the lab cannot get that much hair from your husband's head or an equivalent amount of body hair, then they may fail him for tampering (esp. if they see he shaved his entire body). If you swim competitively, then tell the lab because that's a good reason to shave your entire body. Otherwise, you are at risk. If you are lucky, they'll just defer his test until he has enough hair; or, they'll opt for a urine or blood test, instead.
Jay, I need help have a test Monday I smoked a little and did a little powder on 5/30/15. On the 6/5 I cut my hair down to a 1/4 inch or less and shaved my whole body. I have a test on Monday 6/22 will I be clear? Also can they take hair from my eyebrow
The standard hair test requires the lab to take 1.5″ of hair from the scalp, so they can test for 90 days of drug use.
If the lab cannot get that much hair from your head (or an equivalent amount of body hair), then they may fail you for tampering, esp. if they see you shaved your entire body.
Note: If you swim competitively, then tell the lab because that’s a good reason to shave your entire body. Otherwise, you are at risk.
If you are lucky, they’ll just defer you test until you have enough hair; or, they’ll opt for a urine or blood test, instead.
Good luck!
JZ
First thank you jay for all the info were all very fortunate for your knowledge. I have a question I last smoked maybe 4 4\12 months ago and have to take a hair test would I be clean if they took it off my leg
If you haven't shaved your legs since you quit, then yes, technically, there is a trace of THCOOH (THC metabolite) in your leg hair right now. Whether it's enough to fail you depends on whether you smoked only once back then or were a heavy user.
THAT SAID... for men, the lab probably won't sample any hair below your belly - it can get contaminated from urine over time, causing false positives.
Best of luck,
JZ
So, in the past few years i have been a heavy smoker, at the most a gram a day. About a month or two ago I quit, but I did smoke last week. I am not a cocaine user, but a week ago I did a bump, we'll call it a moment of weakness. Well, I got the notice today that I am required to submit to a hair follicle drug test by August 3rd, and again October 1st. Is there anything I can do in that time to pass? I was under the impression that the test went back further than 90 days. Either way, it will not have been 90 days by August 3rd.
Your situation is exactly why people invented the Macujo and Jerry G hair cleaning regimens. This page explains the pros/cons of each method, directions and supplies you'll need.
Good luck!
JZ
Jay Z,
I was a very frequent user until the end of April that's when I stopped completely. I cut my hair about a 1/2 inch maybe even shorter and bleached it on the first of this month not to alter the test but just for a New look. My job gave me a random drug test yesterday and I'm just wondering do I still have chances on passing it?
Brittany,
Yes, you have a good shot at passing a test for THC - assuming the lab will accept your short hair. Usually, they require 1.5" minimum to see back 90 days. Lab's discretion.
Good luck!
JZ
JZ, your awesome!!! Im curious...Ive been taking pain meds for years now. I quit taking them last Wednesday the 10th. How long should I wait to take a hair test? Ive got a good opportunity and Im trying to do this correctly. Thanks
To be completely safe, you should wait 110 days after you took your final dose, then cut your hair down to 1.5" all around your head a week or so before your test.
BTW JZ, the company did confirm a hair test and said they will go back 90 days.
Hi, I am a female with long hair (below my shoulders) and was a regular smoker for years up until last summer. I've smoked occasionally since then, in Decemebr 2014, February 2015, and most recently May 2, 2015. I will have a hair test in 3 months in October 2015. Is it necessary for me to cut my hair to 1.5" - I know that is required for a test but will they test more than that amount if I have long hair? Thanks
Most labs won't test more than 1.5" due to well-known test reliability issues on longer hair. They are instructed to cut from the scalp line up.
Your employer could order a longer history, but it is a much more expensive process that few choose.
The only failsafe way to protect yourself is to cut your hair to 1.5".
Hope this helps,
JZ
I wish I could've been to this website earlier. I just got done with the clinic cutting my hair and they will send it tonight. For the second time in my life I took 3 hits off Joint last week and tried coke for the first time ever 3 months ago....... Most likely I will fail and not be hired. Very upset at myself. If I fail could I do a retest? Would I pass if I trim my hair down and leave about an inch ?
I don't want to give you false hope... but there's hope for you, I think.
Retests usually only happen if there is a good reason to believe that your hair was contaminated in some way.
Let's break down your risk into the two drugs you mentioned:
1. Marijuana - 3 hits, 7 days ago:
There is almost nothing that can contaminate hair that mimics the THC metabolite they test for, so retesting is probably a non-starter if you test positive for weed.
On the other hand, you used very little about a week ago. Two good things about that:
- 3 hits may not be enough to raise your blood level of THC metabolite above 50ng/L, the usual cutoff. Depends on the strength of the bud.
- It takes 5-7 days for any traces of the metabolite to make it from your bloodstream (time of use) into your hair and through the surface of your scalp, where it can be tested.
Net-net: there is a decent chance your hair sample isn't tainted w/ enough THC metabolite to show up on a hair test.
2. Cocaine - light use 3 months ago:
Sounds like your hair is longer than 1".. but if it wasn't much longer - or the sample they took was 1" or less - then you have a shot at passing, That's because 90 days is enough time to clear the drug out of your system and grow 1" to 1.5" of clean hair through your scalp.
If you fail for cocaine, then you may be able to qualify for a retest if you recently used or have any of the following:
- Amoxicillin
- Ampicillin
- Coca tea, Coca leaf, Coca flour, Coca oil (all banned in the US)
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Tonic water (a LOT of it)
I sure hope you squeak through!
JZ
I did 4 small lines of meth in the past 2 days. I haven't done anything in the past 4 years. I have a hair follicle test in two days. I just went and bought a product called stealth shampoo to try it out. The last time I did a hair follicle with this company they took it from my legs because my hair on my head is to short. Please help!!!!!!
If the time between your ONLY use and the test is only 4 days, there's a decent chance you'll pass- because it takes 5-7 days for tainted hair to grow through your scalp line.
Crossing my fingers for you.
JZ
Did u pass?
I was wondering where you buy aloe rid or the other shampoo. And does it work and what other works on methanphetamiens
You can still find the old formula of Aloe Rid at TestClear.com
I know people use it for lots of drugs, but the only strong evidence I've found is for THC/weed (the hardest drug to detox).
Good luck!
JZ
Soo, I kinnnnda quit smoking over a month ago (smoker since 2011, smoke 1-3 baby hits a day everyday)...BUT, now I'll take 1-4 baby hits a week- usually when I get tipsy with the hommies on the weekend. I have hair down to my chest & it is beautiful,thick and brown- && I do not want to die it/cut it or anything....
I have a hair test coming up soon (1-3 weeks) IF I get this job offer- which I am pretty confident about!
Will simply using Aloe Rid (Leave it in over-night maybe twice before the test) and then using the Ultra Clean the day of the test be most effective? Or, do I still need to dye my hair (not bleach, but just dye)???
I read an earlier post from a girl stating she used the Aloe Rid over-night and then just dyed her hair a normal color && she passed her test.
BUT, I just do not want to dye my hair PERIOD because it is big, beautiful and it took me years to get it this long!!!!!!
Please help! Thanks!
Unfortunately, the only two methods I know of that have a decent track record are the Macujo and Jerry G cleaning regimens.
For Macujo, Aloe Rid is just one of the ingredients - you need the other ingredients, too.
Hope this helps,
JZ
Does an extremely slow hair growth rate or hair that has peaked its maximum length skew the timeline in which a hair analysis determines that exposure occurred. For example lets say a hair sample is taken from someone who has an extremely slow rate of growth for their hair due to a combination of document-able causes. Specifically where an 1 1/2 of hair truly represents a much longer time frame of growth than the average of .5 inches per month. Therefor, could the positive test result actually be showing exposure from a much longer time frame than that of someone who has hair that grows at the typical rate? If so do have documentation or information that you could point me to?
VERY slow growing hair could show up to 120 days of drug use.
That's because human head hair grows at different rates. But not THAT different.
Everything I've read says human hair grows between 1 to 2 inches every 90 days - this covers almost everyone.
In a 2005 study published the International Journal of Dermatology, scientists found a difference among races in the rate of hair growth.
- African hair grows the slowest, as slow as 1" every 90 days.
- Caucasian hair grows faster, about 1.5" in 90 days.
- Asian (Mongolian) hair grows the fastest, as much as 2" per 90 days.
- growth rate of male hair doesn't differ from women
- there is some seasonality to hair growth - your hair grows a little more in the summer - but the amount is so slight, it's not worth worrying about
Yet again, African Americans get 'the shaft' (sorry for the pun)!
I am not a doctor, so there may be rare diseases, etc. that also make a difference.
Hope this helps,
JZ
Just quit smoking about 30 days ago so I could get a better job. I Smoked at least twice a day for a year. Gonna wait till day 100 and then shave everything off. Then wait till it grows out to at least an inch and a half before applying. What are my chances of passing a hair test after this horrifically long process?
Thanks
Yes, waiting 100 days blows. But your chances are excellent, if you do. ;-)
Hello brothers!
Just leaving a line to say you americans are really lucky..
I am in your same situations but let me tell you how the hair test works in Italy.
First off, our cutoffs are 0,05 ng/mg THC and 0,0002 ng/mg THC-COOH.
Second: our hairs need to be long enough to detect use in the SIX MONTHS priori the test.
Third: our labs do detect if the hair has been colored and the test results invalid. Hence, we are unable to use the Macujo method.
Now, maybe i'm missing something but.. I think it's a shit here.
Good luck you All..
Hello Jay! Although this site has so much useful info ( the only one! Thanks for all of this) I just still cannot find what I am looking for!! SO.... I am in art school for photography, not cheap. Luckily my husband is willing to get a better job to help me kickstart my career. Problem is the new job screens the guys like they are secret service watching the gold.. They are going to do a 6 month hair test on him.... He quit smoking pot 5 1/2 months ago.. You think he will pass?? How can they even go back 6 months, if it only stays in your hair 3!???
Reyni,
To clarify: Drug traces stay in your hair forever - they don't disappear after 90 days. That's why you need to cut it down to 1.5" or so before the test.
A 90-day history is what most hair tests look for, but some employers will test further back.
Hope this clears things up.
And good luck!
JZ
Just wanted to say ur site is awesome bro... Keep up the work, lol love it
If you have been prescribed pain pills and have the bottle to prove but have taken more than you were prescribed will it show up how much you've taken or will it just show that you have done it?
The lab can see how much you used, and roughly when. So, yes, they can probably detect if you used more than prescribed.
Hey. I got a position in a great company as a "future associate" in about 58 days they will offer me a position. Thing is they want a hair sample for drug test. I am a HEAVY weed smoker. If not every day, every other day. Sometimes 1-4 grams a day. It sucks to say but I can't stop smoking. Been smoking for 10years plus only stopping maybe 30-60,days years ago to stay out of jail. Im wondering do they test levels?? Or do they just see THC and u fail??
Kar,
They test levels. The chemical they look for is a THC metabolite (not THC directly). 50ng/L is the usual threshold.
So what about edibles (weed browmies)? like i only do it every blue moon and jus got called for a Job i tried to get like 6 years ago. my test is Monday and im freaking out cause i know thats not enough time to order this stuff online. any suggestions?
Sorry to tell you this, but there's no diff b/w eating or and smoking THC.
Crossing my fingers for you,
JZ
im an african american male with really short hair (under an inch) but have a beard. im sure there is weed in my system and feel like i should shave my beard. if i do so where else will they pull hair from and will them taking it from somewhere else better or lesson my chances
They can sample hair from anywhere on your body. Body hair grows slower than head hair. Usually they'll try to take chest hair, facial hair or hair above the waist.
See the chart above for the limitations that the test lab has to deal with for each part of the body.
Good luck!
JZ
Great site. Tons of useful information. Thank you for taking the time to address the needs of thousands.
I'm wondering because of the long time involved for the drugs to enter your hair it seems to me cleaning the day off the test would actually provide the best results. Is this true or false?
Yes, it's a good idea to clean your hair the day of the test.
I've never been a big smoker but take a couple hits from time to time. I just happened to smoke twice in the last 5 days each time a couple hits. Once on Saturday and again on Monday.
I'm seeing it takes about a week for the hair to pick up the thc, my question is:
Is there anyway I can detox before the week is up, so it doesn't have the chance to get into my hair?
I just got offered an interview. So I'm not sure when the testing will come but I'm sure it will be in the near future.
Paulina,
Sorry to tell you this, but new hair gets tainted within minutes after you take the first hit. It takes 5-7 days for the new tainted hair to grow through your scalp.
Not much you can do about this, until the hair grows out and can be treated or cut.
Best of luck,
JZ
I haven't snorted coke in like 5 months and I'm trying to get a job and they are now doing hair follicle test. Will I pass or will it still me in my hair?
Once a drug or drug metabolite gets into your hair, it stays there until you cut it out or clean it out.
In your case, you should cut your hair down to 2" or so all around your head right before the test - to eliminate any traces of drug use recorded in your hair from 5 mos ago.
Best of luck on your test,
JZ
Hi JZ, first just want to say thanks for providing a site with real useful information, it really is a great help to many of us.
I smoked a tiny amount of meth residue that I scraped from a pipe around 25/07, it would not have even been 0.01 of a gram. I possibly need to take a hair test sometime in the next 2 months. This one time use will be the only time I've used drugs in the 90 days prior to the said test.
What I want to know is will a hair follicle test pick up such a small one time use? I've read on some forums that it won't. If I need to clean my hair to pass the test but I can't afford aloe rid what is my next best option for cleaning the meth out of my hair?
Thanks, :)
If you've only done a total of 0.01g during the 90 days prior to the test - and you cut your hair down to 1"-1.5" right before the test (to eliminate any use prior to 90 days), I seriously doubt you'll test positive for meth.
Good luck!
JZ
Hey JZ so I have a question for you I stopped smoking August 7th I've been smoking probably everyday for about a year I have a hair drug test for my current employer in about 3 months, on August 6th I also did I would say probably a 40 bag of cocaine on my friends birthday and only did a line once before that like a few weeks prior I'm deff not a frequent coke user but deff a frequent weed smoker, so I cut a lot of my hair off today I got a haircut nice and short and I plan on shaving my body hair too soon an getting a few more haircuts will I pass my hair drug test if I stop for 90 days while getting frequent haircuts? I'm paranoid I'm going to fail for cocaine not even the weed because that looks a lot worse what do you think?
Petey,
Once a drug is in your hair, it stays there until you cut the tainted section off (unless you do really aggressive cleaning). Doesn't matter which drug it is.
That said, given you are ~90 days away from your test, you have a good shot of passing if you completely abstain from now on, and cut your hair down to 1" right before the test (less than 1.5").
Best of luck on your test!
JZ
Are there any 'religious' or 'medical' reasons that you can say to not have to take a hair test?
Not that I'm aware of.
Yes, if you're immediate family members have died, it is against the Jewish religion to cut hair or nails
So, first I would like to thank you for all the useful information. At this time i self medicate and take 3-4 methodones a day to avoid opiates. I was offered a position at a well known chain company where the opportunities are endles. However I have long hair that is down my back. I will need to pass a hair test in 3-6 weeks. Do normal hair tests.show methodone use or suboxone for that matter? Thanks in advance.
As the chart below shows, most serious hair drug tests (10-panel or higher) can detect Methadone use for up to 90 days.
It's less certain if your test will detect Suboxone use. As you can see below, some of USDTL's tests do, some don't.
(ref: US Drug Laboratories website)
For cheaper tests like 5-panel or 7-panel screens, Suboxone is not one of the drugs included.
Hope this helps.
Good luck!
JZ
Jay,
What a fantastic font of knowledge you are and so generous with your time & info.
That being said...I am/was a chronic mj user...quit about 5 days ago...I want to apply for a job that i know utilizes the hair follicle test. I don't have a whole lot of hair on my head as it is...and i feel it grows slower than what has been stated here..though maybe i feel that way when it doesn't grow in where i would like...this may sound dumb...but can you use the head hair cleansing regimen on body hair...is that even possible? Or should i wait about 2 weeks shave my head and then just bite the bullet and wait for it to grow to 1.5"?
Your input into this matter would be greatly appreciated!
Jim,
The cleaning regimens should work the same on any type of hair, although the side effects & burning may be very unpleasant and possibly unhealthy for some parts of your body (Jerry G method especially).
If it were me, I'd bite the bullet and wait it out.
Good luck,
JZ
I passed the Hair Test! Thanks Jay Z. I really appreciate this site! I feel compelled to tell how I did it since all the advise and comments helped me a bunch....I was a daily user and used the good stuff. Age 51 with thin brown hair and lots of it.
I was clean for 30 days as I thought it would be the pee test. Had a week to prep for the pre-employment test via phychemedics. I used the Macujo method as described.
Also my wife's hair dresser stated one of his clients had 4 or 5 hair tests he passed for a court custody problem. He said he recommended he use the Malibu swimmers treatment with a Redken cleaning shampoo of some type.
I bought the Malibu swimmers treatment (Crystals in the pouch) and used it once a day for 5 days straight. Had the Aloe Rid old formula so I used it instead of Redken's.
Used Mac Method in the AM and PM and swimmers treatment at noon. So 3 treatments a day for 5 days.
Left the Aloe Rid on for two nights overnight during that week.
One thing I should also have done, but did not, was cut hair from 2.25 inch to 1.5 inches. Also should have colored hair. I already color my hair as it is Grey 25%. I had colored it about 3 or 4 weeks prior to the test.
Good luck to everyone having to go through this. The waiting and anxiety is the worst part.
Also Pray on your knees to St Jude, St Anthony, St Joe and the Almighty. Ask for a miracle if you need one.
Awesome news! Thanks for sharing your experience.
JZ
How would i know if I bought the new nexus aloe rid shampoo or the old one??
The old Aloe Rid formula has a barcode number of 05592 16035 on it.
If the number is different, then it's not the right formula.
BE CAREFUL if you're shopping on Amazon! People have paid for the old formula, but received the new formula instead (WHICH DOES NOT WORK).
The only safe place I know of to get it is Testclear. Testclear bought-up the remaining inventory when Nexxus quit making the old formula.
(Use the link above).
Best of luck!
JZ
Jay,
I know everyone says they seldom smoke but it's true. I take a few hits 2-3 times a year of weed. I took a few hits off a blunt in January and a couple of hits in Early April. I haven't smoked since then . I have to take a hair test in 4 days. If I do the bleaching method could I possibly pass?
Yes, I think your chances are pretty good.
Good luck!
JZ
Someone who I know smokes pot heavily and takes pills was able to pass a 10 panel hair strand test. They took the test about 20 days after they found out they had to? How did they pass? I thought it was impossible to fool a hair test. They may have to do a nail test now. Is that tougher to pass? Is there any chance to pass it?
Kiki,
I don't know what they did, but I'll bet it was one of these two methods.
Hope this helps.
JZ
I looked through a great many comments but could not find what I was looking for. My situation is not with employment. But rather probation. I was clean from methamphetamines for 17 months and fell off for about a week.I had a hair test scheduled as a condition for early release and cancelled it myself, confessing to the use. I am scheduled another hair test in 90 days. Which will be 92 days or so after last use
I have a couple questions.
Do you know if law enforcement typically tests further back than 90 days? I am a man with maybe 2 inches of head hair but more arm/body hair than could be shaved without notice from my probation officer between now and my test. My thought is that the most reasonable course of action is to not cut my head hair and treat it to ensure they don't take hair from anywhere else. Tell me if I'm wrong.
The other question is what info could you share about synthetic marijuana AKA k2 ? By the time I have my test I won't have used any for 100 days but I didn't see any info on how it works with hair tests, or if it can be tested for at all.
You are by far the most knowledgeable person I have encountered in this area.
Oh some info on the law enforcement question. I live in Texas, in a rural county, in no way a major city. Don't know if those factors affect how law enforcement deals with hair samples but I wanted to be thorough.
Thanks in advance.
Baxter,
Sorry for the late reply.
Great questions. Let me paraphrase and answer each one, best as I can:
1. Do law enforcement officers test further back than 90 days?
YES, if they think it's in the public's best interest. The hair test CAN detect drug use for up to 12 months. There are known accuracy problems w/ testing further back than 90 days, however - so ask your lawyer about challenging the results if they test that far back.
2. Most reasonable course of action...?
I disagree. I'd cut your head hair back to maybe 1" total length at the time of your test. Labs often accept hair samples less than 1.5", because head hair grows at different rates for difft people, and they know that. The min. length acceptable depends on what law enforcement/judge/parole board deems necessary, in your case.
Body hair grows more slowly than head hair, so an equivalent length of body hair holds a longer history of drug use than head hair. If you've never waxed or shaved your body - now's a good time to start.
3. Testing for synthetic marijuana/K2?
I did some research on this. In general, hair test labs can't detect most synthetic cannabinoids - there are hundreds today, with more released each month.
Labs focus on detecting the most popular molecules only, which include:
JWH-073
JWH-250
JWH-081
JWH-018
JWH-210
JWH-019
AM-1220
MMB-CHMINACA
AB-PINACA
XLR-111 - a popular new strain that's causing a lot of ODs.
Problem is, it's unlikely you know which of the 500+ synthetic cannabinoids you ingested. If you do know (and you're sure), then check it against the list above.
NOTE: I can't guarantee this is a complete list. I compiled it from various drug testing lab sites.
4. Rural vs. urban law enforcement practices? I don't think this makes much of a difference. Most use the same labs.
Good luck!
JZ
is aloe rid old formula and ultra clear the best treatment for meth? thaks a bunch
The Macujo method that uses Aloe Rid was designed to strip THC metabolites from hair.
Since THC is the hardest drug to strip from hair, my guess is Macujo works even better for other drugs that are harder to detect - like meth.
I will do some more research and update the page on what I find.
Take care,
JZ
How long does it take for cocaine to get out of the hair root. I haven't used since February 17th until august 1st I only used once but it was about $300 worth so how long will it be before that is out and how long does it stay in the root I heard 1 year.
Sonja,
Traces of cocaine will stay in your hair until you cut the tainted hair off.
You can reduce your risk by stripping your hair with chemicals/bleach.
Hope this answers your question!
JZ
Jay I speak for everyone in saying thank you, I know this is probably frequently asked but my buddy use to be a heavy smoker but in the past year has only smoked 5 or 6 times. Around the beginning of August he smoked a gram of MJ and swallowed around a half a gram of Molly and could possibly be hair tested at the beginning of October. What is the best action to take at this point for a chance of him coming out clean?
Dave -
Your friend sounds like a perfect candidate for the Macujo or Jerry G cleaning regimen.
Best of luck!
JZ
Just 1 question ❔ man… I have a test next Wednesday… and I am. A bald guy… where would they take hair from? ..I do havr a beard and mustache though… can I use any methods for my facial hair?
Yes, they may sample facial hair if nothing else available.
Methods are same for any type of hair, although body and facial hair grow more slowly than head hair. 1/2" of beard can hold 2-3 mos of history.
Best of luck,
JZ
OMG I PASSED i got my results yesterday im still in shock this has saved my life litrally
What do you do??
what method did you use?
Question about when the standard 90 days for 1.5" of hair starts from last use.
From Oct 15-24 I smoked most of the day ever day (3/8 oz) after not smoking since the previous new years. I have a drug test coming up in mid-late January or early February so I figured I would be in the total clear by a long shot, turns out the company literally just changed policy from urine to hair follicle testing! Never would have even thought about smoking had I known this a couple weeks ago. Does the standard 90 days start AFTER having a totally clean system (for worst case say November 23 for Oct 24+30days to clear my fat) or 90 days from Oct 24th?
You should test clean ~90 days after your blood is clean (below threshold).
Fyi for everyone if you shave all body hair they will take fingernail and or toenail clippings to run the drug test... thought everyone should know
Yes, you're right. Nail clipping samples are taken sometimes when no hair is available.
Thanks for sharing,
JZ
1st thank you for your help to all these folks. Very informative. I am a daily smoker -avg 3.5g/wk for 10+yrs. Anticipating a potential hair test Jan '16. Would stopping now alone be effective? I suspect not...that stopping & shampoo & color would be the best plan. :/
Debbie,
I think you know what to do ;-)
Good luck!
JZ
Hey Jay - Ok, final try and final question that is totally perplexing to me. Lets say a company wants to test back to a year...how can they do that if the hair sample is only say 2-3 inches? Additionally, say that 2-3 inches was after 90 days, and was cut during that time and at the end of it. Many thanks man!!!
No lab can test beyond the length of hair available to sample.
Human head hair grows about 0.5 inches per month.
1.5" of hair is required to see back 90 days
6" of hair is required to see back 360 days (1 year)
The math here is VERY simple (as you suspected).
Did the Jerry G Method after being a daily user. Followed to a T down to ammonia based hair coloring. I did not pass, with 14.1pg. Dark hair, caucasian
If you use pot daily, you have to stop before you even apply. I can't stress this enough. You have no chance against Psychemed if you are a heavy user. I only had 2 weeks of clean time, one before I applied and one after because I didn't think I would get the interview and pre employment started so quickly.
Beat advice. Just quit for awhile.
So I don't smoke, but about a month ago a friend blew two hits of pot smoke right in my face, I didn't get high, but I have a hair follicle test Friday and am worried it may show up, am I being ridiculous?
No, second hand smoke won't cause you to fail a hair test.
Hi Jay Z, love the site! So approximately 40 days ago I took 4 hits of weed and drank some weed pop for the first time in years. I have a hair drug test in two days. How are my chances of passing would you say?
Pretty good. Single use usually doesn't show up on a hair test.
Did you pass your test
Mr. Z,
I am an occasional pot smoker who has sporadically used cocaine a handful of times over the last 90 days (last time being a week ago) and Molly once (on October 31st). I am facing a drug test next week if my interview on the 1st goes well. Coincidentally, I keep my body hair shaved for some side modeling gigs I have occasionally.
If I understand this correctly, if I walk into next weeks interview with a very short haircut (less than 1.5 inches at any point of my head), and wear the same short haircut to the drug testing facility, they will be unable to sample my head hair, at which point they'll find that I have no testable body hair?
I am confident I'll pass a urine test based on the infrequency of use, so would I not at that point be safe from the hair test? Or at the very least buy myself some time until they would want to retest my hair?
Matt,
Great question.
There really is no single "industry" answer to your question.
How they deal with a "Mr. Clean" situation depends on the lab's own policies plus the terms of the agreement they have with their client (employer/govt. agency) about what to do when no hair samples are available.
Sometimes, a lab will revert to a urine sample. Other times, they'll reschedule to give your hair time to grow.
They might also sample your eyebrows, which many people overlook.
Good luck,
JZ
I never smoke weed but i took about 4 hits off a bowl on November 2nd have to take a hair follicle test on December 31st do you think i will be okay or should i try one of the methods? Also i drink a lot do they test for alcohol?
I think you're safe. A single use, even 4 hits, usually won't generate enough THC-COOH to register on a hair test.
Jay.
So I have a problem. Last time I smoked was 2 months ago and I have a test coming up on Fed.13. What can I do to make sure I pass.
If you're a moderate or heavy smoker, then read this page: https://hairfollicledrugtest.info/thc-detox-clean-hair-home-remedies/
Howdy, I did macujo and passed a hair test, have not used and another hair test came up 1 month later. Is my hair still clean?
If you haven't used since then, then I would presume so!
Hello, JZ
I've read through a lot of comments and nothing compares to my situation. I haven't done any drugs in over a year (since Nov 2014) I bought 2 hair tests (90 day) from hair confirm... Back in September I sent 1 of the tests back for screening. I have a crew cut type hair cut (1/4-1/2 inch) and very lil body hair so I used my beard hair (1-2 inches) long...and I failed for cocaine levels at 20,000!! after 9months clean...(very upset and confused) so I then say maybe it was left over from the 9 months prior and I shave my entire body and wait for my beard to grow back out (1-2 inches) I recently around 3 weeks ago sent my second test out, know and behold still positive for Cocaine metabolites.... This time levels at around 1500... I cannot for the life of me figure out how these levels could still be at 1500 or even in my system after over a year! Can cocaine be ingested through skin contact or airborne? Please help with any information maybe I missed or could turn to. Any information would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance
Confused Tester
P.S. The purpose for all this is a government job that I failed 4 years ago for the same situation and the job opening is available for me if able to pass this seemingly impossible test.
Hey confused. There's very little chance your prior use would show up in your hair after that long, with hair that short.
It is possible that another contaminant is being mistaken for cocaine. Some medications and medical conditions can trigger a false positive for cocaine.
These include:
Amoxicillin
Topical anesthetics derived from cocaine (does not include lidocaine or novocaine)
Liver disease
Kidney disease
Diabetes
Another possibility for a false positive is ingesting coca, the plant from which cocaine is derived. Coca leaves, particularly when brewed as a tea, are popular in a handful of countries but banned in the United States.
I Recently had a drug Test For cocaine (I have never Taken this drug In My Life )and It showed positive both for the parent Drug And The metabolite ,My solicitor Argued the result ,but was told That There is No Way of showing A false positive ,I obviously know there is ,but the Drug Testing Company Refuses To admit there infact wrong.
Some medications and medical conditions can sometimes trigger a false positive for cocaine. These include:
Amoxicillin
Topical anesthetics derived from cocaine (does not include lidocaine or novocaine)
Liver disease
Kidney disease
Diabetes
One last possibility for a false positive is ingesting coca, the plant from which cocaine is derived. Coca leaves, particularly when brewed as a tea, are popular in a handful of countries but banned in the United States.
Mr. Z, I snorted some coke on 12/24/15 and have a hair test on 3/21/16. I'm African American and I have little body hair (leg, chest or arms) and I wear a low hair cut. If I get a haircut right now Will the hair that grows out of my hair pass the test??
Probably, but you are cutting it close for someone with coarse dark hair, because that type of hair grows more slowly and therefore stores a longer history of use per inch of growth.
I smoked pot back in November for a few days then again in December quite December 13 th. Did meth off and through November and quite the 30th of November. If I cut my hair off all over today and do it several times this month will I be clean or is there a product I should use. I don't have a test at the but I will in a month
The problem w/ cutting your hair now, for a test in a month, is that it will be too short to provide the lab technician with a 90-day sample - which requires 1.5 inches of hair, minimum.
When they see your short crop, they may opt to sample your body hair (which records a longer history per inch than head hair) or they may fail you outright.
You seem to be an ideal candidate for the Macujo or Jerry G cleaning method - see detailed instructions for both on this page: https://hairfollicledrugtest.info/thc-detox-clean-hair-home-remedies/
Good luck with your test!
Hey,
Nothing quite matches my situation either. I'm applying for a job where they will most likely test me within the next week. Last semester I took vyvanse (and a lot of it) to study with my most recent time being a month ago. I'm not prescribed vyvanse and even if I was i think they could probably tell that I had way over the recommended amount. My question is if the Macujo or Jerry G method would work even though I am not dealing with marijuana. (I'm also a broke college kid and cannot afford the aloe option which seems the best so far). What should i do?
The methods will work for any drug, is what I'm told. However, almost all of the evidence I've seen is for THC (weed). Marijuana is the toughest drug to get out of your hair.
Did you end up passing your test?
I took a puff on nov. 25 and I haven't smoked since, I have a follicle test coming up on Feb. 8, do you think it will show up on the test? I had also not smoked for months prior to that one time
You aren't at a high risk of failing, with such light use.
Good luck!
JZ
Hey J, I havent smoked in the last 5 months, aug 6 was the last time. and took 1 dab on nov 22. I also took 2 hits of some good weed on jan 17th. Do you think i should be alright if my hair test is next week? My hair is about 1.5 inches and ill probably get it trimmed just a little bit this week. I have the zydot ultra clean and ill probably use that the day of. What do you think?
You have a good shot at passing, I think. That qualifies you as "light user".
I have to do a hair test next week for a high paying job. I haven't had to take a drug test in 25 years. The last time I smoked was mid December. Before that it a few hits a few times a week on and off for a few months. I have been an on and off smoker since I was a teenager and I'm now 47. I often go years though not smoking. I just get that craving. I am a woman and have worn my hair VERY short for probably 15 years. My hair also grows very fast. I also cut it myself. I did pass a home urine test about 5 weeks ago as well. The hair on the top of my head is about 2 inches. I'm going to take it down to an inch today to let some growth come back. I seriously do not look like I'd smoke pot, gray hair and all. I'm just so freaking nervous about this that I can't even sleep. Ugh. It feels so intrusive into my private life as well. I'm a masters educated professional and this just annoys me.
For the first time in 25 years I have to take a drug test next week and of course it is a hair test. I smoked 3-5 days a week on and off for a few months last year sometimes going weeks in between. Never a lot either. Maybe a very small bowl or just a few hits in the evenings and not every day. The last time I smoked was mid December and I was by no means a daily user at that . I passed a home drug test I took about 6 weeks ago. I have always worn my hair very short for a woman and am not afraid to go as short as it takes.The only thing they can even take a sample from is the top. I probably only have 60 days where I would test negative. That is all the hair I want to give them. I intervened with short hair, so it would be a question really if there was no enough for 90 days. My hair also grown really fast and at the length it is now, the only thing that could POSSIBLY test positive are the very ends. I will be absolutely humiliated if I do not not pass this and miss the opportunity of a lifetime. I ordered some shampoo to use the day of as well. I am hoping anything they find would be a low enough concentration to pass. I decided at my age, I am done smoking anyway. This stress is just not worth it.
I took 2 doses of codeine cough syrup for a cold about 2 weeks ago, it was not my prescription. I have a follicle test next week and I'm freaking out! Do you think this will fail me?
No, I think you're probably OK. Keep the bottle, just in case.
Good luck!
Hello Jay Z. Would like to first thank you for all the information you have provided and all your hard work, time and effort you've put into this site; it is highly appreciated. Whether you're in a jam or a friend, this is information that people should educate themselves with because the workforce has changed "Big" time! It's hard to find selfless people as yourself, again, THANK YOU.
My question is, will a perm do the job. I am African American but I don't do the pot thing; however curiosity revved his head up in late December and a couple of puffs I took. I have long thick hair, but don't have money for Aloe Rid and those other two-no way! Get a perm and cut it. The jobs that I've applied for, at least two of them, test by hair. One has called-didn't answer to nervous but I still have a chance with that one. Just wanted your take on my decision.
Thanks for your kind words :-)
I don't know if a perm would work or not. My guess is, no. I say this because I haven't seen anything in testing industry / medical research or on weed boards that say it will.
Best of luck,
JZ
Just moved to Vegas and had a wild "welcome to town" night on Thurs 2/22/16 that included several lines of cocaine. I don't smoke weed, and this was my first go of cocaine. I wasn't aware of hair testing, but being on the job hunt, am now worried I screwed myself for the next 3 months. I've read varying takes on the effects and subsequent testing results for single time users vs. regular users. Will I fail the tests for this one night of partying? I don't have any hair testings scheduled, but can foresee there will be some in the near future as I'm applying for jobs. I keep my hair pretty short as it is, but it hasn't yet been 5-7 days since I ingested, so from what I'm understanding, the drugs wont appear in my hair for another few days for me to even bother with shaving. Anyhow, sorry for the long winded question, but will this one time use be detectible starting in the next few days and consequently be haunting me for the next 90 days?
You are probably safe. The hair test is designed to detect regular users, not one-time users.
Good luck!
JZ
As of today February 29th is my last day of smoking marijuana (I hope) I haven't smoked in maybe a few months since yesterday before then maybe 4 months ago I smoked a ounce and yesterday smoked maybe 4 grams. My job hires in temps within 3-5 months. I passed my urine test 2 weeks ago. And was told in orientation of my job that they have been hiring a lot and in 3-5 months I may be picked to be hired in. You can't refuse to be hired in at least not from my knowledge because they will automatically think you're dodging the hair drug test. I'm a black male 23 years of age and my hair is never 1.5 inches I don't think I've ever let it grow out that far. I shave all chest hair, arm hair, and leg hair because I have tattoos in those areas so it makes it hard to see them if I'm hairy. The only places exposed to hair is my armpits and pubic area (which I tend to shave completely every so often when it grows to its maximum extent) the aloe option is pretty steep but I think I'll go ahead and get that and maybe Macujo and Jerry G as well just to be on the safe side I'll probably use some of the aloe in my last month then use the Macujo and Jerry G the next week, then use them both the day prior to when I have to take the test. If all works well or if I fail I'll be back to post my results.
Hey I literally took 4 puffs of weed. But now I found out that I have to take a hair follicle drug test 12 days after. I'm not a smoker this was my first time in years. Will I pass the test?
You'll probably be OK. A single use is usually not detectable on a hair test.
Hello,
Would like some advice for a plan moving forward. I am a heavy user, 1-3g/daily for about 4 years with a few months off during those four years. My hair grows fast, but I am obese and I know THC stays in the systems of obese people longer.
I will have a hair test in about 5 months. My hair is currently very long and brown. I am willing to cut it, but not to 1.5 of an inch just yet.
What should I be doing? Especially because I have time to prepare. I'm just very worried that because I am overweight, THC will be in my system longer and therefore even harder for me to pass a test. In case it's relevant, Caucasian female.
THANKS!!
Celine,
If you are Caucasian, then your hair probably grows about average.
So, if you abstain for 100 days and cut your hair to 1.5" all around, you will eliminate any traces from your hair at the time of the test.
If you want to have longer hair at the time of testing, then add 30 days to the abstinence period For each 1/2" of additional length.
Given that you are 5 months away from the test, your hair could be as long as 2.25" all around at the time of the test.
Good luck!
I was just informed from a big company I applied for, that I gotta do a follicle drug test. So, i started researching online about THC in your system, & found this website to be very informative. I'm a stoner & prefer weed over any drug or alcohol. In Oct.'15 i had to stop smoking so i could pass any urine test thereafter, but passed my urine test using synthetic urine. In Jan.'16 i started smoking again everyday (about > an 3/8 of the finest i could get ahold of from a.m. - p.m.)til the first week of Mar.'16 because i was unemployed and i didn't need to do any drug testing. So, as of Mar.'16 i have been clean. I backed out of my job offer because I knew that i wouldn't pass my follicle drug test. I'm a clean cut guy who gets a haircut every week (1.5 on top w/ a razor fade or i simply shave my head with a razor). I also shave everyday, too. So I'm wondering if i will pass my follicle test or would waiting 100 days as you say is the best option. what levels of THC would i still hav if i am shaving my head from here on out to say 100 days of abstinence? what do u suggest or advise? help!!
Abstinence for 100 days, followed by a hair trim to 1.5" is the most reliable method of passing.
That is the minimum amount of time to allow for 90 days' worth of clean hair to grow back out, ready for sampling.
Hello. Thank you so much for all the help. The last time I smoked marijuana was exactly a week ago and before that I couple of puffs here and there. I don't smoke marijuana but Just been going through alot and just wanted to hit it to ease my mind a Lil. Will I be OK to pass my hair test that's just in a couple of days from now and if I was to buy a urine test and it says negative does that mean my hair test will come back negative as well?
You may be OK on the hair test, because a "few puffs here and there" is hard to detect. That said, you didn't put any numbers behind your statement. Infrequent use = 1 to 3 times during the past 100 days.
The Urine test and the hair test don't relate to each other, the way you may think.
A urine test detects traces of drugs that are in your blood stream, right now.
A hair test detects whether drugs were EVER in your blood at ANY time during the past 1 to 12 weeks (or longer).
Hope this helps. Best of luck!
JZ
My 7 year old son who has obviously never used thc failed a hair follicle test. How is this possible?! He also is around light secondhand smoke rarely if ever.
That's very strange. Second hand smoke does NOT register on a hair test. Is it possible he ingested edibles by accident?
Hey! So I am not a huge drug person. But I had back issues in January where I was given an iv of morphine to ease the pain. Then about 3 weeks ago I had slipped a disc in my back and was given another iv. What do I do? I am not sure they even sent me home with documents stating this.
By law, your hospital / doctor's office has to keep records of all narcotics used on their premises. So ask them for a copy of your records.
Good luck on your test!
Hello Jay,
I'm applying for a position in my company, and they will do a hair follicle test. I have not done any edibles in a month. I'm not a smoker nor a frequent user. I'm just wondering if I would be ok, or should I wait the 3 months? I only did edibles on the weekend, and may 2 or 3 gummies during the week, and that was only maybe once or twice a week, not every day.
I'd wait for the 3 month to pass, just to be safe.
So, I'm already bald... last time I took a hair test they cut it from my goatee...I'm going to shave that too....when it regrows I don't know... if the test goes back 90 days... and that's the most hair I have... when will I be safe?
Dear Mr. Clean ;-) ,
Regardless of where they clip your hair, you'll need to stop using 100 days prior to your test to grow a sample that goes back 90 days.
For beard hair, the lab knows that facial hair grows more slowly than head hair, so they may accept a shorter length.
Good luck!
JZ
OK well, I just got back from test. It has been 4days since I stop smoking. I did macujo method 5-6 times I forget, blocked out the pain lol. I bleached and dyed it. Used the crazy aloe $200.00 shampoo and the zydot. Did some baking soda also and got my bathroom very humid. Will let you guys know.
Hey jz
Great site by the way! It's so hard to get a straight answer.
I have a hair test coming up and have been clean. I am prescribed to adderall. I was told that if I took some mdma that it would just show up as the adde. Is there any truth to this!
Thanks so much for your help
No! the test labs CAN tell the difference between MDMA/Ecstasy/Mollies and Adderall.
mr z,
abt two week days ago i smoked pot for the first ever, hardly a single hit, and had half of a caramel. i smoked again about ten days ago, just one hit. since i'm not a frequent user is it possible that these levels would not pass the threshold for a positive? the test will be in about a week.
You are probably safe. Hope this helps!
In the charts what do you mean by cutoff level?
The 'cutoff level' is the minimum amount of drug traces (either a by-product/metabolite or the drug itself) found in your hair sample that defines a 'positive test result'.
Cutoff Level is usually measured as a relative mass ratio, like "5 picograms were found per gram of sample", or "5 pg" for short.
If drug traces found in your hair exceed the cutoff level, then you fail the test.
If drug traces are found in your hair, but are below the cutoff level, then you pass.
See chart above for cutoff levels for the most common drugs.
I'm bugging out about a hair test. Its for a really amazing job offer I had. I went today to get a physical. I passed the urine and mouth swab test like I knew I would. But I have pretty long hair. Its almost to my butt. I'm freaking out. The last time I smoked pot was 8/23/2014. Almost 2 years ago. I've dyed my hair 4 or 5 times since then. And have washed it almost everyday since then. Almost 2 years. This is an amazing job. And I used to smoke pot everyday. Do I have anything to worry about? I don't smoke anymore and I don't do any drugs at all and haven't in almost 2 years. But I'm still worried... Should I be worried?
No, you should not be worried. They will clip a 90-day sample from your scalp, outward. Unless they're trying to detect use 2 years ago (which I've never heard of), you should be safe.
So, I love the site and the comments but found very little about those who are bald and no facial hair. So, I have smoked marijuauna in about 30 days. As previously stated I'm bald with no facial hair for the past 10 yrs. I do have arm, armpit, and leg hair. I'm not scheduled yet for a hair test for a job I recently interviewed for but it's inevitable. This is a big opportunity and I don't wanna miss out because of some old usage. By the time I take the test I'll be at least 45-60 days clean. Should I shave my body hairs in anticipation of the test so that the new hair that will grow in by the time of the test is clean? Or should I wait, then detox and shampoo. Just trying to prepare because I think I'll be getting the call pretty soon. Thanks for any help.
Hi Jay :-)
In general, when faced with a bald head and clean face, hair drug test stations/labs prefer to sample hair from other locations above the waist. Often, that means arm pit hair.
There's a chart above that shows how long drug traces remain in arm pit and arm hair.
To answer your question, if you're a regular user, then yes, you should probably shave your body hair and try to reschedule if you can. If you cannot reschedule, then the Macujo and Jerry G methods are your next-best bet.
Hope this helps. Good luck on your test!
JZ
I have not smoked for 6 months. I was a regular user prior to that (about 2 times per day) but like I said I quit in November. I started to work out and lost about 15-20 lbs. I'm 5'8 175lbs Caucasian male. Short black hair about 1inch long. I just took a psychemedics pre employment test first week of May. They took 1inch from 2-3 spots of my head. I got results 2 weeks after the test and they are saying I failed for thc-cooh with 1.2pg and 1pg was the cutoff. I lost a great job opportunity. I had no idea that I could have failed after six months of stopping. I didn't believe the results and I scheduled my own hair test with my MD for next week. Can the lab make a mistake? Only thing I can think of is that my girlfriend smokes but never around me. We live together and could it be that she can contaminate my hair with her sebum/sweat? I told that to my preemployer Doctor and he said that is not possible. However I did read that some kids test positive for thc-cooh due to close contact with parent that smokes. I lost out on my dream job..... and I can't have a retest. Hope this helps someone in same situation. What is your take on this J?
-
1 2 3 4 NextThanks for sharing your experience, but damn, that's sad to hear.
This kind of a false positive on a standard 90-day hair test is *really* rare. Did they test for longer than 90 days? What was the look-back period?
No, you won't contaminate your hair (beyond the cutoff level) from another person's second-hand smoke.