The Science Behind the Hair Drug Test

Ever been drug tested? Curious as to how it all works?

If you need to take a hair follicle drug test, then you need to understand how it works.

A hair follicle test is a drug test that tests for illicit drugs. It can unveil drug use for up to three months or more. So, if you’ve been using drugs, then the test will be able to determine which ones.

It will also be able to determine how much of each drug you used. If that causes you to tense up a bit, take a deep breath. There is a way to pass a hair follicle drug test.

The hair follicle drug test tests for a number of drugs. It tests for methamphetamines, marijuana, and opiates. It also tests for cocaine and PCP. These drugs all produce a high which alters the way you feel and your mood.

Many drugs are used recreationally and can add to the fun of a wild night. But, drug tests are still a reality we must face. Specifically, in our professional careers.

Want to know how the hair follicle test works? Read on to find out how hair follicle drug tests work according to science.

How a Hair Follicle Test Works

For people who want to have a little fun here and there, drug tests are more than just a pest. They make us feel like we have to choose between having a good time and security. But, sometimes our wild sides can win out and we find ourselves playing in the snow or chilling with Mary Jane.

No matter what our reasons for using drugs are, it’s important that we know how to pass a hair follicle drug test. It’s also important to understand how they work so we can determine if we could pass or fail.

Despite our objections to drug testing, learning about how drug tests work can be enlighting. Interesting, even.

Explore the following facts about how hair follicle drug tests work to understand how it detects drugs and why it’s an accurate testing tool.

How It Works

Hair follicle drug tests have been used for over 30 years. This method relies on the way the body processes drugs and other substances.

As the body metabolizes drugs, the bloodstream carries it into the cortex of the hair. This process occurs over and over, storing deposits of the drug each time it’s used.

However, sometimes the body can eliminate a drug before it reaches this stage. For example, if you just used cocaine once, then your body may metabolize it before it reaches the hair follicle. However, if you regularly use cocaine then it’s more than likely that the drug reached your hair cortex.

In this case, your hair acts as a record of all the time the cocaine didn’t fully leave your system. This allows a hair follicle test to also determine how often and how much you used a drug.

How Long Drugs Stay in Your Hair

A hair follicle test is widely used because of its ability to retain drug deposits for long periods of time. In fact, a hair follicle drug test can detect drug use for 90 days or more.

A urine test, on the other hand, is less effective at determining drug use. For example, most of the drugs a hair follicle drug test tests for won’t be detectable in urine after 72 hours. This gives people time to prepare and cleanse their systems before taking the test.

Any drug use will be detected within 5 to 7 days of using by a hair follicle test. This because it can take the hair this amount of time to grow enough above the scalp to be tested.

Influences of Hair Color and Length

Can hair color influence a hair follicle drug test? Darker hair may impact a hair follicle drug test by causing it to retain drug residue more easily. This is because of an excess of melanin residing in the hair of people with darker hair.

The melanin more commonly bonds with drugs, which then results in more drugs being able to be detected.

Dyed hair can also affect a hair follicle drug screen. Dyed hair can make it more difficult for a hair follicle drug test to detect drug use. This is because chemicals like hair dye can open the shaft of the hair allowing the chemicals to interact with the drug deposits.

So, what if you have no hair? Well, sadly, you’re not in the clear. Companies can also use body hair to test for drug use.

The testing company will start by searching for hair on the back of your neck. If you don’t have any hair there, then expect them to look on your arms, legs, or chest.

Hair Follicle Drug Test: Gaining Peace of Mind

Hearing that you need to take a hair follicle test can be a daunting affair. But, with the right tools and knowledge, you can learn how to pass a hair follicle drug test.

Keep in mind that many companies drug test for pre-employment purposes. They want to ensure that their workforce is drug-free and able to take on the tasks necessary for the job. However, jobs can also randomly drug test their employees.

Drug tests may also occur as a result of a workplace accident. It is important to know this information so you can avoid losing your job. It’s understandable that you want to let loose once in a while, but you also need to plan ahead and be smart.

If you feel like your drug use has gotten out of hand, however, seek medical help. Drug addiction can take over your entire life to the point where you lose your job anyhow. It can also drain your savings and cause you to behave in ways you normally wouldn’t.

Do you recreationally use cocaine? Then check out our blog post to learn all about cocaine hair follicle drug testing.