Understanding Does Bleach Affect Hair Follicle Drug Test and Its Accuracy

What is a hair follicle drug test and how does it work?

A hair follicle drug test is a laboratory analysis that detects drug metabolites embedded in the hair shaft. When drugs enter the bloodstream, their metabolites are deposited in the hair as it grows. This allows the test to detect drug use over a period of approximately 90 days.

The test involves collecting a small sample of hair, usually from the scalp, which is then sent to one of AMH Nationwide’s five national lab partners for analysis. These labs include Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, and ExperTox.

Because the metabolites are inside the hair shaft, external treatments like washing or bleaching do not reliably remove them.

Does bleach affect hair follicle drug test results?

Bleaching hair can change its color and texture, but it does not consistently eliminate drug metabolites from the hair shaft. The chemical process of bleaching may reduce the concentration of some drug markers slightly, but not enough to prevent detection by accredited labs.

Hair follicle drug tests are designed to detect even low levels of substances. The labs use sensitive equipment and methods that account for hair treatments, ensuring accurate results regardless of bleaching.

What is the detection window for a hair follicle drug test?

A hair follicle drug test typically detects drug use within the past 90 days. Hair grows approximately half an inch per month, and standard tests analyze about 1.5 inches of hair from the scalp.

This detection window is longer than urine or saliva tests, making hair testing useful for employers, courts, and probation agencies requiring extended drug use history.

Bleaching does not shorten this detection window or eliminate drug evidence within this timeframe.

How does AMH Nationwide handle hair follicle drug testing?

AMH Nationwide coordinates hair follicle drug testing through its network of five national labs. We provide the lab order and direct the requester to a nearby collection site; there is no online ordering.

After sample collection, the hair is sent to one of the partner labs for analysis. If the initial screen is non-negative, a certified Medical Review Officer reviews the results as part of standard processing.

For Department of Transportation (DOT) regulated testing, AMH uses federally certified urine protocols under 49 CFR Part 40. Hair testing is reserved for non-DOT safety-sensitive roles.

Can bleaching hair help someone pass a hair follicle drug test?

Bleaching hair does not guarantee passing a hair follicle drug test. While it may reduce some drug metabolite concentrations, accredited labs use sensitive detection methods that can identify drug use even in chemically treated hair.

Attempting to alter hair chemically to evade detection is unreliable and may be flagged during testing. Hair follicle tests are designed to withstand common hair treatments like bleaching, dyeing, or perming.

How can someone arrange a hair follicle drug test with AMH Nationwide?

AMH Nationwide does not provide online test ordering. To arrange a hair follicle drug test, call (877) 731-6362 to obtain the lab order and be directed to a local collection site.

Pricing varies by testing panel and detection window. For a quote or more information, call (877) 731-6362. Our team can assist employers, courts, probation officers, and individuals with test coordination.

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