--- title: "Does bleach affect hair follicle drug test" description: "Does bleach affect hair follicle drug test results? Learn how hair drug testing detects substances despite bleaching. Call (877) 731-6362 for testing info." author: "AMH Nationwide" date: "2026-08-28" tags: ["does bleach affect hair follicle drug test"] canonical: "https://amhnationwide.com/does-bleach-affect-hair-follicle-drug-test/" last_updated: "2026-08-28" --- # Does bleach affect hair follicle drug test **By AMH Nationwide** | August 28, 2026 Does bleach affect hair follicle drug test results? Learn how hair drug testing detects substances despite bleaching. Call (877) 731-6362 for testing info. --- Does bleach affect hair follicle drug test results? Hair follicle drug tests analyze the hair shaft for drug metabolites, which are not reliably removed by bleaching. Bleaching may alter hair appearance but does not guarantee a negative result. For precise testing information, call (877) 731-6362. BASICS ## 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](https://www.questdiagnostics.com/), [LabCorp](https://www.labcorp.com/), 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. EFFECTS OF BLEACH ## 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. Bleach alters hair color and structure but not embedded drug metabolites. Testing labs analyze hair chemically, which is not negated by bleaching. Results are reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer to confirm validity. [DETECTION WINDOW](https://amhnationwide.com/hair-follicle-drug-test-detection-window/) ## 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](https://amhnationwide.com/urine-drug-testing/) or saliva tests, making hair testing useful for employers, courts, and [probation](https://amhnationwide.com/hair-follicle-drug-test-probation/) agencies requiring extended drug use history. Bleaching does not shorten this detection window or eliminate drug evidence within this timeframe. LAB PROCEDURES ## 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](https://www.transportation.gov/odapc/part40). Hair testing is reserved for non-DOT safety-sensitive roles. ## Need Accurate Hair Follicle Drug Testing? Call (877) 731-6362 to schedule your hair follicle drug test through AMH Nationwide. Our network of accredited labs ensures reliable results reviewed by certified Medical Review Officers. [Call (877) 731-6362](tel:+18777316362)[Contact Us](https://amhnationwide.com/contact-us/) MYTHS ## 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. ORDERING TESTS ## 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. AMH Reviewed & Maintained By AMH Nationwide Customer Service AMH Nationwide is BBB A+ accredited and routes every order through Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, or ExperTox, all of which use multiple lab certification agencies and standards such as [SAMHSA](https://www.samhsa.gov/workplace/drug-testing)-aligned laboratory protocols, the ANSI National Accreditation Board for forensic testing and calibration, the College of American Pathologists (CAP), and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA). Every non-negative screen is reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer as part of standard processing before a result is released, and chain-of-custody documentation is maintained on every collection. This page does not constitute medical or legal advice. **Last updated:** July 2026 You May Also Need [Nail Drug TestingNo head or body hair available? A 5-panel fingernail test covers a similar look-back window.Learn more →](https://amhnationwide.com/5-panel-fingernail-drug-test/)[ChildGuard: Environmental ExposureConcerned about a child or loved one? ChildGuard screens for exposure to drugs in their environment.Learn more →](https://amhnationwide.com/5-panel-hair-drug-test-environmental-exposure-childguard/)[Shorten the Detection WindowShortened options like 30 and 60 day hair panels are also available, useful when a urine test’s 1-3 day window is too short.Learn more →](https://amhnationwide.com/30-day-hair-drug-test/)[Hair ETG Alcohol TestAlso need alcohol testing? The hair ETG test screens for alcohol use, and can be added to the same collection.Learn more →](https://amhnationwide.com/etg-and-peth/) Frequently Asked Questions ## Common Questions No, bleaching hair does not completely remove drug metabolites. While it may reduce their concentration, accredited labs use sensitive methods that detect drug use even in bleached hair. Hair follicle drug tests can detect drug use for up to 90 days after use, analyzing approximately 1.5 inches of hair closest to the scalp. No, DOT-regulated safety-sensitive testing requires federally certified urine testing protocols. Hair follicle testing is used for non-DOT roles. No, AMH Nationwide does not offer online ordering. You must call (877) 731-6362 to obtain the lab order and be directed to a collection site. All non-negative hair follicle drug test results are reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer as part of standard processing. Hair treatments such as dyeing, perming, or bleaching may slightly alter hair structure but do not prevent accurate drug detection by accredited labs. Sources • [SAMHSA – Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs](https://www.samhsa.gov/workplace/drug-testing) • [U.S. DOT – 49 CFR Part 40 – Procedures for Transportation Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Programs](https://www.transportation.gov/odapc/part40) • [CDC – National Center for Health Statistics – Drug Use FastStats](https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/drug-use.htm) • [Quest Diagnostics – Employer Solutions, Hair Testing Methodology](https://www.questdiagnostics.com/) • [LabCorp – Occupational Testing Services](https://www.labcorp.com/) ## Ready to get started? AMH Nationwide provides the lab order and arranges collection nationwide. Every non-negative result reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer. Call (877) 731-6362 or contact us. [Call (877) 731-6362](tel:+18777316362)[Contact Us](https://amhnationwide.com/contact-us/) --- **Need a drug, alcohol, HIV or STD test?** AMH Nationwide is a national lab testing agency operating since 2004, with more than 20,000 collection sites across the United States. Hair, urine, fingernail and blood testing, panels from 5 through 19, for individuals and employers. - Call: (877) 731-6377 - Find a collection site: https://amhnationwide.com/locations/ - Full page: https://amhnationwide.com/does-bleach-affect-hair-follicle-drug-test/