--- title: "how long does amphetamines stay in hair" description: "How long does amphetamines stay in hair? Hair tests detect amphetamines up to 90 days at 0.1 ng/mg cutoff. Call (877) 731-6362 for testing details." author: "AMH Nationwide" date: "2026-08-28" tags: ["how long does amphetamines stay in hair"] canonical: "https://amhnationwide.com/how-long-does-amphetamines-stay-in-hair/" last_updated: "2026-08-31" --- # how long does amphetamines stay in hair **By AMH Nationwide** | August 28, 2026 How long does amphetamines stay in hair? Hair tests detect amphetamines up to 90 days at 0.1 ng/mg cutoff. Call (877) 731-6362 for testing details. --- How long does amphetamines stay in hair? Hair drug tests detect amphetamines approximately 90 days after use, with a typical cutoff of 0.1 ng/mg in hair segments. This long detection window results from amphetamines incorporating into hair follicles during growth. AMH Nationwide uses accredited labs and Medical Review Officers for definitive results. Call (877) 731-6362. [DETECTION WINDOW](https://amhnationwide.com/hair-follicle-drug-test-detection-window/) ## What is the detection window for amphetamines in hair? Amphetamines can typically be detected in hair for up to 90 days following ingestion. This 90-day window corresponds to the average length of hair growth tested, usually 1.5 inches from the scalp. Hair growth rates average about 0.5 inches per month, so each segment reflects roughly one month of exposure. Detection in hair is measured at cutoffs generally set at 0.1 nanograms of amphetamines per milligram of hair (ng/mg). This sensitivity allows laboratories to reliably identify amphetamine use within that 3-month period. | Detection Parameter | Value | | --- | --- | | Detection Window | Up to 90 days | | Cutoff Level | 0.1 ng/mg | | Typical Hair Sample Length | 1.5 inches | | Average Hair Growth Rate | 0.5 inches per month | SCIENTIFIC BASIS ## How do amphetamines incorporate into hair and how is this measured? Amphetamines enter hair follicles primarily through the bloodstream during hair formation. The active compounds bind to melanin and keratin structures within the hair shaft, becoming trapped as the hair grows. Laboratories measure amphetamines using advanced analytical techniques such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). These methods quantify amphetamines at very low concentrations, ensuring accuracy and specificity. Segmental analysis can be performed by dividing hair into segments to approximate the timing of amphetamine use over several months. TESTING ACCURACY ## What factors affect the accuracy of hair amphetamines testing? Several factors influence the accuracy of amphetamines detection in hair, including hair color, cosmetic treatments, and external contamination. Darker hair with higher melanin content may bind amphetamines more readily, potentially increasing detectability. Chemical treatments like bleaching or dyeing can degrade or alter drug concentrations but accredited labs account for these effects during analysis. External contamination from environmental exposure is controlled through washing protocols before testing, reducing false positives. AMH Nationwide routes samples through five national lab networks: [Quest Diagnostics](https://www.questdiagnostics.com/), [LabCorp](https://www.labcorp.com/), Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, and ExperTox, all accredited by CAP and CLIA. LABORATORY PROCESS ## How does AMH Nationwide conduct hair amphetamines testing? AMH Nationwide provides laboratory orders directing clients to one of 20,000+ nationwide collection sites for hair sample collection. The sample is then routed to one of five major national labs for testing. Testing follows strict protocols aligned with [SAMHSA](https://www.samhsa.gov/workplace/drug-testing) and CAP standards to ensure the chain of custody, sample integrity, and analytical reliability. All non-negative amphetamines screens undergo review by a certified Medical Review Officer (MRO) who evaluates results in context and authorizes final reporting. There is no online ordering; requests must be initiated by calling (877) 731-6362. ## Need Reliable Hair Amphetamines Testing? Contact AMH Nationwide to schedule a hair drug test using accredited national labs and certified Medical Review Officer oversight. Call (877) 731-6362 for assistance. [Call (877) 731-6362](tel:+18777316362)[Contact Us](https://amhnationwide.com/contact-us/) COMPARISON ## How does hair testing for amphetamines compare to other sample types? Hair testing offers a significantly longer detection window than [urine](https://amhnationwide.com/urine-drug-testing/) or blood tests, which typically detect amphetamines for 1 to 4 days post-use. Urine tests are subject to rapid clearance and may not detect intermittent or past use beyond a week. Hair testing is preferred for establishing longer-term use patterns, useful for workplace drug screening, legal cases, and [probation](https://amhnationwide.com/hair-follicle-drug-test-probation/) compliance. However, hair testing cannot detect very recent use within the past week because hair must grow out to incorporate drugs. | Test Type | Amphetamines Detection Window | | --- | --- | | Hair | Up to 90 days | | Urine | 1 to 4 days | | Blood | Few hours to 2 days | | Saliva | 1 to 2 days | FACTORS INFLUENCING DETECTION ## What individual factors impact amphetamines detection in hair? Individual metabolic rates affect how quickly amphetamines are processed and deposited into hair follicles. Hair growth rate variations can alter the timeline represented by hair segments; slower growth compresses the detection window. Use frequency and dosage directly influence concentration levels detected. Chronic users typically show higher levels than one-time users. Environmental factors and hair care routines, such as frequent washing or chemical treatments, can reduce detectable drug amounts but do not eliminate them entirely. 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-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 The standard cutoff level for amphetamines in hair testing is typically set at 0.1 nanograms per milligram (ng/mg) of hair. This threshold ensures accurate detection while minimizing false positives. Hair tests generally analyze up to 1.5 inches of hair from the scalp, representing about 90 days of growth. Testing beyond this length is uncommon and less reliable, so detection typically does not extend beyond 3 months. Yes, advanced testing methods like GC-MS and LC-MS/MS identify amphetamines specifically, differentiating them from other stimulants or medications to prevent misclassification. Hair color can influence drug binding because melanin content affects absorption. Darker hair may retain higher drug levels, but accredited labs apply rigorous standards to interpret results fairly. External contamination risks are minimized through standardized hair washing procedures before testing. This process removes surface residues, ensuring detected amphetamines reflect systemic use. Hair testing cannot detect amphetamines immediately after use. It generally takes about 7 days for the hair containing the drug to grow above the scalp and be available for collection. 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/how-long-does-amphetamines-stay-in-hair/