--- title: "How to clean hair follicles" description: "Learn how to clean hair follicles for drug testing. Understand detection limits and lab processing. Call (877) 731-6362 for accurate testing info." author: "AMH Nationwide" date: "2026-08-28" tags: ["how to clean hair follicles"] canonical: "https://amhnationwide.com/how-to-clean-hair-follicles/" last_updated: "2026-08-28" --- # How to clean hair follicles **By AMH Nationwide** | August 28, 2026 Learn how to clean hair follicles for drug testing. Understand detection limits and lab processing. Call (877) 731-6362 for accurate testing info. --- How to clean hair follicles is a common question for those facing hair drug tests. Hair follicle testing detects drug use over a 90-day period and cannot be reliably altered by cleaning methods. AMH Nationwide uses certified labs and Medical Review Officers to ensure accurate results. Call (877) 731-6362 for testing guidance. OVERVIEW ## What is hair follicle drug testing? Hair follicle drug testing detects drug metabolites embedded in the hair shaft, reflecting drug use over approximately 90 days. It is used by employers, courts, and [probation](https://amhnationwide.com/hair-follicle-drug-test-probation/) agencies to verify long-term substance use or abstinence. Hair samples are collected at authorized sites and sent to one of five national lab networks: [Quest Diagnostics](https://www.questdiagnostics.com/), [LabCorp](https://www.labcorp.com/), Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, or ExperTox. Hair follicle testing is non-DOT for safety-sensitive roles, as DOT regulation requires [urine](https://amhnationwide.com/urine-drug-testing/) tests under the federally certified [49 CFR Part 40](https://www.transportation.gov/odapc/part40) protocol. AMH Nationwide provides the lab order and directs individuals to a collection site; there is no online ordering. DETECTION ## How long do drugs stay in hair follicles? Drugs incorporate into hair as it grows, allowing detection for up to 90 days or longer depending on hair length. This [detection window](https://amhnationwide.com/hair-follicle-drug-test-detection-window/) is much longer than urine or saliva tests. The hair closest to the scalp is tested to represent recent months. Different substances have varying incorporation rates, but the standard testing panel covers common drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and PCP. Because hair testing reflects past drug use over weeks to months, cleaning hair follicles will not remove or erase drug metabolites already present in the hair shaft. CLEANING MYTHS ## Can cleaning hair follicles affect test results? Cleaning hair follicles does not reliably affect the outcome of a hair drug test. Drug metabolites are embedded inside the hair shaft, not just on the surface. Most cleaning methods, including shampoos, detox products, or home remedies, cannot remove these metabolites. Labs use sophisticated washing protocols to remove external contaminants before testing. Additionally, every non-negative result is reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer to confirm validity. Attempts to alter hair samples can raise suspicion and may lead to test refusal or further investigation. LAB PROCESS ## How does AMH Nationwide handle hair follicle testing? AMH Nationwide coordinates hair follicle drug testing by providing the lab order and directing individuals to collection sites nationwide. Samples are analyzed by one of five national lab networks: Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, or ExperTox. These labs follow strict chain-of-custody and testing protocols. Every non-negative screen undergoes review by a certified Medical Review Officer to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulatory standards. AMH does not allow online ordering; all testing must be arranged via phone at (877) 731-6362. ## Arrange Hair Follicle Testing Today Contact AMH Nationwide at (877) 731-6362 to schedule your hair follicle drug test with certified labs and Medical Review Officer oversight. [Call (877) 731-6362](tel:+18777316362)[Contact Us](https://amhnationwide.com/contact-us/) TESTING LIMITS ## Are there ways to beat a hair follicle drug test? Scientifically, hair follicle drug tests are designed to detect drug use over extended periods. Because metabolites are inside the hair shaft, no proven method exists to reliably ‘beat’ or alter the test by cleaning the hair. Employers and legal entities trust hair testing for its resistance to tampering. Attempting to alter samples or substitute hair can result in test invalidation or disciplinary action. The best approach is to understand the test’s purpose and comply with testing requirements. PRACTICAL ADVICE ## What should I do if I have a hair follicle drug test scheduled? If you have a hair follicle drug test scheduled, it is important to avoid any attempts to alter or clean your hair follicles. Maintain your usual hair hygiene without using detox shampoos or home remedies claiming to cleanse drug metabolites. Contact AMH Nationwide at (877) 731-6362 to arrange your test and receive guidance on the process. Ensure your hair length meets the minimum requirements, typically 1.5 inches from the scalp, for accurate testing. 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 Hair follicle drug testing typically detects drug use within the past 90 days, depending on hair length and growth rate. No cleaning method reliably removes drug metabolites embedded inside the hair shaft, so cleaning your hair will not affect test results. Every non-negative hair drug test is reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer to ensure accuracy and validity. AMH Nationwide uses five national lab networks: Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, and ExperTox. Hair follicle testing is not DOT-regulated. DOT requires urine tests following the federally certified 49 CFR Part 40 protocol for safety-sensitive roles. Call AMH Nationwide at (877) 731-6362 to arrange your hair follicle drug test and receive instructions for collection site locations. 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-to-clean-hair-follicles/