Should i cut my hair before a hair drug test
Should I Cut My Hair Before a Hair Drug Test? What You Need to Know
Should I cut my hair before a hair drug test is a common question. Hair drug testing detects drug use over a 90-day window by analyzing hair strands. Cutting hair too short may limit the sample but does not prevent detection. AMH Nationwide uses certified labs and Medical Review Officers to ensure accurate results. Call (877) 731-6362.
What is a hair drug test and how does it detect drug use?
A hair drug test analyzes hair strands to detect drug metabolites deposited in the hair follicle from bloodstream exposure. It can detect drug use over approximately 90 days, longer than urine or saliva tests. The test requires a hair sample typically 1.5 inches long, reflecting about three months of hair growth.
AMH Nationwide routes hair drug tests through five national lab networks: Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, and ExperTox. These labs use scientifically validated methods to identify drug compounds and metabolites reliably.
Does cutting hair before a hair drug test affect the results?
Cutting your hair before a hair drug test does not prevent detection of drug use but may affect sample adequacy. Labs usually require at least 1.5 inches of head hair to cover the 90-day detection window. If hair is shorter, the lab may use body hair, which provides a less precise timeframe.
Short hair samples can still contain drug metabolites, but the detection window shortens proportionally. Cutting hair immediately before the test will not erase drug history already present in the hair shaft.
How does AMH Nationwide handle hair drug test collection?
AMH Nationwide provides the lab order and directs the requester to a nearby collection site from a network of over 20,000 nationwide. Collection sites follow strict chain-of-custody and sample collection protocols to maintain test integrity.
Hair samples are collected by trained personnel, usually from the crown of the head. If head hair is insufficient, body hair may be accepted. Collected samples are sent to one of the five national lab networks for analysis.
Can hair drug tests be manipulated by cutting or other means?
Hair drug tests are highly reliable and resistant to adulteration. Cutting hair short may limit sample size but does not erase drug metabolites already incorporated into hair strands.
Every non-negative result is reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer (MRO) to ensure accuracy and interpret findings. AMH Nationwide does not support or provide any methods to evade or cheat drug tests.
Need a Hair Drug Test?
Contact AMH Nationwide to schedule your hair drug test collection at a certified site near you. Call (877) 731-6362 for assistance.
What is the detection window for drugs in hair samples?
Hair drug tests detect drug use over a 90-day period based on hair growth rates and metabolite deposition. The standard 1.5-inch hair sample corresponds to approximately three months of history.
Shorter hair provides a shorter detection window, while longer hair can show a longer history but labs typically analyze the most recent 1.5 inches for consistency.
When should I contact AMH Nationwide about hair drug testing?
You should call AMH Nationwide at (877) 731-6362 to discuss hair drug testing needs, sample collection locations, or to get information about testing protocols and detection windows.
AMH Nationwide does not offer online ordering. All testing requires a lab order and collection at an authorized site. Call (877) 731-6362 to speak with a representative.
Common Questions
Cutting hair short does not remove drug metabolites already incorporated into hair strands. It may limit sample length but does not erase drug history.
Yes. If head hair is insufficient, body hair can be collected, though it provides a less precise detection window.
Hair drug tests typically detect drug use within the past 90 days based on the standard 1.5-inch hair sample.
Hair drug tests provide a longer detection window and are less susceptible to short-term abstinence but both tests have specific uses.
No. AMH Nationwide requires a lab order and collection at an authorized site. There is no online ordering.
Certified Medical Review Officers review all non-negative hair drug test results to confirm accuracy and validity.
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.