Will dying hair affect drug test
Will Dying Hair Affect a Hair Follicle Drug Test? Understanding the Impact
Will dying hair affect drug test results? Hair follicle drug tests analyze drug metabolites embedded in the hair shaft, which are not removed or altered by hair dye. Therefore, dying your hair does not prevent detection of drug use. For detailed testing information, call (877) 731-6362.
What is a hair follicle drug test and how does it work?
A hair follicle drug test detects drug metabolites deposited in the hair shaft from the bloodstream. Hair samples, typically 1.5 inches long, represent approximately 90 days of drug use history. The test identifies substances such as marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, and PCP.
The sample is collected at a certified collection site and sent to one of five national lab networks: Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, or ExperTox. All non-negative results are reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer for accuracy and interpretation.
Will dying your hair affect a hair follicle drug test?
Dying hair does not affect a hair follicle drug test’s ability to detect drug metabolites. The chemicals in hair dye do not remove or mask the metabolites embedded inside the hair shaft.
While certain hair treatments like bleaching or heavy chemical processing can slightly reduce drug metabolite concentrations, reputable labs use advanced testing methods that compensate for these effects to ensure accurate results.
How long after drug use can a hair follicle test detect drugs?
Hair follicle drug tests typically detect drug use within the past 90 days. Hair grows approximately 0.5 inches per month, so a 1.5-inch sample represents about three months of drug history.
Dying hair does not change this detection window because the metabolites remain embedded in the hair shaft regardless of cosmetic treatments.
Who orders hair follicle drug tests and why?
Employers, courts, probation offices, and individuals may request hair follicle drug tests to verify drug abstinence or compliance. This test is favored for its long detection window and resistance to tampering.
DOT-regulated safety-sensitive testing requires federally certified urine protocols under 49 CFR Part 40; hair testing is used mainly for non-DOT roles.
Need Hair Follicle Drug Testing?
Contact AMH Nationwide to schedule your hair follicle drug test at a certified collection site. Call (877) 731-6362 for assistance and quotes.
How is hair sample collection handled for drug testing?
AMH Nationwide directs test requesters to one of over 20,000 collection sites nationwide affiliated with Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, or ExperTox.
A trained technician cuts a small sample of hair close to the scalp, usually from the crown area. The sample is then sent to a certified lab for analysis. There is no online ordering; to schedule or inquire, call (877) 731-6362.
Can hair treatments cause false positives or negatives in hair drug testing?
Hair treatments like dying or bleaching do not cause false positives or negatives. Labs use scientifically validated methods that detect drug metabolites regardless of cosmetic hair changes.
Every non-negative test undergoes review by a certified Medical Review Officer to confirm results and rule out potential interference.
Common Questions
No, dying hair does not affect the accuracy of a hair follicle drug test. Drug metabolites are inside the hair shaft and are not removed by hair dye.
Bleaching may reduce the concentration of drug metabolites but does not eliminate them. Labs adjust for such treatments to provide accurate results.
Hair follicle tests typically detect drug use within the past 90 days based on hair growth rates and sample length.
All non-negative hair follicle drug test results are reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer to confirm accuracy and interpret findings.
No, AMH Nationwide does not offer online ordering. Test requesters are directed to certified collection sites by calling (877) 731-6362.
No, DOT-regulated safety-sensitive employees require federally certified urine testing under 49 CFR Part 40. Hair testing is for non-DOT roles.
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.