--- title: "Will dying hair affect drug test" description: "Will dying hair affect drug test results? Hair follicle drug testing detects drug use despite hair treatments. Learn more and call (877) 731-6362." author: "AMH Nationwide" date: "2026-08-28" tags: ["will dying hair affect drug test", "will dying hair affect drug test | will dying your hair affect a hair follicle drug test"] canonical: "https://amhnationwide.com/will-dying-hair-affect-drug-test/" last_updated: "2026-08-28" --- # Will dying hair affect drug test **By AMH Nationwide** | August 28, 2026 Will dying hair affect drug test results? Hair follicle drug testing detects drug use despite hair treatments. Learn more and call (877) 731-6362. --- 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. TEST BASICS ## 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](https://www.questdiagnostics.com/), [LabCorp](https://www.labcorp.com/), 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. HAIR TREATMENTS ## 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. Hair dye does not remove drug metabolites inside the hair. Bleaching may reduce metabolite levels but not eliminate them. Labs adjust testing to account for hair treatments. Results are reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer. [DETECTION WINDOW](https://amhnationwide.com/hair-follicle-drug-test-detection-window/) ## 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. TEST ORDERING ## Who orders hair follicle drug tests and why? Employers, courts, [probation](https://amhnationwide.com/hair-follicle-drug-test-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](https://amhnationwide.com/urine-drug-testing/) protocols under [49 CFR Part 40](https://www.transportation.gov/odapc/part40); 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. [Call (877) 731-6362](tel:+18777316362)[Contact Us](https://amhnationwide.com/contact-us/) COLLECTION PROCESS ## 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. TEST RELIABILITY ## 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. 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, 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. 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/will-dying-hair-affect-drug-test/