How to Pass a Hair Drug Test: Proven Methods That Work
In our comprehensive review, we delved into thousands of Reddit messages and consulted with drug testing specialists to uncover the various methods people employ to pass hair drug tests.
Our goal is to provide you with a thorough understanding of all these methods.
We’re here to guide you through which methods are effective and which aren’t, including those that have scientific backing.
For each method, we’ll include information on how much it costs and how much time it will take.
How long does weed stay in your hair
Weed, or cannabis, can be detected in hair for a long duration compared to other testing methods. When a person consumes cannabis, THC, the psychoactive compound in weed, enters the bloodstream and can be incorporated into the hair follicles.
Hair drug tests can typically detect cannabis use for up to 90 days after consumption.
This is because hair grows about half an inch per month, and a standard test examines the first 1.5 inches of hair from the scalp.
However, detection windows can vary based on factors such as the frequency and amount of cannabis use, hair color, and individual metabolism.
Heavy or regular users may have detectable levels of THC in their hair for a longer period, while occasional users might clear the substance more quickly.
Hair drug testing procedure
The hair drug testing procedure typically begins with a clinical manager checking the individual’s ID and explaining the process to them.
The manager will then take a hair sample from the back of the individual’s head, trying to be as discreet as possible.
The hair is typically taken using sanitized shears close to the root.
Since hair grows approximately 0.5 inches per month, the 1.5-inch sample taken by the manager will allow drug usage detection during the last three months.
The hair sample is then placed into a foil and then into an envelope, which is sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Depending on where the hair strand test is being performed, the sample may be analyzed in a lab or a hospital setting.
Sometimes, a workplace may use a kit to perform the test, which is then mailed to a laboratory for analysis.
The test results are typically back to the company within 3-5 business days.
It’s important to note that hair drug testing is a highly accurate method for detecting drug usage, with a detection rate of up to 90 days in some cases.
The test is also less invasive than other drug testing methods, such as blood or urine testing.
However, it’s important to follow proper procedures during the collection process to ensure accurate results.
How to destroy drug metabolites in hair
Your hair isn’t just, well, hair. It’s made up of three main parts: the cuticle (the outer part), the cortex (the middle zone), and the medulla (the innermost section).
Here’s the deal: those drug metabolites we talked about? They set up camp in the cortex. So, to pass the hair drug test, you’ve got to evict them from there.
Here’s a simplified game plan: you start by opening up the cuticle. This gives you access to the cortex, where you’ll need to dissolve those drug metabolites.
Once they’re dissolved, you’ve got to wash them out. But we’re not done yet! The final step is sealing that cuticle back up to keep your hair healthy and strong.
Next up, we’re going to share the various strategies people try for this process, and more importantly, we’ll reveal the ones that truly get the job done. Stay tuned!
Home remedies for passing a hair drug test
The Macujo method steps
You’ll need
- Rubber gloves: $4
- Goggles: $10
- Old Style Aloe Toxin Rid Shampoo: $200
- Clean and Clear Deep Cleaning Astringent containing salicylic acid: $5
- White vinegar: $3
- Tide liquid laundry detergent: $10
- A shower cap or plastic bag: $2
Total cost: $234
Here’s the procedure
- First, protect yourself with gloves and goggles. Wet your hair, then massage in the vinegar, followed by the astringent, without rinsing between applications.
- Cover your hair and let it soak for 30-45 minutes.
- Afterward, rinse your hair and wash it with Aloe Toxin Rid Shampoo.
- The next step involves Tide detergent, which can be quite harsh, so proceed with extreme caution.
- Some individuals opt to repeat this process several times before their test.
Time required
Single cycle: Approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. This includes the application of products, the 30 to 45-minute waiting period, and thorough rinsing.
Daily time: If the maximum recommended usage is to repeat the process twice a day (which is a common recommendation to ensure thorough cleansing), you’re looking at about 2 to 3 hours per day dedicated to this method.
Total time: If you’re preparing for a hair follicle test and start the method 5 days before your test, at the maximum recommended usage, you would spend a total of 10 to 15 hours on this process over the course of those 5 days.
A word of caution
The Macujo method can be highly detrimental to your hair and scalp’s health. The chemicals involved are potent and can cause irritation, burns, or lasting damage.
It’s important to note that products like Zydot Ultra Clean and Toxin Rid Old Style Aloe Shampoo can be effective on their own.
The extensive list of ingredients in the Macujo method might be unnecessary and overly harsh, particularly the use of laundry detergent.
Be prepared for potential hair and scalp damage, and remember that test collectors can opt for samples from other body areas if they notice the damage.
The Jerry G method
You’ll need
- Rubber gloves: $4
- Goggles: $10
- Permanent hair dye with ammonia: $8
- Baking soda: $1
- Toxin Rid Old Style Aloe Shampoo: $200
- Shower cap or plastic bag: $2
Total cost: $225
Here’s how to proceed
- First, ensure you’re wearing your protective gloves and goggles because the chemicals involved are quite potent and can cause skin and eye irritation.
- Begin by applying a permanent hair dye containing ammonia, following the instructions on the kit to cover all your hair.
- Ammonia is known for its potential to break down the hair cuticle, which might help in eliminating drug metabolites.
- After dyeing, it’s crucial to wash your hair thoroughly using Toxin Rid Old Style Aloe Shampoo or a similar detox shampoo.
- Ensure you rinse out all traces of hair dye. Then, allow your hair to air dry completely; avoid using a blow dryer as the chemicals and dye have already made your hair vulnerable to damage.
- It’s advisable to wait for at least 10 days before repeating the process to give your hair and scalp time to recover from the chemical exposure.
- After this period, you’ll need to repeat the dyeing and washing process, followed by applying a paste made of baking soda and water the day before your test.
- This paste is thought to further open the hair cuticles, potentially aiding in the removal of any remaining drug metabolites.
- Finish by rinsing out the baking soda paste and washing your hair once more with the detox shampoo.
Time required
Single cycle: Approximately 2 to 3 hours. This includes the time for the hair dye application, washing, and baking soda treatment, but not the 10-day waiting period.
Daily time: This method is not performed daily. It requires a 10-day waiting period between the two dyeing sessions. Each dyeing and washing session may take around 2 to 3 hours, and the baking soda application on the last day may take an additional hour or so.
Total time: Approximately 4 to 6 hours of active treatment (split between two sessions of dyeing and washing, and one session of baking soda application), spread out over an 11-day period. This does not include the waiting time of 10 days between treatments, during which no active treatment is performed.
A word of caution
The Jerry G method is notably harsh and can cause substantial damage to both your hair and scalp.
The chemicals used can lead to hair breakage, scalp irritation, burns, and long-term damage. Furthermore, there’s no scientific consensus that this method is effective for passing a hair follicle drug test.
Be aware that the use of ammonia-based dye and other chemicals can be detrimental to your hair’s health. If the damage is noticeable, the test collector may opt to take the hair sample from another part of your body.
The Reverse Macujo method
- Start by donning your gloves and goggles for protection.
- First, wet your hair with warm water and carefully work a generous amount of Tide detergent into your hair, leaving it in for about an hour.
- Please note, Tide is not designed for skin or hair, so proceed with caution.
- Next, rinse out the Tide completely and apply the Clean and Clear Astringent.
- Cover your hair and let it soak for 30 minutes.
- Afterward, rinse out the astringent and soak your hair in your choice of vinegar for another 30 minutes.
- Finally, wash and condition your hair to counteract the drying effects of the treatment, leaving the conditioner on for about 10 minutes.
- After these steps, do a final rinse, and gently towel-dry your hair. Avoid using a hairdryer as your hair may be fragile after this treatment.
Method from Acrobatic_Shelter765
Found on a Reddit thread, this method shared by Acrobatic_Shelter765 involves a meticulous washing routine designed to help individuals pass hair drug tests.
It’s quite intensive, so let’s break down what you’ll need and how to proceed.
What you’ll need
-
- Regular shampoo: $7
- Baking soda: $1
- Clean & Clear deep cleaning astringent: $5
- Liquid Tide detergent: $12
- Apple cider vinegar: $4
- Shower caps: $3
Total cost: $32
Step-by-step instructions
- Begin by shampooing your hair for about 5 minutes, making sure to rinse it thoroughly.
- Next, scrub your hair vigorously with baking soda for roughly 6 minutes. Let it sit for an extra 4 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and dry your hair.
- You’ll want to repeat the initial step — shampoo and rinse once more.
- Now, apply the Clean & Clear deep cleaning astringent to your hair, scrubbing for about 6 minutes. Put on a shower cap and allow the astringent to sit for 30 minutes.
- Mix a small amount of liquid Tide detergent with the astringent and scrub your hair for another 6 minutes. Rinse well.
- It’s time to repeat the first step again — shampoo and give your hair a good rinse.
- Spray your hair with apple cider vinegar, continuing to scrub for 6 minutes.
- Apply more Clean & Clear astringent, blending it with the vinegar in your hair. Cover your hair with a new shower cap and wait another 30 minutes.
- Use a bit of liquid detergent to scrub your hair vigorously for approximately 6 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
- Conclude with the first step — one final shampoo and rinse.
Time required
Single cycle: Approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. This includes the time for shampooing, scrubbing with various substances, letting them sit, and rinsing.
Daily time: Each cycle takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes, and if you’re doing the maximum recommended 20 washes spread over a few days, you might do up to 3 cycles a day, which would total approximately 5 hours per day.
Total time:** If you’re doing 20 cycles in total, and you manage to do 3 cycles a day, it would take you around 6-7 days to complete, with a total time investment of approximately 33 hours and 20 minutes.
Additional comments
This process is methodical for a reason. Ingredients like baking soda and Tide detergent are bases used to pry open the hair cuticle, which is why it’s vital to shampoo after using them. On the other hand, the Clean & Clear astringent and vinegar, which are acids, serve to close the cuticle.
To enhance this method’s effectiveness, some lifestyle adjustments are necessary. Consider shaving body hair to avoid samples being taken from other areas. Also, it’s advisable to use a fresh pillowcase nightly and not to reuse towels.
For added confidence, you might want to use a hair testing kit from a local store to check how effective the washes are. While you wait for the results, continue with the washing routine.
It’s wise to get a haircut before the actual test to eliminate the ends of the hair, which hold the longest history of drug use.
On your test day, treat your hair with the Zydot mixture as a final step.
Remember, this method is rigorous, involving a total of 20 washes for maximum effectiveness. Be prepared for a committed process.
Best shampoos for hair follicle drug test
Toxin Rid Old Style Aloe Shampoo
The Aloe Toxin Rid shampoo, a stalwart in the detox shampoo market, was originally formulated to eliminate various contaminants from the hair.
Over time, it’s gained a reputation for its ability to also clear drug toxins, making it a go-to solution for those facing hair drug tests.
It’s particularly effective when used in conjunction with Zydot Ultra Clean, enhancing its detoxifying power, as supported by scientific research (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10741485/).
This shampoo is a versatile solution, effective for all hair types, including black hair and dreadlocks.
It’s a legal product and won’t be detected during a hair drug test.
Especially beneficial for moderate to chronic drug users when used with Zydot Ultra Clean, this shampoo doesn’t compromise hair health.
It maintains the integrity of your hair and scalp, thanks to its deep-cleaning formula enriched with natural conditioners, including aloe, to keep your scalp hydrated and healthy.
It’s adept at removing a spectrum of toxins, including THC and cocaine, that are typically identified in drug tests.
With a plethora of positive customer reviews and success stories, it’s a proven choice for those in need.
Each bottle contains 8oz of shampoo, sufficient even for heavy users.
Summary:
- Works for: Heavy users, all hair colors and types, including black hair, afro hair, and dreadlocks
- Usage frequency: 10-15 times
- Approximate uses per bottle: 23
- Effect duration: Up to 36 hours
- Price: $200 (or $235 in combination with Zydot Ultra Clean)
- Price per oz: $25
Zydot Ultra Clean
Zydot Ultra Clean stands out as both affordable and effective.
Its efficacy is backed by scientific research (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10741485/), which found that while drugs initially present in hair fibers were still detectable after one Ultra Clean treatment, there was a slight reduction in their concentrations.
For instance, concentrations decreased by 5% for cocaine, 9% for 6-MAM, 26% for morphine, and 36% for THC.
This suggests that a single use of Zydot Ultra Clean can be effective for light users.
However, heavy users might need multiple applications or, preferably, use it in combination with Toxin Rid Old Style Aloe Shampoo for maximum effectiveness.
Zydot Ultra Clean is suitable for all hair types, including black hair.
For individuals with dreadlocks, multiple applications or combined use with Toxin Rid Old Style Aloe Shampoo might be necessary for optimal results.
It’s gentle on your hair and doesn’t cause scalp discomfort.
Summary:
- Works for: Light users, all hair colors and types, including black hair, afro hair, and dreadlocks
- Usage frequency: Single use
- Approximate uses per bottle: 1
- Effect duration: Up to 36 hours
- Price: $36
- Price per oz: $36
Conclusion
Facing a hair drug test can be a daunting prospect, especially when you’re concerned about the results.
While home remedies might be tempting, they often come with the risk of damaging your hair and scalp. If preserving the condition of your hair is important to you, we’d advise caution with these methods.
We highly recommend considering a combination of Toxin Rid Aloe Shampoo and Zydot Ultra Clean.
This duo has not only won the approval of many users but also has the backing of scientific research, showcasing its effectiveness in helping individuals pass hair drug tests. It’s a strategy that considers both effectiveness and the health of your hair and scalp.
Before deciding on a method, it’s crucial to weigh the consequences of failing a drug test. Are the potential risks worth it?
Sometimes, opting for scientifically supported solutions can provide peace of mind, not just for the test but for your overall well-being.
Remember, the choice you make shouldn’t just be about passing a test; it should also prioritize your health and future.
Methods that don’t work for passing a hair drug test
Abstaining
One of the most common myths is that abstaining from drug use will clear the drug from your hair. However, this is not true. THC (the active ingredient in marijuana) is already deposited in your hair and cannot be removed by abstaining.
Additionally, even if you abstain, THC is present in body fat cells. When your body breaks down fat cells, THC is released into the blood and gets deposited into the hair.
Therefore, even if you abstain for 90 days, there is no guarantee that your newly grown hair will be clean.
Unless you give up drug consumption completely for at least 120 days, it won’t help you much. You will still get caught on such a test.
Bleaching your hair
Some online forums suggest bleaching your hair to pass a hair drug test, but this method is not very effective.
The success rate is less than 40% and can damage your hair.
Additionally, clinical managers are trained to look for tampering signs; if they notice that your hair has been bleached, it may raise suspicion.
Shaving your head
Shaving your head is another common myth that does not work. The sample collector can take hair from any other body part if you are bald.
While you can shave all your body hair, this will look very suspicious, and you may be fired or placed on probation while they wait for your hair to grow back.
Wearing a wig
Wearing a wig is another trick that does not work. The sample collector will discover that you are wearing a wig from a different hairstyle or synthetic hair samples.
Taking detox pills or drinks
Finally, some people believe that taking THC detox pills or drinks can remove THC from their hair. However, this is not true.
Pills and drinks cannot remove THC from hair, and no scientific evidence supports these claims.
Which employers require hair drug tests
It’s important to keep in mind that each employer has their own drug policies. However, there are certain industries that tend to require hair drug tests more frequently due to the high-risk nature of their jobs.
Here are some industries where hair drug tests are commonly required:
Trucking and Transporting
Trucking companies are responsible for transporting goods across long distances, often requiring their drivers to be on the road for extended periods.
As a result, they need to ensure that their employees are always alert and focused. Hair drug tests are considered to be the most effective way to screen for drug use, and many trucking companies already require their drivers to pass a hair drug test.
Some of the companies that require hair drug tests include:
AAA Cooper, USA Truck, Crete Carrier, Roehl Transport, Inc, Knight Transportation, TransAm Trucking, ABF Freight System, Western Express, Acme Truck Line, and Rush Trucking.
Construction
Construction work involves operating heavy machinery and working at heights, making it a high-risk industry. A lapse in judgment due to drug use can cause serious injuries or even fatalities.
To minimize workplace accidents, many contractors require their employees to pass drug screens, with hair drug tests deemed the most effective.
Financial Industries
Working in the financial industry involves making important decisions that can impact a company’s bottom line.
As a result, many employers in this industry test for drug use to ensure that their employees are making sound decisions.
A single misstep due to drug use can have severe consequences for a company’s operations.
Federal Workers
Although more than half of the US states have legalized the use of marijuana for medical purposes, it is still illegal at the federal level.
As a result, federal workers are required to observe federal rules and may be required to take and pass a hair follicle drug test.
Manufacturing and Shipping Warehouses
Working at a manufacturing plant or a shipping warehouse can be a fast-paced job that involves the use of heavy machinery.
Employees need to stay alert and focused at all times to avoid accidents. Therefore, it’s common for employers to test for substance use, and hair drug tests are considered to be the most effective way to screen for drug use.
Additionally, drug screens can help keep a company’s insurance costs low.
FAQ
How do the drugs get inside the hair follicles?
When you smoke weed or use drugs, the substances get into your blood. From there, they can travel to your hair follicles, where they can be deposited into the hair shafts.
Can I fail a hair drug test from second-hand smoke?
Yes, you can. Suppose you’re near someone who is smoking marijuana or using drugs.
In that case, the molecules can become embedded in your hair strands, producing a positive result on a hair follicle test.
Do all hair test shampoos guarantee a success rate in hair follicle drug tests?
No, not all hair test shampoos can guarantee a 100% success rate. However, the Old Style Aloe Toxin Rid Shampoo has a 99% success rate and is widely considered the best option on the market.
Why are detox shampoos so expensive?
Unlike regular shampoos, drug detox shampoos have a unique proprietary formula that can’t be duplicated in lower-quality shampoos.
The Old Style Aloe Toxin Rid Shampoo is the only detox shampoo that offers the highest success rate and holds a monopoly over the market.
Can the test identify the date of drug use?
No, a hair drug test can only detect a pattern of repeated drug use over the last 90 days.
Because hair growth rates vary from person to person, it’s not possible to accurately determine when in the 90 days drugs were used.
What might lead to a false-positive result on the hair follicle drug test?
Some prescribed drugs can lead to a false positive result on a hair follicle drug test.
If you’re taking any prescribed drugs that may show up on the test, you may need to explain to your employer and provide proof of your prescription use over the past three months.