Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does My Hair Need To Be?
To perform a standard hair Drug, EtG or Steroid test, we require a hair sample that is at least 3 to 4 centimetres in length, which reflects approximately 90 days (3 months) of drug use history. For extended detection periods, the hair length should be:
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6 months: Minimum of 6 cm
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9 months: Minimum of 9 cm
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12 months: Minimum of 12 cm
Hair is typically collected from the scalp, as it grows at an average rate of 1 cm per month. If scalp hair is unavailable, body hair can be used, though it does not provide the same timeline precision and may only indicate long-term or chronic drug use.
When Will I Get My Results Back?
At Hair Follicle Diagnostics, we understand the importance of timely results. That’s why we offer a 12 Business Day Guarantee on all standard hair drug testing services. From the date we receive the sample, we guarantee results will be delivered within 12 business days. If we fail to meet this timeframe, we offer a 50% discount on the service cost—because we believe in accountability, reliability, and keeping our clients informed without delay.
What Happens If someone has washed, or dyed their Hair?
No—washing, bleaching, or dyeing your hair does not affect the accuracy of a hair drug test. Drug and alcohol markers are embedded inside the hair shaft, not just on the surface. Once a substance is metabolised by the body, traces are deposited into the hair follicle and grow out as part of the strand.
How Does It Actually Work?
When a person uses drugs or alcohol, their body breaks the substance down into metabolites. These metabolites enter the bloodstream and are deposited into the hair follicle, where they become trapped in the growing hair strand. As hair grows—typically 1 cm per month—these markers provide a timeline of substance use.
During testing, a small sample of hair is collected (usually from the scalp) and sent to a laboratory. The hair is washed, prepared, and analysed using advanced analytical techniques such as LC-MS/MS (liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry). This process identifies and measures the presence of specific drugs, alcohol markers like EtG, anabolic steroids, SARMs, or prescription medications—depending on the test panel requested.
What If Ive Been Around Other Drug Users?
Secondhand exposure to drugs will not cause a positive hair drug test. Hair testing detects metabolites, which are only produced when a drug is actively used and processed by the body. Simply being in the same room as someone using drugs (e.g. smelling smoke or contact with particles) does not result in those metabolites forming or being deposited in your hair.
Additionally, all hair samples are thoroughly washed during the lab process to remove any possible surface contamination. Our advanced testing methods are specifically designed to distinguish between actual drug use and environmental exposure—ensuring accurate, fair, and scientifically reliable results.
