Posted on: 16.12.2021 Posted by: Brian Flay Comments: 0
(Last Updated On: 31.08.2023)

Your boss just asked you to take a hair follicle drug test – now what? How can you beat a hair follicle drug test to protect yourself from losing your job?

Many cannabis enthusiasts have to go through these mandatory screenings as many companies in the US have strict rules regarding drug use, incorporating drug tests in their pre-and post-employment background checks.

For many cannabis users, going through this ordeal is enough to drive them into extreme worry and anxiety.

Well, you don’t have to fret because, in this article, we’re walking you through some of the best and surefire methods available out there to come out with clean results. We’ll also be covering some tips on how you can pass a drug test in 24 hours (1 day).

What is a Hair Follicle Drug Test?

A hair follicle test is a drug screening method used to determine if an individual has consumed drugs in the past 90 days. Hair follicle tests aren’t standard compared to other methods such as blood and urine. But they do come up from time to time. These tests are often mandatory, which means participants; usually, employees or job applicants must take them to comply with employment rules.

How Do Hair Drug Tests Work?

Hair screenings are simple. You go to a designated test lab, and the testers will take a small hair sample from your head. The hair sample is the 1.5-inch portion closest to your scalp, where blood vessels carry the drug metabolites. The testers will then analyze the hairpiece sample for traces of drug metabolites such as THC. Lower, in the chart, you can see remedies that are considered to be solutions, Old Style Aloe Toxin Rid and Zydot Ultra Clean .

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Aloe Toxin Rid Shampoo + Zydot Ultra Clean

  • Is the main part Of The Macujo Method!
  • Is the main part Of The Jerry G Method!
See Deal →
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Zydot Ultra Clean Shampoo

  • Shampoo and Conditioner. Internal Hair Purifying Treatment that removes medications, chemical buildup and other impurities from within the hair shaft.
See Deal →

Why Test Hair Follicles for Drugs?

Hair follicles are ideal for determining substance use. Drugs or medications, when consumed, go directly into the bloodstream. The blood that now carries these drug substances circulates throughout the body, reaching the blood vessels feeding the hair follicles. It is here where these toxins are stored, ripped for testing.

Employers will opt for a hair follicle test because of its longer detection window. This drug test can unearth your substance use even long after your last consumption. It’s costlier than different techniques, but some employers are willing to shoulder that cost for accurate results.

How Long Does Marijuana Stay In Your Hair Follicles?

Two of the most common testing methods employers use are blood and urine testing. As impacTEEN claims, luckily, the THC detection window in these two methods is short. More often than not, your employer may assign you with either of these two methods.

But, if you’re one of those unfortunate enough who had to go through a hair test, you’re marijuana use has a higher chance of being discovered. This table shows the detection periods of both genuine and synthetic marijuana for an average pot user.

Screen Method Marijuana Synthetic Marijuana
Blood Up to 4 hours Up to 48 hours
Saliva Up to 72 hours Up to 48 hours
Urine Up to 30 days Up to 72 hours
Hair Follicles Up to 90 days Up to 90 days

As you may have noticed, hair follicle drug test detection times are considerably higher than the other screen procedures.

Use frequency plays a crucial role in the detection period for THC. This rule applies to any drug testing method, not just hair follicles. Marijuana will not remain in your system for too long if you’re simply a light or infrequent user. In this case, detection times will likely be much shorter than the estimates mentioned above.

How Can You Beat a Hair Follicle Drug Test?

Despite being infamous for its accuracy in revealing drug use, there are many techniques out there that you can try to test your hair clean for THC. These techniques could include standalone detox products or full-blown home detox programs that incorporate detox products and other strategies.

Of course, these programs won’t help you if you persist in using cannabis. The first step into a successful detox is abstinence. You’ll have to stop using marijuana the moment your employer asks you to partake in any type of drug test.

Now it’s time to go over the proven methods you can use to get you started in your detox.

Detox Shampoo Products

We’ll start with the quick fixes, which, you’ve guessed it, are formulated detox products. Detox shampoos are widely used in the cannabis community and have proven effective at cleansing THC just in time for a hair test.

These shampoos are explicitly developed to target the toxins found in your hair, permeating deep into your scalp to get rid of its unwanted toxins. There are more than a dozen detox shampoo brands available in the market today. Instead of taking you through all of them, we’ve handpicked the best and tried-and-tested ones.

Old Style Aloe Toxin Rid

When it comes to detox shampoos, Toxin Rid is likely the first thing that comes to mind for many. This brand remains the most popular in the cannabis community because of its proven effectiveness. It has even garnered an excellent online reception, with stellar reviews throughout the web.Old Style Aloe Toxin Rid formula makes for an excellent hair follicle drug testing shampoo. It’s easy to use, similar to any other shampoo.

It also boasts a mixture of natural and proprietary ingredients that aren’t harmful to the hair and scalp. This product is the first go-to for a good detox for many. Some users even claim that it helped them pass a hair follicle drug test in 24 hours (1 day). However, that quality comes with a hefty price tag, going as high as $300 per bottle depending on the outlet.

Pros:

      • This product is proven effective, so it has remained popular for years. You can do a quick online check, and this product always comes out in top recommendations.
      • It boasts a well-made formula aimed explicitly at penetrating the hair and scalp to remove any forms of impurities, including drug toxins.
      • If you’re an infrequent canna user or haven’t been using weed long, then this product may be enough for a quick detox. Many even claim that 24 hours was all it took to get a complete hair detox.

Cons:

      • As you would expect, it doesn’t come cheap. Price ranges from $150 to $300 per bottle.

Zydot Ultra Clean Shampoo

Zydot Unlimited formula comes close in second when it comes to popularity. Some will even say that this shampoo beats Toxin Rid when dealing with THC and other drugs, depending on who you ask. This product has also gone through scientific testing. Results show that THC content in the hair went down by 36% after a single wash. It comes in three parts: the shampoo itself, an internal hair purifying treatment, and a hair conditioner. These components are essential for complete detox and to hide the detoxing attempts to a lab test.

Pros:

      • It has a much more affordable price tag than Toxin Rid, only at more or less $20.
      • Its level of effectiveness almost compares to Toxin Rid. Success rates drastically increase if paired with a full-on detox method like the Macujo or Jerry G.
      • Unlike other alternatives, its effectiveness has actually been scientifically proven. Results show a 36% THC reduction in just one wash.

Cons:

      • While it comes at an affordable price, its pack content may not be enough for some, especially those with thick and long hair. In this case, the user may need another pack to complete the detox.

High-Voltage Folli-Cleanse Detox Shampoo

High-Voltage is another brand known for providing ideal results. This shampoo isn’t far behind the two previously mentioned on this list regarding both efficacy and reception. Many enthusiasts utilize this detox shampoo to pass a hair follicle drug test. It contains light, non-harmful ingredients that don’t damage the hair. Its formula also features effective cleansing agents such as Tetra sodium EDTA, which is safe for topical use. Like the Ultra Clean, this shampoo is affordable, making it ideal for many looking not to burn too much cash for a single bottle of shampoo.

Pros:

      • It’s more affordable than the whooping $200 Toxin Rid, coming in at more or less $35 a bottle.
      • It contains non-harmful ingredients, which don’t hurt your hair and scalp.

Cons:

    • While it can detoxify THC, it may not be as effective for other types of toxins.

Home Detox Methods

As you may already know, the two most popular full-scale hair detox methods are the Jerry G. and The Macujo. The techniques involved in these methods are diverse, employing a blend of home detox strategies and detox shampoo products.

The detoxing effects of shampoos such as Toxin Rid and Ultra Clean are significantly improved if used simultaneously with any of these two methods.

The Macujo Method

The Macujo method is a hair detox strategy that employs a 7-step process. These steps involve opening up the outer layer of your cuticle to access its inner layer, called the cortex, where THC content resides. The process will remove the residing drug metabolites in the penetrated cortex.

The Macujo Method was invented more than a decade ago by a man who calls himself Mike. Since then, many have tried this method and have successfully tested clean for THC. This technique incorporates two of the most popular and effective detox shampoos, Toxin Rid and Ultra Clean.

The Macujo Method Ingredients

  • White vinegar with 5% acidity; brands such as Heinz are ideal.
  • Clean and Clear Shampoo
  • Tide liquid detergent
  • Shower cap, rubber gloves, goggles, and a clean towel
  • Old Style Aloe Toxin Rid Shampoo
  • Zydot Ultra Clean Shampoo

The Macujo Method Step-By-Step Instructions:

  • First things first, stop consuming weed throughout the program and until you finish your upcoming hair drug test.
  • Start by rinsing your hair thoroughly, then begin massaging the white vinegar all over it.
  • After the vinegar has covered your hair, add the Clean and Clear shampoo, mixing it thoroughly with the vinegar.
  • You’re going to leave everything there for at least 30 minutes to one hour. Put on your shower cap and wait.
  • Rinse your hair thoroughly after 30 minutes or an hour, then apply the Toxin Rid detox shampoo. Rinse again until your hair is clean.
  • The next step is to wash your hair with Tide liquid detergent. Don’t forget to wear goggles to protect your eyes.
  • The final step is to rewash your hair, but this time, instead of Toxin Rid, use Zydot Ultra Clean for the final wash.

The Macujo has had a lot of great reception online regarding its effectiveness. You can even look it up to see for yourself. But, while it is indeed effective, the steps mentioned above risk harming your hair since it, as you may have noticed, use harsh ingredients. So, before using this method, make sure you don’t have sensitive hair and scalp.

The Jerry G.

Another widely-used home detox method is the Jerry G. Like The Macujo; it incorporates both detox shampoos and everyday ingredients that you can find at home. This method became famous back in 2008 when a canna enthusiast named Jerry G. introduced it into the community.

Since then, many have claimed its almost 100% success rate. This method requires ten days to work. Like the Macujo, it also uses harsh ingredients which can damage your hair and scalp. On the bright side, if you follow the instructions to the last detail, it’ll most likely guarantee your success during test day.

The Jerry G. Ingredients

  • Hair dye with ammonia (2 boxes)
  • Baking soda
  • 40 vol peroxide bleach
  • Old Style Aloe Toxin Rid Shampoo
  • Zydot Ultra Clean Shampoo

The Jerry G. Step-By-Step Instructions

  1. Like every other strategy available out there, the first step for this method is to cease all forms of drug use.
  2. Start applying the peroxide bleach and the dye with ammonia into your hair.
  3. Afterward, do a thorough wash with Toxin Rid shampoo.
  4. Wait ten days, then repeat steps number one and two. Don’t forget, none of this will work if you ignore step number one.
  5. You’ll have to do this step in the morning on your test day. Mix the baking soda with water until you form a thick paste.
  6. Massage the paste throughout your hair and scalp.
  7. After the lather, wash it all away with your Toxin Rid shampoo.
  8. After washing clean, do another round, but use the Ultra Clean shampoo this time.

Keep in mind that this method uses harsh ingredients. If you know you have sensitive hair and scalp, you might want to reconsider using this method. Opting for a standalone detox shampoo might be a less harmful choice. Some individuals even have professionals do bleaching and dyeing to ensure a safe and leveled application.

How to Pass a Drug Test in 24 Hours (1 Day)

Keep reading impacTEEN to get know more about it. If you’re one of the unlucky few who only have more or less a day to detox, you might be wondering if there’s a way to cleanse your hair just in time. Well, fortunately, it’s entirely possible to pass a hair test in just one day. However, the most significant factor that will determine your success is, you’ve guessed, how often you use weed.

If you’re simply a very light smoker, then chances are, you’ll be able to do a complete detox in 24 hours. Some people have claimed that products such as Toxin Rid and Ultra Clean did the trick in less than 24 hours. But, these individuals are light smokers.

If you’re a chronic user, then it’s going to be close to impossible to beat your test on such short notice. Remember, the more you smoke weed, the more THC will be stored in your hair follicles, making it harder to flush them all out.

Steer Clear of The “Tricks”

There are a couple of myths and rumors circulating in the cannabis community about some “tricks” that are supposedly able to help you ace a hair screening. When doing your homework, be sure to watch out for these unfounded tips and advice to avoid wasting your time on methods that don’t work.

Bleaching Will Do The Trick

Let me tell you that bleaching your hair in itself has a meager chance of pulling out a complete hair detox. Yes, bleaching is part of two of the most widely used detox techniques, but all it does is change your hair’s appearance, which doesn’t fool anyone, let alone testers. The only instance that bleaching helps is when you incorporate it into a larger-scale detox method such as the Macujo and Jerry G.

Abstinence is All It Takes

While abstaining from marijuana use is the most critical step in any form of detox method, in of itself isn’t enough for a complete detox. THC takes time to leave the body. It can take as long as 90 days for THC to leave your hair follicles. Only after this period can you be sure of a clean test result. You can go the abstinence route only if you have more than three months before your test day. Otherwise, you’ll need to use detox products or perform the two methods mentioned above.

Shaving Bald Saves You From The Test

Testers will definitely prefer hair from your head as a sample. But, if you lack any head hair, they can just take hair from the other parts of your body, wherever is available.

Going this option also raises some eyebrows. If you’re not naturally bald, chances are, your employer may question your sudden disappearance of head hair.

FAQ – Hair Drug Test Facts And Answers To Your Questions

What Other Drugs Can A Hair Drug Test Detect?

A successful hair test screening can unearth almost any form of drug toxins. Here are some of the most common drugs that hair tests can accurately reveal apart from THC metabolites:

  • Alcohol
  • Cocaine
  • Opiates
  • Amphetamines
  • Benzodiazepines
  • Ketamine

As tests become more advanced, the number of detectable drugs will only increase.

Apart From Head Hair, Can Body Hair Be Used As a Test Sample?

Hair such as those found in your legs can be potent test samples. There isn’t much difference between head and body hair as both store drug metabolites that the bloodstream carries throughout the body. The needed hair sample is 1.5 inches, which body hair can meet, particularly underarms and legs. If you’re planning on doing a complete shave all over, don’t, since that’s a dead giveaway of your attempt at avoidance.

How Accurate is A Hair Follicle Drug Test?

Very accurate. In fact, it’s only going to get more accurate as time goes by. While factors can affect the preciseness of this drug testing method, it remains an efficient way to reveal both light and heavy drug use. If you’re worried about being discovered as a cannabis user, it’s best to abstain and perform one of the detox mentioned above strategies. You have several choices of detox shampoo to pass a hair follicle drug test.

Do Pills Work Along With Hair Detox?

Detox pills help cleanse the body just in time for other screening methods such as urinalysis. But, they don’t provide any effects on a hair test. Remember that to remove THC content from your follicles altogether, you must be able to penetrate them to eliminate the residues. This process involves breaching your hair open to root out the drug metabolites. The only way you’ll be able to pull this off is by using a shampoo or any other formula that can penetrate your cortex and cleanse the toxins accordingly.

So, it does not matter, what you prefer to use: Old Style Aloe Toxin Rid, Zydot, other products, or even DIY remedies. You should follow the given instructions carefully. Keep in mind, that some alternative detox methods may hurt your health. Use consultation with the doctor to shed some light. Good luck!

Author

  • Brian Flay

    Brian Flay, DPhil, is a professor of Public Health at Oregon State University. He was previously a Distinguished Professor of Public Health and Psychology at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Dr. Flay received his doctorate from Waikato University in New Zealand in 1976.