Drug tests are almost unavoidable in most workplaces, with statistics showing that 57% of US employers have drug policies allowing them to conduct workplace drug testing. Although a drug-free workplace’s primary purpose is to detect drug misuse patterns and seek help for the affected employee, some employers exploit drug testing policies as a discriminatory tool.
Types of workplace drug tests administered include the hair follicle test, which has the highest accuracy rate and longest drug detection window and can detect the most substances. However, using the methods below, you can beat the dreaded hair follicle drug test and post negative results.
What Is A Hair Follicle Drug Test, And How Does It Work?
A hair follicle drug test utilizes hair samples from the head or any other part of the body to detect illicit and prescription drug tests. Hair follicle drug tests are ideal for detecting drug-use patterns because it has a 90-day detection window.
However, how do drugs get into your hair? According to one literature review, a blood capillary network between the dermis skin layer and the subcutaneous fat layer transports blood to the hair follicles. The blood circulation in these capillaries supplies oxygen and nutrients to the hair shaft, sustaining hair cells and facilitating healthy hair growth.
Regardless of metabolism and consumption methods, all drug types end up in your bloodstream alongside absorbed nutrients. Therefore, the drug metabolites travel to the hair shaft during circulation. They bind to the hair shaft and remain attached to hair cells as your hair grows.
Therefore, hair follicle drug tests detect drug metabolites in your hair. Drug testing experts rarely administer hair follicle tests because, unlike saliva and urine drug tests, hair follicle tests require a lab setting to determine result status.
However, hair follicle drug tests may apply during pre-employment when a case involves at-risk populations like children and probation. Otherwise, the hair follicle test is a standard follow-up test to a positive urine or cheek swab drug test.
The test begins with a supervised sample collection after positive testee identification. Second, drug test administrators collect 90-120 hairs from your body, which they send to a registered lab for processing.
The submitted hair sample undergoes thorough washing and examination at the lab to ensure no environmental contaminants don’t alter the results. Afterward, the contaminant-free sample undergoes a screening test using an ELISA kit to determine the presence of drugs; this takes approximately 24 hours.
Second, positive screening tests undergo a gas chromatography/mass spectrometry test which takes about 72hours. Hair follicle drug tests are thorough and positively identify 17 illicit and prescription drugs consumed within the last 90 days.
How To Pass A Hair Follicle Test
Use Drug Detox Shampoos
Drug detox shampoos are detoxifying agents that cleanse your hair follicle, ridding it of chemical substances, including drug metabolites. Additionally, such shampoos seal the hair follicles, lowering the chances of residual chemical detection. You can buy detox shampoos online.
However, all detox shampoos are not made equal. Therefore, conduct thorough research to ensure you select an effective brand. Read on-page reviews for the product and reviews posted on independent websites and community forums to narrow down on the most effective products.
Second, read the product description to ensure the shampoo effectively cleanses metabolites from the drug consumed. Also, some detox shampoo manufacturers recommend the products according to the level of drug use. For instance, a product may benefit a light drug user but is ineffective among heavy drug users.
Third, follow product instructions to the letter. Lastly, purchase drug detox shampoos with a money-back guarantee and avoid financial losses over ineffective products.
Use The Macujo Method
The Macujo method entails exposing your hair to acids that open and penetrate the hair shaft, purging drug metabolites. Its advantage is that it works within a day, while its disadvantages are extensive hair damage, unideal for sensitive skin, and that it works exclusively for THC metabolites. The Macujo method requires the following ingredients:
- Salicylic acid shampoo
- Vinegar with high acetic acid content
- High-quality detox shampoo
- Protective wear (goggles and disposable gloves)
- Shower cap
- Warm water
Proceed as follows:
- Dampen your hair with warm water to open the hair cuticle and cortex
- Add vinegar to the damp hair to open and cleanse the shaft of drug metabolites.
- Add the salicylic shampoo and cover your hair with the shower cap for 30 minutes
- Remove the shower can and apply the detox shampoo
- Repeat the process 3-4 times for the best results
Try The Jerry G Method
The Jerry G method is an eight-step detox process repeated over ten days and requires the following:
- A permanent ammonia hair dye matching your hair color
- Bleach
- Baking soda
- Detox shampoo
- New combs
Proceed as follows:
- Bleach your hair and dye it back using the ammonia-infused dye
- Wash your hair using the detox shampoo
- Repeat steps 1 and 2 for ten days and refrains from taking THC products during these ten days.
- Apply baking soda paste to your hair hours before the test and rinse after 10-15 minutes.
Consider Short-term Abstinence
According to one study, traces of cocaine gradually decrease in human hair, and the drug’s metabolites are untraceable in human hair after three months of abstinence. Therefore, consider abstaining from drug use for three months if you have a scheduled hair follicle test.
Conclusion:
Although not scientifically tested or lacking sufficient empirical evidence, anecdotal evidence suggests that the above techniques can help you pass a hair follicle drug test. However, consider combining multiple methods to increase your chances of passing the test.