Collection: Hair Drug Test Kits

Hair drug test kit

Hair drug tests are a type of drug screening method that analyses hair samples to detect the presence of illicit substances. Here’s how they work and what to expect:

How a hair drug test works

• Sample collection: A small sample of hair (typically 1.5 inches long) is taken, usually from the head. In cases where head hair isn’t available, body hair can be used.
• Drug detection: Drugs and their metabolites circulate in the bloodstream and can be incorporated into the hair follicle as the hair grows. Once in the hair, traces of drug use can be detected.
• Testing period: Hair drug tests can typically detect drug use within a 90-day window because hair grows at an average rate of about 0.5 inches per month. The 1.5-inch sample represents approximately 3 months of hair growth.

Substances that can be detected by a lab drug test on a hair sample

Hair drug tests can detect several types of drugs, including:

• Marijuana (THC)
• Cocaine
• Opiates (heroin, morphine, codeine)
• Amphetamines (including methamphetamine)
• MDMA (ecstasy)
• Phencyclidine (PCP)

Advantages of hair drug testing

• Long Detection Period: Hair tests can identify drug use over a longer period than other methods, like urine or saliva tests, which only cover a few days to a few weeks.
• Non-invasive: The sample collection is easy and doesn’t require bodily fluids.
• Hard to cheat: Hair samples are difficult to alter or replace, making it a reliable drug testing method.

Limitations

• Cost: Hair drug tests are generally more expensive than other forms of drug testing.
• Delayed detection: Drugs take a few days to be detectable in hair, as they need to grow out from the follicle. This means recent drug use (within the last few days) might not be detected.
• Potential for bias: Hair texture, colour, and treatment (e.g., dyeing) may slightly impact the hair drug test results, although modern tests are designed to minimise these effects.

Common uses of hair drug testing

• Legal Situations: Courts may order hair drug tests in child custody cases, probation monitoring, or other legal situations where drug use is a concern.
• Employment screening: Hair drug testing is not in common use in the UK for workplace drug testing. Some employers may use hair tests during pre-employment screenings or random drug testing programs.

Collecting a hair sample for a drug test

Collecting a hair sample for a drug test involves a specific procedure to ensure that the sample is sufficient and accurate. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how it’s typically done:

Step 1: Choose the collection site

• Head hair: Hair is usually taken from the scalp. The ideal sample length is about 1.5 inches, which provides a detection window of roughly 90 days.
• Body hair: If scalp hair is not available (due to baldness, very short hair, etc.), body hair (from arms, legs, chest, etc.) can be used as an alternative. Body hair grows more slowly and can sometimes represent a longer detection window.

Step 2: Ensure clean collection tools

• Tools needed: Scissors, a collection foil or envelope, and gloves. The tools should be sterile to prevent contamination of the sample.
• Gloves: The person collecting the hair should wear gloves to avoid contaminating the sample with skin oils or environmental substances.

Step 3: Determine the amount of hair needed

• Hair sample size and length: Read the instructions provided by the lab for guidance, but usually you’ll need around 100-120 strands of hair to get an accurate result. This is roughly the diameter of a pencil (about 0.5 grams). The hair should be cut as close to the scalp as possible.

Step 4: Cut the hair

• Where to cut: The hair should be cut from the crown or back of the head to avoid leaving a visible bald patch. The person collecting the sample should take small amounts of hair from different spots to avoid thinning out one area.
• Orientation: Make sure to mark which end of the hair was closest to the scalp, as that part is analysed first for recent drug use.

Step 5: Package the hair sample

• Secure the sample: Place the hair sample in a foil or collection envelope provided by the hair drug testing lab. Some labs provide special collection kits with instructions.
• Label the sample: Ensure the hair sample is properly labeled with the testee's information, the date, and collection location. Follow the lab’s guidelines for any additional paperwork or documentation.

Step 6: Transport the Sample

• Transport protocol: The sample should be stored in a cool, dry place and sent to the lab according to the guidelines provided. Often, there are secure bags or containers provided to ensure the sample is not tampered with during transit.

Tips for accurate hair sample collection:

• Avoid contaminants: Make sure the person’s hair is clean and dry before collection. Hair treated with chemicals like bleach or dyes may still be tested, but it’s good to inform the lab if such treatments have been used.
• Scalp hair preferred: Body hair may provide less consistent results due to variations in growth cycles, so scalp hair is preferred whenever possible.

Hair drug test collection is designed to be simple yet controlled to avoid any contamination or sample tampering. 

How long does a hair test kit detect drug use for?

A hair drug test kit allows you to screen for long term drug use ie 1-3 months depending on the length of the hair.

Which drugs can be tested for on a hair drug test?

Hair drug test kits are currently available for the following drugs:

In the UK, a hair drug test can detect a wide range of substances over a period of up to 90 days. Commonly tested drugs include:

Standard panels:

• Cannabis (THC)
• Cocaine
• Opiates (Heroin, Morphine, Codeine)
• Amphetamines (Speed)
• Methamphetamines (Crystal Meth)
• Ecstasy (MDMA)
• Benzodiazepines (Diazepam, Temazepam, etc.)

Expanded panels may also include:

• Ketamine
• Synthetic Cannabinoids ("Spice")
• Methadone
• Tramadol
• Fentanyl
• LSD
• PCP (Phencyclidine)
• (smoking or nicotine)

Some testing providers allow custom panels, depending on specific requirements. 

How does a hair drug test work?

A hair drug test works by detecting drug metabolites that are carried in the bloodstream and deposited into the hair as it grows. When a person uses drugs, trace amounts enter the blood and are incorporated into the hair follicles, becoming trapped within the hair shaft.

To carry out the test, a small sample of hair—usually taken close to the scalp—is collected and sent to a laboratory. The lab washes the sample to remove any external contamination, then uses specialised testing methods to analyse the hair for specific drugs and their metabolites.

Because hair grows gradually, the test provides a timeline of drug use rather than a snapshot. This means it is particularly effective for identifying repeated or long-term use, typically over a period of up to 90 days.

Hair Drug Test FAQs

What is a hair drug test?

A hair drug test is a method of drug screening that uses a small hair sample to detect drug use over an extended period. It is often referred to as a hair follicle drug test and is commonly used to identify patterns of drug use rather than recent consumption.

How does a hair drug test work?

A hair drug test works by detecting drug metabolites that are carried in the bloodstream and deposited into the hair as it grows. The sample is analysed in a laboratory to identify whether specific drugs are present within the hair shaft.

How far back can a hair drug test detect drugs?

Hair drug testing can typically detect drug use for up to 90 days. This is because head hair grows at an average rate of around 1 cm per month, allowing laboratories to analyse a longer history of drug use compared to other testing methods.

What drugs can a hair drug test detect?

Hair drug testing kits can detect a range of substances, including cannabis, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, methamphetamines, MDMA, and some prescription medications. The exact panel depends on the specific test kit used.

How accurate is a hair drug test?

Hair drug tests are highly accurate when processed by certified laboratories. They are particularly effective at identifying repeated or long-term drug use and are less susceptible to short-term abstinence compared to other testing methods.

Can a hair drug test detect recent drug use?

No, hair drug tests are not suitable for detecting very recent drug use. It usually takes around 7 to 10 days for drug metabolites to appear in the hair, making this method less effective for recent or one-off use.

What are the disadvantages of hair drug testing?

While hair drug testing offers a long detection window, there are some limitations to consider:

• It cannot detect very recent drug use
• Results take longer due to laboratory analysis
• It is typically more expensive than other testing methods
• External factors such as hair treatments may affect results
• It may not always reflect occasional or very low-level drug use

Because of these factors, hair drug tests are not always the best option for every situation.

Why are urine drug tests a good alternative to hair drug tests?

Urine drug testing is one of the most widely used alternatives to hair testing. It is ideal for detecting recent drug use, usually within the past few days. Urine tests are quick, cost-effective, and available as instant result kits, making them a practical choice for workplace testing, home use, and clinical settings.

Why are saliva drug tests a good alternative to hair drug tests?

Saliva drug tests are another excellent alternative, particularly when recent drug use needs to be identified. They can detect substances within minutes to hours after use and are easy to administer under supervision. Saliva tests are non-invasive, provide rapid results, and are commonly used for roadside testing and workplace screening.

Which is better: hair, urine, or saliva drug testing?

The best type of drug test depends on your needs:

• Hair drug tests are best for detecting long-term or historical drug use
• Urine drug tests are ideal for identifying recent drug use over the past few days
• Saliva drug tests are most effective for detecting very recent use, often within hours

Many organisations use a combination of these methods to get a more complete picture.

Can you cheat a hair drug test?

Hair drug tests are difficult to tamper with because drug metabolites are embedded inside the hair shaft. Washing or styling the hair does not remove these substances, and laboratories use processes to minimise the risk of contamination.

How long does it take to get hair drug test results?

Hair drug test results are usually available within a few working days after the sample has been received by the laboratory. This is slower than instant urine or saliva tests, which can provide results within minutes.

Are hair drug testing kits available for home use in the UK?

Yes, hair drug testing kits are available for home use in the UK. These kits allow you to collect a sample yourself and send it to a laboratory for professional analysis, offering a convenient option for private testing.

Hair vs Urine vs Saliva Drug Testing – Which Should You Choose?

Choosing the right drug testing method depends on what you need to detect and how quickly you need results. Each method has its strengths, and understanding the differences can help you make the best decision.

Hair Drug Testing

Hair drug testing is ideal for identifying long-term or repeated drug use. With a detection window of up to 90 days, it provides a clear picture of historical drug exposure. However, it cannot detect recent use, takes longer to process, and is typically more expensive than other methods.

Urine Drug Testing

Urine drug testing is one of the most popular and cost-effective options. It is highly effective at detecting recent drug use, usually within the past 1–3 days depending on the substance. Urine tests are widely used in workplaces and at home because they are affordable, reliable, and often provide instant results.

Saliva Drug Testing

Saliva drug testing is best for detecting very recent drug use, often within minutes to hours. It is non-invasive, easy to administer, and ideal for situations where immediate results are required, such as workplace screening or roadside testing. While the detection window is shorter, it offers fast and convenient testing.

Quick Comparison

• Hair drug test: Best for long-term drug use (up to 90 days), but slower and more expensive
• Urine drug test: Best all-round option for recent use, affordable and widely used
• Saliva drug test: Best for detecting very recent use, fast and easy to administer

For the most complete results, many people choose to combine drug testing methods depending on their needs.

Not Sure Which Drug Test You Need?

If you're unsure whether a hair drug test is the right choice, you're not alone. The best option depends on your situation—whether you're testing for recent use, ongoing monitoring, or long-term patterns.

• Choose a hair drug test for a longer detection window
• Choose a urine drug test for quick, cost-effective screening
• Choose a saliva drug test for fast results and recent detection

Browse our full range of drug testing kits to find the right solution for your needs. Whether you're testing at home, in the workplace, or for legal purposes, we offer reliable and discreet options you can trust.

Need Help Choosing the Right Drug Test?

If you’re unsure which drug testing kit is right for your needs, our friendly customer support team is here to help. Whether you’re choosing between hair, urine, or saliva testing, we can guide you towards the most suitable option based on your situation.

You can also use our quick and easy drug test quiz to get a personalised recommendation in just a few steps—perfect if you want a fast, confident decision.

For businesses, we also offer professional online drug testing training to help you implement effective workplace testing procedures with confidence. This is ideal for employers who want to ensure compliance, accuracy, and best practice when carrying out drug screening.

Get in touch with our team today for expert advice and support—we’re here to make drug testing simple, clear, and reliable.