Hair Follicle Test: What If I Smoked Four Times a Month 30 Days Ago?
Hair Follicle Test: What If I Smoked Four Times a Month 30 Days Ago?
When it comes to drug testing, hair follicle tests have become increasingly popular due to their high sensitivity and ability to detect drug use over a longer period. If you#39;ve been wondering whether that smoking habit, even if you were only indulging four times a month, could still show up in a hair follicle test, you#39;re not alone.
Understanding Hair Follicle Testing
Hair follicle tests reveal the presence of drugs by analyzing the hair strands from the hair follicle test. Unlike other tests, such as urine or blood tests, hair tests can detect drug use over a much longer timeframe, often up to 90 days, depending on the hair length and growth rate.
How Long Do Residuals Stay in Your Hair?
The answer to your question largely depends on the length of your hair. If you have had four cigarettes, each containing nicotine, per month for the past 30 days, it is highly likely that nicotine would have made its way into your hair follicles. Residual smoke detection in your hair can last for a significant period, often until the hair is cut off or new hair grows in.
Strategies for Passing a Hair Follicle Test
Given the persistence of drug residues in hair, if you find yourself in a situation where you need to pass a hair follicle test, here are a few strategies you might consider:
Special Shampoos: There are certain shampoos on the market that claim to cleanse the hair of any drug traces. While these might be effective for surface levels, it is crucial to understand that they may not completely remove traces that have penetrated deeper in the hair shaft. Shaving: If you have sufficient time, another approach is to shave off all the hair from the tested area. This method not only removes the hair but also potential drug residues. However, it does have its own set of implications, such as increased risk of drug detection even through the skin. Growing New Hair: If you do not have much time, you can allow longer hair to grow in. As the hair grows, it may dilute any drug traces that remain, provided you avoid smoking or other drug use during this period. However, care must be taken to ensure that the hair is kept clean and free of any potential contaminants.Common Misconceptions About Hair Follicle Tests
Many individuals believe that washing their hair thoroughly or using specific hair products will allow them to pass a hair follicle test. While cleansing the scalp and hair can be beneficial, it is important to understand that hair follicle tests are not just about the surface of the hair; they can detect deeper traces that may have seeped into the hair shaft themselves.
Conclusion
In summary, if you did light up four times a month 30 days ago, it is very likely that this residual smoking detection will show up in your hair follicle test. However, there are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of detection, such as using special shampoo, shaving, or growing new hair. Ultimately, the best approach is to avoid the situation entirely by refraining from drug use, particularly if you know you have to undergo a hair follicle test in the near future.