Hair follicle drug testing is one of the most reliable and widely accepted methods for detecting long-term drug use. Unlike urine or saliva tests, which typically show recent use over a few days, hair testing can reveal a pattern of drug use over a 90-day period or more. Because of its accuracy and extended detection window, hair follicle testing is often requested in court cases, child custody matters, Department of Health and Human Services (DHS) investigations, and high-responsibility employment roles.
At Blue Water DRP LLC in Port Huron, Michigan, we provide professional, confidential hair follicle drug testing for individuals, legal professionals, and employers across the state. This blog will walk you through what to expect before, during, and after a hair drug test, how the process works, and what substances are typically detected.
What Is a Hair Follicle Drug Test?
A hair follicle drug test analyzes a sample of hair—typically taken from the scalp—to determine whether an individual has used drugs over the past several weeks or months. Drug metabolites (byproducts that remain in the body after drug use) are deposited into the hair follicle through the bloodstream. These metabolites remain in the hair shaft long after other forms of testing, such as urine or saliva, no longer detect them.
Hair testing is considered highly accurate and is less likely to be affected by sample tampering or short-term abstinence prior to testing. This makes it a preferred choice in situations where a full history of substance use is needed.
Who Uses Hair Follicle Testing in Michigan?
Hair follicle testing is commonly used by:
- Family courts and DHS caseworkers evaluating parental fitness or custody arrangements
- Employers in industries that require a zero-tolerance policy for drug use
- Probation officers and legal programs monitoring long-term sobriety
- Rehabilitation centers tracking treatment compliance
- Adoption agencies or foster care evaluators
- Individuals seeking to prove long-term sobriety for court, custody, or employment purposes
If you’ve been ordered by a judge, agency, or employer to complete a hair drug test, you’ll need to go to a licensed facility like Blue Water DRP LLC to ensure the results are legally valid.
What Substances Does a Hair Drug Test Detect?
A standard hair follicle drug test typically screens for the following substances:
- Marijuana (THC)
- Cocaine
- Opiates (heroin, morphine, codeine)
- Amphetamines (including methamphetamine, ecstasy)
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
Depending on the test panel ordered, expanded panels may also include:
- Benzodiazepines
- Barbiturates
- Methadone
- Propoxyphene
- Synthetic opioids (like oxycodone or hydrocodone)
It’s important to confirm with the requesting agency or employer what type of panel is needed.
How Far Back Does a Hair Follicle Test Go?
Hair testing can detect drug use for up to 90 days. This is based on the average growth rate of scalp hair, which is approximately 0.5 inches per month. Most labs require a hair sample that is 1.5 inches long, cut from the root, to provide a 3-month detection window.
If longer hair is submitted, the detection window could be longer, but most agencies or employers only evaluate the standard 90-day history.
Preparing for Your Hair Drug Test
Unlike urine or saliva testing, there’s no need to abstain from certain foods or drinks before a hair follicle test. However, there are a few things to know:
- Do not shave your head. Attempting to avoid a hair test by cutting or shaving your hair may result in a failed or refused test.
- You may be asked to provide hair from another part of the body if scalp hair is unavailable. This could be chest, underarm, or leg hair.
- Hair dye, bleach, or shampoo will not affect the results. The metabolites reside within the hair shaft, not on the surface.
- Bring valid photo identification. This ensures proper chain-of-custody documentation.
- Know who needs the results. Whether it’s for court, DHS, or an employer, our staff can help direct the results to the right party.
What Happens During the Hair Drug Testing Process?
- Check-In
You’ll arrive at our Port Huron facility with valid ID and any paperwork from the requesting agency.
- Sample Collection
A trained technician will cut a small section of hair (about the width of a pencil) from the crown of your scalp. This is done discreetly and does not affect your hairstyle.
- Chain of Custody
The sample is labeled, sealed, and documented according to legal chain-of-custody procedures. This ensures the integrity of the sample from collection through lab analysis.
- Lab Analysis
Your hair is sent to a certified laboratory where it undergoes detailed analysis for drug metabolites. If a positive result is found, a confirmation test is typically performed.
- Results Reporting
Results are securely sent to the designated party—whether it’s a court, employer, or agency—within approximately 3 to 5 business days.
Is Hair Follicle Testing Accurate?
Yes. Hair testing is one of the most accurate drug screening methods available. False positives are rare, and all positive results are typically confirmed with a secondary test.
Because the process is so reliable, it is often accepted in court and by state agencies like DHS. It’s also considered harder to cheat or alter than other testing methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I test positive from secondhand exposure?
No. Passive exposure (e.g., being near someone smoking marijuana) does not result in a positive hair test. The levels needed for detection are much higher.
Can I request my own hair follicle test?
Yes. We offer testing to individuals who want results for legal documentation, personal peace of mind, or custody cases.
What if I don’t have enough scalp hair?
We can collect body hair instead, though the detection window may differ slightly. Our technician will guide you through the process.
Will drug use from over 90 days ago show up?
Typically not. Most labs analyze the most recent 1.5 inches of hair, corresponding to about 90 days of growth.
Are results confidential?
Yes. Results are shared only with the parties you authorize or as required by the referring agency or employer.
Professional Hair Follicle Drug Testing in Port Huron and Across Michigan
Blue Water DRP LLC has been providing professional drug and alcohol testing services since 2009. We are trusted by courts, attorneys, DHS, employers, and individuals throughout Michigan for accurate, confidential, and timely hair follicle testing.
Whether you need testing for legal, professional, or personal reasons, our team is here to make the process easy, respectful, and compliant with all requirements.
Visit or Contact Us
Blue Water DRP LLC
1824 Pine Grove Avenue
Port Huron, Michigan 48060
Testing Hours:
Monday – Friday: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Saturday & Sunday: 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM
DOT Testing: Monday – Friday, 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM (Closed on holidays)
Phone: (810) 966-0006
Email: bluewaterdrp@gmail.com
We serve Port Huron, Marysville, St. Clair, Fort Gratiot, and communities throughout Michigan.
