Just found out I have to have a hair follicle test

[Babyd0ll]

Well, I've been reading on this forum for hours and hours and feel doomed. I've been working for the same company on and off for 17 years -- this time 5 years as a contractor. Just found out they wanted to hire me two weeks ago, so quit smoking 12 days ago. (I smoke once per night in the evening everyday on and off for mostly 7 years now). Anyway, I was good with the usual urine test next week but have now found out it's a hair follicle test. I purchased today from TestClear Zydot Ultra Clean and also Aloerid but it looks that neither of these will work.

I have long, thick pretty hair and cannot do the perming, hair coloring, hair-ruining stuff that I've seen recommended on this site. So, I guess my question is -- should I just go ahead and decline the test and reject the job offer? I cannot fail this test and would rather lose the opportunity than be utterly humiliated. I am so depressed!

[mauijim66]

When i hear stories like this, it just makes me want to puke. I know this isnt what youre looking for in a reply.. I just wanted you to know that youre a great example of why all of this is HORSE SHIT!!

[Newme]

Well you could always just talk to them,and see what they say,or just take the test anyways and hope for a miracle.man,don't ya just hate drug test?

[Babyd0ll]

Okay, I went in to the office and the truth, that I won't pass the hair test. My boss and my bosse's boss are willing to ask HR to let me stay on as a contractor until January 1, 2013. If I haven't partaken since September 6, 2012 will I pass the test? Remember I have long, thick medium/dark brown hair.

[DrBill100]

Okay, I went in to the office and the truth, that I won't pass the hair test. My boss and my bosse's boss are willing to ask HR to let me stay on as a contractor until January 1, 2013. If I haven't partaken since September 6, 2012 will I pass the test? Remember I have long, thick medium/dark brown hair.

Do you have until January to pass the test? If so, pick up a hair test kit, about 50 bucks. I recommend that because hair testing for cannabis is very spotty. Even heavy daily use is detected in only about 60% of cases. It just could be that you are below level of detection. If not there are some systems that do not damage or alter hair that can work across a period of time.

[Babyd0ll]

Do you have until January to pass the test? If so, pick up a hair test kit, about 50 bucks. I recommend that because hair testing for cannabis is very spotty. Even heavy daily use is detected in only about 60% of cases. It just could be that you are below level of detection. If not there are some systems that do not damage or alter hair that can work across a period of time.


Thanks so much for responding! I am waiting to hear back if HR will accept me working contract until December 31, 2012. If so, then I will have the hair test when before I start the job so it will be end of December or beginning of January.

If HR says they will wait, what hair test do you recommend and how long should I wait before doing it?

Also, would you please recommend the systems that I would be able to use now to "clean" my hair over a period of time?

[DrBill100]

It's probably better to wait for a test. This requires some minimal use of hair care products and OTC products....probably less than the ZYDOT but nonetheless an investment. Are you male or female? In particular it requires a good high heat hair dryer and an attachable bonnet OR a hair steamer.

[Babyd0ll]

It's probably better to wait for a test. This requires some minimal use of hair care products and OTC products....probably less than the ZYDOT but nonetheless an investment. Are you male or female? In particular it requires a good high heat hair dryer and an attachable bonnet OR a hair steamer.


I am female.

[Babyd0ll]

My boss just called me right now and they want me to take the test. I said that I cannot take the test. Either they wait a couple of months or I must give my notice! What do I do? This is making me crazy and panicked!!

[DrBill100]

Afraid you just departed my realm of competence. Not certain what to advise in very short term.

[Babyd0ll]

Afraid you just departed my realm of competence. Not certain what to advise in very short term.

DrBill,

Sorry for melting down on you yesterday. I went to my doctor today and told him all my problems with this hair test. He was very kind and understanding and wants to help buy me some time. I don't know how much time I have -- maybe 2-3 weeks, maybe even longer? He has ordered the hair follicle kit and I will take the test at his office on Monday. He said even though I smoked daily, it was not much and that I have a 20-30% chance of passing the test. He said if I pass his test, he is 100% certain that I will pass my company's test and that if I didn't -- he will certify & notarize (if it's the truth) a letter to my company that I passed his test.

In the meantime, the doc has recommended that I start taking niacin because it will help my hair and nails to go more quickly.

So, my question to you is this:

If I have maybe 2-3 weeks or longer to pass my companies test -- what do you recommend that I do as far as a hair regimen goes? The last day I smoked was September 6. Thank you.

[DrBill100]

First, you seem to have a doctor that has some grasp of hair testing based on his assessment of your chances for passing. That is in accord with my opinion and more importantly existing research.

I will recommend to you some practices and products (generic) with the understanding that there is no specific published research to support their use. Along the same line each recommendation is based on specific scientific findings in relation to specific chemical interactions and well elucidated physiologic processes. With others, we have tested the methods in only a very limited number of individuals. 33 in total. Our system is developed in relation to cannabis metabolites only and there is no reason to believe it would work for others.

That information is provided so that you understand that past results of the 33 tested individuals* is far too small to generalize to population and therefore you must acknowledge that there are no guarantees.

With those restrictions acknowledged, the process does not seem to damage or alter the hair and may in fact be beneficial to appearance. It involves no caustic substances. To date we have used a total of three (3) treatments on each of the 33 individuals. Each treatment ranged from 1 - 2 hours. The chemicals used are available OTC and total cost is less than $20 (mix your own). Furthermore the chemicals are not, and can never be, classed as adulterants.

It involves heat/steam and you must have or purchase a hair steamer or a good hair dryer (about $20) with attachable bonnet (about $10) and a method for inserting the liquid (small plastic tube) into the tubule of the heater. As a last alternative a couple of shower caps and absorbent cloth can be used**.

If all of that is agreeable to you we'll work through it step by step.

*in our group only 16 of the 33 individuals had been pre-tested for THCA content. As your doctor and research indicates some or all of these people may have had no THC to begin with.

**this method can be problematic for those with longer hair. Effectiveness could be greatly diminished.

[Babyd0ll]

First, you seem to have a doctor that has some grasp of hair testing based on his assessment of your chances for passing. That is in accord with my opinion and more importantly existing research.

I will recommend to you some practices and products (generic) with the understanding that there is no specific published research to support their use. Along the same line each recommendation is based on specific scientific findings in relation to specific chemical interactions and well elucidated physiologic processes. With others, we have tested the methods in only a very limited number of individuals. 33 in total. Our system is developed in relation to cannabis metabolites only and there is no reason to believe it would work for others.

That information is provided so that you understand that past results of the 33 tested individuals* is far too small to generalize to population and therefore you must acknowledge that there are no guarantees.

With those restrictions acknowledged, the process does not seem to damage or alter the hair and may in fact be beneficial to appearance. It involves no caustic substances. To date we have used a total of three (3) treatments on each of the 33 individuals. Each treatment ranged from 1 - 2 hours. The chemicals used are available OTC and total cost is less than $20 (mix your own). Furthermore the chemicals are not, and can never be, classed as adulterants.

It involves heat/steam and you must have or purchase a hair steamer or a good hair dryer (about $20) with attachable bonnet (about $10) and a method for inserting the liquid (small plastic tube) into the tubule of the heater. As a last alternative a couple of shower caps and absorbent cloth can be used**.

If all of that is agreeable to you we'll work through it step by step.

*in our group only 16 of the 33 individuals had been pre-tested for THCA content. As your doctor and research indicates some or all of these people may have had no THC to begin with.

**this method can be problematic for those with longer hair. Effectiveness could be greatly diminished.



Yes, this is agreeable to me. I do have some of the longest, thickest how though.....just to let you know. I would greatly appreciate your help and my husband would be able to help me "hook up" the hair drying attachment(s) to my hand-held blow dryer.

[DrBill100]

I don't wish to indicate that there is anything complex in this system. Not at all. So no technical assistance is required.

Do you have a (1) hair steamer? If so no further information is required. or

(2) hair dryer combination (dryer + bonnet)?

or neither.

Also you should relax. This system involves everyday products and procedures. It isn't tough or complicated.

Just need to know the equipment being used so as to advise method and amount of chemical necessary in relation to time of treatment. Don't be frightened by the term "chemical"...simply meaning the active ingredient of recommended substance(s). A significant part of our objective was to avoid the caustic substances while obtaining the same physico-chemical reaction.

That wasn't difficult. This process will not substantially alter the color or basic construct of the hair shaft.

My practice is to provide scientific references for certain components only for the purpose of establishing credibility (so that you know) and (antagonizing lab scientists). This system, for the edification of all involved, is untraceable unless water and evaporation are ultimately outlawed.

All I need is a description of the heat method. How are we going to do this?

[Babyd0ll]

I don't wish to indicate that there is anything complex in this system. Not at all. So no technical assistance is required.

Do you have a (1) hair steamer? If so no further information is required. or

(2) hair dryer combination (dryer + bonnet)?

or neither.

Also you should relax. This system involves everyday products and procedures. It isn't tough or complicated.

Just need to know the equipment being used so as to advise method and amount of chemical necessary in relation to time of treatment. Don't be frightened by the term "chemical"...simply meaning the active ingredient of recommended substance(s). A significant part of our objective was to avoid the caustic substances while obtaining the same physico-chemical reaction.

That wasn't difficult. This process will not substantially alter the color or basic construct of the hair shaft.

My practice is to provide scientific references for certain components only for the purpose of establishing credibility (so that you know) and (antagonizing lab scientists). This system, for the edification of all involved, is untraceable unless water and evaporation are ultimately outlawed.

All I need is a description of the heat method. How are we going to do this?

Yes, I need to relax. Thanks for the reminder. Currently I have a Conair 1875 blow-dryer. I will go to a beauty supply store tomorrow and purchase a bonnet to attach to my dryer. Okay?

[Babyd0ll]

Yes, I need to relax. Thanks for the reminder. Currently I have a Conair 1875 blow-dryer. I will go to a beauty supply store tomorrow and purchase a bonnet to attach to my dryer. Okay?

DrBill, are you around?

[DrBill100]

I've been checking back. For some reason I don't get notification....probably something I don't understand about the site.

[DrBill100]

Another item you will need is some test strips for checking pH of water. They are cheap and you can get at any pharmacy. Since you will be making this want it to be within a pH range. While there check for the availability of trisodium phosphate, a cleansing agent. Won't need much, down the line will need about 1.25 teaspoons per gallon of water.

While I don't recommend any specific lab for testing, Psychemedics uses the lowest cutoff and has a home test available. HairConfirm is another that seems more widely available (pharmacies, stores, etc). I have no specific direct experience with the latter. They are about same price.

[Babyd0ll]

Another item you will need is some test strips for checking pH of water. They are cheap and you can get at any pharmacy. Since you will be making this want it to be within a pH range. While there check for the availability of trisodium phosphate, a cleansing agent. Won't need much, down the line will need about 1.25 teaspoons per gallon of water.

While I don't recommend any specific lab for testing, Psychemedics uses the lowest cutoff and has a home test available. HairConfirm is another that seems more widely available (pharmacies, stores, etc). I have no specific direct experience with the latter. They are about same price.


Okay, first off -- I've been to two beauty stores and haven't found either a bonnet to hook up to my hair dryer or a steamer. One place had a professional conditioning heat cap, but I don't think that is what I'm supposed to get because you specifically said steamer.

Secondly, I know what TSP is because we've used it to clean our dishes and clothes, in the past, and that stuff would clean concrete and much more. That scares the pants off me to use on my hair! Could you give me anything to read to confirm my hair isn't going to either burn off or fall out before doing this? Thank you.

[Babyd0ll]

I found the hair bonnet. I am going to pick it up now, along with the pH test strips and the trisodium phosphate.

[Babyd0ll]

I found the hair bonnet. I am going to pick it up now, along with the pH test strips and the trisodium phosphate.

I've gotten the above items now. What are the next steps please?

[DrBill100]

Please cut enough hair to 1) send for testing and 2) test the product prior to use. Here is a link to how to cut hair and from where Hair Test (http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rr78HRokQp0&feature=related)

Here is an illustration of a human hair (pilosebaceous unit), also a microscopic view of the hair shaft, and a drawing of the process of opening the cuticle. Look these over. Want you to be able to visualize the process you are using.

Pilosebaceous unit. (http://www.elsevierimages.com/image/27174.htm)
Illustration of capillary system surround hair and feeding the epidermis (http://howtogetridofacnescarsguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/pilosebaceous-unit.jpg)
Actual human hair (http://www.optics.rochester.edu/workgroups/cml/opt307/spr06/xue/project.htm).
Illustration of hair cuticle (simplification of process) (http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-An4yEP6tmag/TgaW2UCvH8I/AAAAAAAAABU/_AZeyKVWwik/s1600/hairporosity.jpg)

This isn't a course in dermatology so no need to have a complex understanding of the foregoing. However, you should know the target of the process.

Actually there are only four words you need to remember: Heat, cold, alkaline, acid.

In order to keep the cuticle open allowing exposure of the inner cortex requires heat and alkalinity. That opens and softens the cuticle. Cold and acid base substances have just the opposite result.

Your hair is slightly acidic (pH 4.5-5.5) and water is neutral at 7. Water and heat opens and keeps the cuticle open. However, we want to create a pH gradient, higher on the outside than inside of the hair shaft. So for that purpose you will add baking soda to a plain water mix. The mixture should be in the area of 8.5-9.
pH. This is the mixture that you will first wash you hair with. It should be as hot as possible. You will not rinse but after washing leave in hair, put on a shower cap, then use the hair dryer to keep the hair hot allowing penetration of the mix over at least a 30 minute period. The point is to create a high-humidity in which the hair remains and soaks. (We used this mix in a hair steamer so there was no problem maintaining the moisture level. With a dryer just want to be careful that the heat doesn't dry the hair too quickly) After doing that you can then wash your hair with any shampoo but keeping high heat and rinse. Towel dry. That is step 1.

At any point in the process if you have any doubt about how it will affect your hair then use some of the hair removed (above) and expose that to the treatment first.

Keep in mind that you are attempting to remove or neutralize two (2) separate molecules, THC and THC-COOH. They have different physico-chemical properties.

[DrBill100]

Checked back for 2 days with no response. I will be unavailable now for about 3 weeks. Wish you the best and hope everything works out. Please don't use the first step independently.

[Babyd0ll]

Checked back for 2 days with no response. I will be unavailable now for about 3 weeks. Wish you the best and hope everything works out. Please don't use the first step independently.

The good news: I took the hair follicle test and passed it.

The bad news: My company fired me today anyway because I admitted to them that I had smoked cannabis in Amsterdam in May of 2012.


Thanks for all your posts and recommended help. It is greatly appreciated.

[actorguy]

Please cut enough hair to 1) send for testing and 2) test the product prior to use. Here is a link to how to cut hair and from where Hair Test (http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rr78HRokQp0&feature=related)

Here is an illustration of a human hair (pilosebaceous unit), also a microscopic view of the hair shaft, and a drawing of the process of opening the cuticle. Look these over. Want you to be able to visualize the process you are using.

Pilosebaceous unit. (http://www.elsevierimages.com/image/27174.htm)
Illustration of capillary system surround hair and feeding the epidermis (http://howtogetridofacnescarsguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/pilosebaceous-unit.jpg)
Actual human hair (http://www.optics.rochester.edu/workgroups/cml/opt307/spr06/xue/project.htm).
Illustration of hair cuticle (simplification of process) (http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-An4yEP6tmag/TgaW2UCvH8I/AAAAAAAAABU/_AZeyKVWwik/s1600/hairporosity.jpg)

This isn't a course in dermatology so no need to have a complex understanding of the foregoing. However, you should know the target of the process.

Actually there are only four words you need to remember: Heat, cold, alkaline, acid.

In order to keep the cuticle open allowing exposure of the inner cortex requires heat and alkalinity. That opens and softens the cuticle. Cold and acid base substances have just the opposite result.

Your hair is slightly acidic (pH 4.5-5.5) and water is neutral at 7. Water and heat opens and keeps the cuticle open. However, we want to create a pH gradient, higher on the outside than inside of the hair shaft. So for that purpose you will add baking soda to a plain water mix. The mixture should be in the area of 8.5-9.
pH. This is the mixture that you will first wash you hair with. It should be as hot as possible. You will not rinse but after washing leave in hair, put on a shower cap, then use the hair dryer to keep the hair hot allowing penetration of the mix over at least a 30 minute period. The point is to create a high-humidity in which the hair remains and soaks. (We used this mix in a hair steamer so there was no problem maintaining the moisture level. With a dryer just want to be careful that the heat doesn't dry the hair too quickly) After doing that you can then wash your hair with any shampoo but keeping high heat and rinse. Towel dry. That is step 1.

At any point in the process if you have any doubt about how it will affect your hair then use some of the hair removed (above) and expose that to the treatment first.

Keep in mind that you are attempting to remove or neutralize two (2) separate molecules, THC and THC-COOH. They have different physico-chemical properties.

Hello Dr. Bill,

Could you please continue with this information as I have a hair follicle test coming up in three weeks. I've smoked maybe 5 times in the last 2 months tops. I'm a male with Afro-textured hair. Could you help me out? Do you think I could pass the test without doing anything. I have about .5 inch hair on my head. Last smoke was was 3 weeks ago.

Thanks

[Katierenee789]

I haven't smoked in a year and recently around April/may had a small bite of food that had cans is in it!!! Will I be okay for a court ordered hair test? Has anyone else been through something like this?

[Katierenee789]

I haven't smoked in a year and recently around April/may had a small bite of food that had cans is in it!!! Will I be okay for a court ordered hair test? Has anyone else been through something like this?

I meant canabis