Most of us need to undergo drug tests to get a job? Employers expect their potential employees to take these tests seriously so that they can rely on them to do their job right – with the right frame of mind – and not under the influence of any drugs.
One of the drugs that most concern employers is marijuana, as its high-Delta-9 THC content can quite easily impair your judgment, motor skills, and coordination.
It’s difficult to know for sure how long this drug remains in our system. It depends on quite a few factors, like a person’s body type, metabolism, appetite, the type of drug ingested, the volume of the drug consumed, and the drug’s strength and potency.
So, what happens when you are instructed to take a drug test?
Usually, employers ask for a urine sample. That is the common norm in most companies. But that also means that you wouldn’t be prepared for a hair follicle test!
That’s a scary thing! Metabolites of marijuana compounds stay in your urine for a much shorter period than your hair!
While the period ranges somewhere between 2 to 10 days for urine, the drug may linger in your hair follicles for about 3 months, even for occasional users. That’s because the drug metabolites in your blood make their way to different parts of the body that have stored fat and get deposited there.
Most detox products target your digestive system to flush out toxins like THC and alcohol before they can get absorbed into the fat deposits in your body.
But if you’ve used marijuana a whole week before your detoxification, chances are the metabolites have already made their way to other parts of your body – waiting to raise their heads at a hair follicle test!
So, even if you had stopped using it a while ago, the lab will most likely be able to detect traces of the drug’s metabolites in your system. And, that’s enough to make you fail the drug test.
This test establishes your lifestyle habits and employers who ask you to take these tests are willing to spend extra for it.
So, if you’re looking for ways to clear a hair follicle test, you must first get an idea of how a hair follicle drug test works.
How Do Hair Follicle Tests Work?
A lab technician will sample a few strands of your scalp hair and expose them to numerous chemical testing to determine the presence of toxins, like amphetamine, methamphetamine, ecstasy, marijuana, cocaine, and many others. Each of these drugs responds to a different chemical. But the results are pretty much accurate in each case.
To get an accurate reading on each sample, the testing process is broken down into two steps:
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
- Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).
If your strands test negative on the ELISA test, your sample won’t be required to undergo the next level of testing. However, if it tests positive, it will be further put under the GC-MS to rule out any false-negative results.
How To Pass A Hair Follicle Drug Test?
Fortunately, there are ways, albeit limited, by which you can pass a hair follicle drug test even if you’ve smoked dry herbs recently.
The best option is, of course, natural detoxification. That involves eating healthy, drinking plenty of water, eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, and working out.
But that takes months – a luxury you can’t afford if you’ve just been informed of an impending drug test. You will need to cleanse your hair follicles properly and fast.
can choose to cleanse use specialized shampoos that target toxin deposits in hair follicles.
But, marijuana consumers, particularly heavy users, will have higher concentrations of toxins in their hair follicles, which cannot be washed away with a regular shampoo.
And, shaving your head bald isn’t always the best option. Right?
That’s why, people often prefer to use a good detox shampoo, specially formulated to eliminate all drug metabolites from the fatty roots of your hair. One such option is using a weed detox shampoo.
While there are other options, as well, such as hair masks made from apple cider vinegar, aloe vera gel, baking soda, egg whites, and lemon juice.
But, the most effective and fool-proof method of detoxifying your hair follicles of weed metabolites is using a good brand of weed detox shampoo.
After trying out quite a few of those available in the market, we found these three products most effective and safe.
Best Hair Follicle Detox Shampoos To Try – 2023
Using detox shampoo is one of the most innovative and potent ways to come clean on a hair follicle drug test. But make sure you buy only from a reputable brand if you want to ensure a negative result (pun intended!).
For that, a lot of research, trials, and tests are needed. But don’t worry. Our team of experts has taken the trouble to find the best weed detox shampoos to beat a hair follicle test – so that you don’t have to jump through all those hoops.
Top 3 Hair Follicle Detox Shampoos
#1. Zydot Ultra Clean Shampoo: Best Value for Money
#2. Rescue Hair Detox Shampoo: Fast Acting
#3. Old Style Aloe Toxin Rid Shampoo: Best Overall
Our Testing Process
Before we tested the products ourselves, we took care to go over as many user experiences and customer reviews as we could lay our hands-on. We even asked many of our subscribers and readers to give us their inputs. Then, we checked all the social media platforms and open forums. The idea was to check the veracity of all the brands’ claims.
We also studied the brand websites to understand their level of transparency, traceability, reliability, and general manufacturing practices. We also checked their lab reports to confirm that their products are safe and potent.
Finally, we tested the top 6 products to narrow down our list.
Here are our finalists of the Best Detox Shampoos of 2023. Trust us, they won’t fail you!
Top 3 Hair Follicle Detox Shampoos
#1. Zydot Ultra Clean Shampoo – Best Value For Money
Zydot Ultra Clean Detox Shampoo is another popular detox shampoo that comes with a purifier and conditioner. This product works well for light to moderate dry herb users. However, chronic drug users may need to pair this product with Old Style Aloe Toxin Rid for best results.
Zydot Ultra clean detox shampoo helps eliminate toxins and other impurities from your hair by deep cleansing the scalp and hair shafts to dissolve high concentrations of drug metabolites.
Like any other detox shampoo, you must stop using dry herbs before starting the detox process and follow the instructions carefully.
Now, that is the difficult part. This product is one of the trickiest hair care products to use.
You must go through numerous lengthy steps to ensure the best results out of this product. The whole detoxification takes about 45 minutes to complete.
The shampoo costs less than $40 and its effects last up to 24 hours, after which your scalp may get recontaminated through natural sebum secretion. However, since you may need to couple this product with other similar products, including a regular shampoo, the ultimate cost goes up significantly, costing way higher than its actual price.
PROS
- Among the most affordable brands of Detox shampoos in the market
- Easily available online as well as at retail stores
CONS
- Not very effective as a standalone product
- Using it involves various complex and lengthy steps
CONSUMER EXPERIENCE
Customers, who have experience using the Zydot Ultra Clean Shampoo for cleansing their hair follicles before a drug test, feel that this product is affordable and quite effective.
While for light and moderate weed users, it works fine as a standalone product, this doesn’t work well enough as a detoxifier for chronic or heavy users.
Generally, customers loved its mild and pleasant, baby-shampoo-like fragrance and the fact that the hair retains its natural shine and health even after repeated use. Most users rated this product with 4-5 stars.
CUSTOMER FRIENDLINESS
The brand offers a 100% moneyback guarantee for anyone dissatisfied with the product’s efficiency.
The brand website isn’t like most others. The website’s homepage practically gives you everything you may need – from its toll-free customer care number and FAQs to key product usage instructions and links to its other related products. The website also offers a lot of information on what to do and not to do while on the detox routine and where you can find their retail outlets.
#2. Rescue Hair Detox Shampoo – Fast Acting
Our final top favorite product is the Rescue Detox Shampoo Concentrates.
Applied Sciences’ Rescue Detox is one of the oldest brands selling drug detox products.
The shampoo comes as a concentrate, in a 2-ounce bottle, intended for single use. But, you must follow the steps properly to ensure toxin-free hair in that single-use.
And, believe it or not! Its detoxifying effects last for over 24 hours. It’s best for people on a tight budget and a tight schedule. All it takes is about 10 – 15 minutes!
Rescue Detox Shampoo is the perfect solution to help you pass a hair follicle test without harming your hair, keeping it looking healthy, shiny, and soft.
PROS
- Cheaper than most brands
- Work faster than most other similar products
- Effects last longer than most other detox shampoos
- Only natural ingredients
- Lab-tested
CONS
- Very few forums hosted customer feedback on this product; the brand does not seem to have a platform for that.
- Does not sell through its brand website; operates through wholesalers and retailers.
CONSUMER EXPERIENCE
The customer reviews that we did find gave an impression that people are quite pleased with the effects of Rescue Detox Shampoo.
Another thing the users pointed out is that this shampoo was the least expensive of the three detoxifying shampoos we discussed.
People who tried this product also stated that the shampoo helped preserve their hair’s natural shine as it does not strip your hair of all of its natural oils.
CUSTOMER FRIENDLINESS
Applied Sciences Labs is a renowned name in the industry. However, they have done little in way of marketing their products properly. Perhaps they expect their products to bear the burden of it all. However, the customer care team, whom you can contact over a phone call (877-929-4040) or email (sales@appliedsciences.net), is quite efficient in handling all kinds of queries.
#3. Toxin Rid’s Old Style Aloe Shampoo: Our Top Pick
The Old Style Aloe Toxin Rid Shampoo is by far the best hair follicle detox shampoo available in the market.
Originally known as Nexxus Aloe Rid, this shampoo is a very potent hair detoxifier. It works wonders on your hair and scalp.
The presence of propylene glycol is what makes this product so powerful. But that does not mean that it will leave your hair dry and lifeless. It also contains aloe vera to prevent your hair from becoming dry and brittle.
Along with aloe vera, the shampoo also contains a considerable amount of natural conditioners to keep the hair and scalp hydrated, healthy, and soft.
Our experts recommend using this product every day for 3 – 10 days before you take the hair follicle test. By then, you should also have stopped using any dry herb.
While shampooing your hair with the Old Style Aloe, make sure you cover the entire hair and scalp for the best results. After lathering your scalp properly, leave it on for about 15 minutes before rinsing it off. Your hair follicles should be free of all toxins within 90 minutes of washing your hair.
The effects should last for at least 6 hours after use. Any drugs you may take during this time should not be reflected in your hair follicles, as they take a little time to reach your follicles and get deposited there. However, after those hours, your hair may get contaminated by the external environment and the sebum secreted by your scalp (both of which could, by then, contain the weed metabolites).
Although this isn’t the cheapest detoxifying shampoo on the market, it certainly is the most potent and effective. The shampoo comes in a 5-ounce bottle, sufficient enough for multiple uses.
PROS
- Powerful enough to clear every strand and hair follicle of all toxins effectively
- Aloe vera helps keep hair and scalp hydrated and healthy
- Works perfectly as a standalone product
- Natural and safe ingredients
CONS
- Best for people with light or medium exposure to cannabis
- An old formula (albeit more effective) is limited in supply
- Can be a bit pricey for some consumers
- Only available online
CONSUMER EXPERIENCE
The Old Style Aloe Toxin Rid Shampoo has garnered positive reviews from almost everyone who has tried the product. The product has received a 5-star rating from its customers, making it one of the most effective and popular hair follicle detox shampoos in the market.
Consumers have attested to the shampoo’s astounding results as a standalone product. Some skeptics, who had less than 2 days for their drug test, used it 2-3 times a day – just to be sure. But they were surprised (and glad) to find out that their angst was unnecessary, as they tested negative on their hair follicle drug test.
Some customers felt that the whole process was a bit time-consuming and exhausting, but totally worth it!
CUSTOMER FRIENDLINESS
Toxin Rid’s brand website is well laid-out, easy-to-navigate, and quite informative. The online shopping experience was simply a cakewalk. Customers were properly guided by the customer support team every step of the way, both before and after a purchase was made.
The company offers 1,2, and 3-day shipping in the US, with UPS, FedEx, and USPS carriers.
With these products, no exchanges are accepted and all sales are final. If you’re unhappy with the delivery process, you still get 30 days to return the product. However, the products must be sent back in the original sealed condition. Besides, the returns must be pre-authorized, using a Return Merchandise Authorization Number.
Hair Follicle Detox Shampoos: Your Best Buying Guide
A good hair detox shampoo helps cleanse your hair and scalp of all built-up dirt, drug metabolites, and other toxins, while keeping your hair and scalp healthy, moisturized, and nourished. It should ideally strengthen your roots and enhance hair growth.
So, make sure you buy from a trusted seller. They include nutrients like vitamins A, B, C, and E to help maintain your scalp’s chemical balance and hair health and strength. Most reputable brands include a high-quality, natural conditioner in the ingredients. This increases the shampoo’s efficacy as well as prevents your hair from going limp and lifeless.
So, before you place an order, check out these tips. These will help you make the right choice.
Read the Ingredients on the Product Label
- The formulation should contain ingredients that gentle on your hair and scalp.
- It should be effective; propylene glycol does that for a detox shampoo.
- Look up if the product has other botanical extracts, like mint, sage, lemon, etc. These help keep your hair and scalp safe and healthy and also smelling nice.
- The ingredients should not include phthalates, parabens, sulfates, synthetic dyes, or artificial fragrances. These can strip your hair of moisture and luster.
Current Condition of your Scalp & Hair
Many effective detoxifying shampoos can be harsh on the hair. If your hair is already in a bad condition, using such detox shampoos could make things worse. Then, there are other factors involving hair and scalp health, such as an oily scalp, dander, etc. Look for a product that doesn’t risk making these conditions worse. Find a detox shampoo that can restore the health and texture of your scalp, while cleansing it of toxins. Besides, there are different products meant to cater to different types of hair – straight, curly, wavy, etc. Make sure you get the right one. Theirs is no point in damaging your hair for the sake of detoxifying the follicles.
Window of Effectiveness
Different detox shampoos have different periods of efficacy. You must pick the product that best suits your purpose and provides you with maximum protection to clear the test.
Length of Process
Not everyone has the luxury of spending long hours in the bathroom. While looking for a detox shampoo, read the instructions to find out the complexity of the process and whether or not, you’ll be able to afford it.
Brand Reputation
As a potential buyer, it’s imperative you checked all information available on a product or its brand, especially the product’s efficacy, safety, and long-term effects. And, who better to tell you that than the users themselves!
Go over multiple user reviews and testimonials to get a good idea of the product’s efficiency. Also, check to see if any disgruntled customer was satisfied with the way things were handled by the company.
And that brings us to our next point…
Consumer-friendly policies & deals
Companies that are confident of their products will provide you with a guarantee. Exchanges and returns may not be always possible, but a reimbursement, a replacement, or some kind of value-addition on the next purchase is a welcome thing for any customer. This puts customers’ minds to rest. Besides detox shampoos are expensive. Some brands offer great deals from time to time, especially for people who come from the lower-income group and have been under the influence of drugs at some time in their life, but desperately need a job to get by.
Price
Although we’re mentioning this at the end of our guide, this is still a critical point for many. Many brands give you the same effect at a much lower cost. Do a bit of research; compare the product ingredients and brand reputations with their respective product prices, and make up your mind.
We understand you’re desperate, but take some time to evaluate the products for their actual worth and take a call. But we would recommend that you chose from among the renowned brands to make sure you are not duped.
Best Hair Follicle Detox Shampoos – FAQs
Q: Which drugs can be detected in a hair follicle drug test?
A: A hair follicle drug test can detect metabolites of:
- Marijuana
- Amphetamine
- Methamphetamine
- Cocaine
- Propoxyphene
- PCP (Angel Dust)
- Benzodiazepines (Xanax)
- Methadone
- Barbiturates
- Fentanyl
- Ketamine
- Ecstasy
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
- Opiates
- Alcohol
Q: How far back can a hair follicle drug test go to detect drug use?
A: The hair sample that is 1.5 inches long can detect the drug as recently as 3 months. However, in the case of a hair sample that is longer, the test can yield results from as long back as several years. However, that depends on the length of the hair sample, the overall hair length, and how long it took the individual to grow that.
Q: How to use hair follicle detox shampoo?
A: Easy peasy… Simply follow the instructions given on the product label/brand website and wash your hair accordingly. Allow the shampoo some time to soak in. Abide by the durations and steps to follow to let the hair soak in as much of the shampoo ingredients as possible for best results. Rinse off and towel dry. Pair it with other conditioning and purifying products or shampoos, if instructed. Do not use any other hair care products, such as oils and serums (unless instructed otherwise by the brands), and do not use your usual head accessories, pillows, or sheets to avoid contamination.
Q: Can you pass a hair follicle test by bleaching your hair?
A: Yes, to an extent. Bleaching can reduce the presence of drug metabolites by 40% to 80%.
But the downside to bleaching your hair is that it is time-consuming and can cause substantial damage to your hair and scalp. Besides, bleaching alone does not help. You will still need to pair it with a detox shampoo. Moreover, laboratories have become wary of the bleaching technique used by employees. That is why look for its presence or take samples from other body parts to ensure you can’t cheat on the test. Incidentally, body hair does not grow as quickly as your scalp hair. This means that drug metabolites will linger longer in these hair follicles than those on your head.
Q: What are DIY methods of passing a hair follicle drug test?
A: There are few Do-It-yourself methods. But no matter what you do, you must stop using. The longer you stay away from drugs the better your chances are of clearing the drug test. But that requires about 4-5 months to be absolutely sure.
You can go bald! And, remove all your body hair, too! Yes, a very effective method. But pretty obvious too! For a test, they will need you to provide a 1.5-inch hair sample. So, before they give you a clean chit, they will have you wait until you can provide that!
You can bleach away the drug residues. But they aren’t quite that effective and don’t work when used alone. You still need to use a detox shampoo (or two!).
Q: Is hair follicle testing an accurate drug test?
A: Yes, hair follicle drug tests, are, indeed, accurate. However, second-hand smoke isn’t enough to make you fail a drug test. Passive exposure to drugs does not impact a hair follicle drug test result as your body does not contain any of the metabolites needed to detect drug exposure.
Q: Is it legal for an employer to demand a hair follicle test?
A: Depending on where you live (and work), the answer may be a yes or a no. While some states don’t approve of employees being tested for drugs in their hair samples, others demand that the employee must be intimated and must give consent for it. In most cases, an employer is required to provide some kind of evidence to justify such a drug test.
A hair follicle drug test may also be required for medical or legal purposes. In most cases, you will be able to take a final decision on whether or not you are prepared to take the test. Nothing can be done without your written consent.
Q: Can a lab determine how long back a person was exposed to drugs?
A: No. This is nothing more than a myth. A hair follicle drug test looks for multiple uses over a period of time, depending on how long the hair sample is and how long it takes for the individual to grow that hair. Besides, the potency and amount of drugs ingested so far will matter. However, there is simply no way to determine the exact date or how long back the person was exposed to the drugs.
Parting Thoughts
Hair detox shampoos can be extremely useful and efficient as long as you follow the product instructions properly.
Besides, you must stop using any kind of drugs before you proceed with the detoxification routine – no matter what kind of drug test you are expected to take or the kind of product you hope to use to purge the toxins.
