Are you curious about how far back a hair follicle test can reveal drug use? If you’re facing a drug screening or just want to understand the science behind it, knowing the detection window is crucial.
Hair follicle tests don’t just catch recent use—they can paint a picture of your drug history over months. But can they really go back as far as 12 months? You’ll discover how hair grows and stores traces of substances, what factors affect detection times, and whether a year-long look back is possible.
Keep reading to get the clear facts and learn what your hair test results might reveal about your past.

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Credit: hairtestinganalysis.com.au
Frequently Asked Questions
How Far Back Do Hair Follicle Tests Go?
Hair follicle tests detect drug use up to 90 days back by analyzing drug traces embedded in growing hair strands.
What Drug Stays In The Hair Follicle The Longest?
Methamphetamine stays in hair follicles the longest, detectable up to 90 days or more after use.
How Long Do Most Companies Go Back On A Hair Follicle Test?
Most companies look back 90 days on a hair follicle test, as hair grows about half an inch monthly.
How Far Back Does A Hair Strand Drug Test?
A hair strand drug test detects drug use up to 90 days prior by analyzing drug metabolites in hair follicles. It reflects long-term use, not recent consumption.
Conclusion
A hair follicle test can detect drug use up to 90 days, sometimes longer. It cannot reliably show use from 12 months ago. Hair grows about half an inch per month, limiting how far back testing can go. Testing longer periods requires very long hair samples, which are rare.
Keep in mind, hair tests reveal patterns, not recent use. Understanding these limits helps set clear expectations. Always consider sample length and testing methods. This knowledge helps when facing hair follicle testing situations.

