If you’ve ever seen a hair follicle test results levels chart, you probably felt confused in seconds. Numbers, cutoffs, ng/mg levels… it all looks technical.
But here’s the truth: it’s not that hard.
In this guide, I’ll break everything down in plain, simple English. No complicated words. No fluff. Just clear answers so you actually understand what your results mean.
What Is a Hair Follicle Drug Test?
A hair follicle test checks for drugs in your hair. Labs take a small hair sample, usually from your head, and test it.
Here’s the key idea:
- Drugs enter your bloodstream
- Your hair grows and traps those substances
- The test reads what’s stored inside the hair
This is why it can detect drug use over a long period—usually up to 90 days.
Why the Hair Follicle Test Results Levels Chart Matters
When you get your results, you don’t just see “positive” or “negative.”
You often see a hair follicle test results levels chart with numbers.
These numbers show:
- How much of a drug was detected
- Whether it crosses the lab’s cutoff level
- If the result is considered positive or negative
Understanding this chart is the difference between guessing… and knowing.
How the Levels Are Measured
Hair test results are measured in:
ng/mg (nanograms per milligram)
Don’t worry about the science part. Just remember:
- Higher number = more drug detected
- Lower number = less or none detected
Each drug has a cutoff level. If your number is above that, the result is positive.
Hair Follicle Test Results Levels Chart (Example)
Below is a simplified version of a typical hair follicle test results levels chart used by many labs:
| Drug Type | Screening Cutoff (ng/mg) | Confirmation Cutoff (ng/mg) |
|---|---|---|
| Marijuana (THC) | 1.0 | 0.30 |
| Cocaine | 500 | 500 |
| Opiates | 300 | 300 |
| Amphetamines | 500 | 500 |
| PCP | 300 | 300 |
What This Means
- Screening test: First check
- Confirmation test: Second, more accurate check
If both are above the cutoff → Positive result
How to Read Your Hair Follicle Test Results
Let’s make this super simple.
Step 1: Find the Drug
Look for the drug name in your report.
Step 2: Check Your Level
You’ll see a number next to it.
Step 3: Compare With the Chart
Match your number with the hair follicle test results levels chart.
Step 4: Understand the Result
- Below cutoff → Negative
- Above cutoff → Positive
That’s it.
Real Example (Easy to Understand)
Let’s say your report shows:
- THC level: 0.20 ng/mg
- Cutoff: 0.30 ng/mg
Result = Negative
Now another case:
- THC level: 0.50 ng/mg
- Cutoff: 0.30 ng/mg
Result = Positive
So the chart makes everything clear.
What Can Affect Your Levels?
Not everyone gets the same numbers. Here’s why:
1. Frequency of Use
- One-time use → lower levels
- Regular use → higher levels
2. Hair Growth
Hair grows at different speeds. This affects how much drug gets stored.
3. Hair Color & Type
Darker hair may hold more drug traces than lighter hair.
4. Metabolism
Your body processes drugs differently than others.
5. External Contamination
Sometimes drugs can stick to hair from the environment—but labs usually wash samples to reduce this.
How Far Back Can the Test Go?
This is important.
A hair follicle test usually detects drug use for:
Up to 90 days
Why?
Because labs test about 1.5 inches of hair, which represents roughly 3 months of growth.
Can You Pass If You Used Once?
This is one of the most common questions.
Short answer: Maybe
- One-time use may not always cross the cutoff level
- But there is no guarantee
The hair follicle test results levels chart decides, not guesses.
Even a single use can show up if the level is high enough.
Why Labs Use Cutoff Levels
Cutoff levels are there for a reason.
They help avoid false positives.
For example:
- Tiny traces → ignored
- Only significant levels → counted
This makes the test more fair and accurate.
Are Hair Tests More Accurate Than Urine Tests?
Yes, in many cases.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Test Type | Detection Time | Accuracy |
|---|---|---|
| Urine Test | 1–7 days | Medium |
| Hair Test | Up to 90 days | High |
Hair tests are harder to cheat and show long-term patterns.
Can You Cheat a Hair Follicle Test?
Let’s be real.
There are many myths online:
- Special shampoos
- Home remedies
- Detox tricks
Most of these don’t work reliably.
Labs use strong cleaning methods before testing, so surface tricks won’t help much.
The hair follicle test results levels chart is based on what’s inside the hair, not on the surface.
What Happens After a Positive Result?
If your result is positive:
- It usually goes through confirmation testing
- A Medical Review Officer (MRO) may contact you
- You may be asked about prescriptions
If there’s no valid explanation, the result stands.
Tips to Understand Your Report Better
Here are some quick tips:
- Don’t panic when you see numbers
- Focus on the cutoff level
- Compare carefully with the chart
- Ask for clarification if needed
Most confusion comes from not understanding the hair follicle test results levels chart.
Common Mistakes People Make
Avoid these:
1. Thinking Any Trace Means Positive
Not true. Cutoff levels matter.
2. Ignoring Confirmation Test
The second test is more accurate.
3. Believing Online Myths
Many “detox” tricks are fake.
4. Misreading Units
ng/mg matters—don’t confuse it with other units.
FAQs About Hair Follicle Test Results Levels Chart
How accurate is the chart?
Very accurate when used with confirmation testing.
Can secondhand smoke affect results?
Rarely. Levels are usually too low to cross cutoffs.
Does shaving your head help?
No. They can use body hair if needed.
Can medications affect results?
Yes, but valid prescriptions are reviewed.
Final Thoughts
The hair follicle test results levels chart looks confusing at first—but once you understand it, everything becomes simple.
Just remember:
- Numbers show drug levels
- Cutoffs decide the result
- Above cutoff = positive
- Below cutoff = negative
No guesswork. No mystery.
If you read your report the right way, you’ll know exactly where you stand.
