Hair Drug Testing

Hair Drug & Alcohol Testing Services Australia

TruHealth Solutions provides discreet, accurate, and legally defensible hair drug and alcohol testing services throughout Australia. With our NATA-accredited laboratories, we deliver forensic-standard testing suitable for workplaces, legal proceedings, and personal sobriety verification.


What is Hair Drug and Alcohol Testing?

Hair drug and alcohol testing is a forensic method that analyses a small hair sample to detect past substance use. Unlike urine or saliva tests, which show recent use (days), hair testing reveals a long-term history—typically up to 3 months, extendable to 6 months with longer samples. This makes it ideal for identifying patterns of drug or alcohol use over time.
In Australia, TruHealth Solutions uses NATA-accredited laboratories to ensure results meet local legal and workplace standards. From workplace compliance to child custody cases, hair testing provides a tamper-resistant solution for those needing dependable evidence.

hair testing

Detection Window – How Far Back Can a Hair Test Go?

Hair grows at an average rate of 1–1.3 cm per month. A standard 3 cm sample reflects approximately 90 days of drug or alcohol use, while a 6 cm sample can extend detection to 6 months. For longer histories (up to 12 months), segmented analysis is possible but less common due to cost and complexity.
  • Standard Test: Up to 90 days—perfect for most workplace or legal needs.
  • Extended Test: Up to 6 months—ideal for deeper investigations or sobriety proof.
  • Limitations: Very recent use (within 5-7 days) won’t appear, as hair hasn’t grown above the scalp yet.
With TruHealth Solutions, you get flexible options tailored to your timeframe, ensuring realistic expectations and precise results.

Our Hair Testing Process

We make hair testing simple, discreet, and secure. Here’s how it works:

We assist you every step of the way to integrate the EAP into your workplace seamlessly.

Sample Collection

A trained collector takes a small lock of hair from a discreet area at the back of your head. If scalp hair isn’t available, body or beard hair can be used (with lab approval). Our collectors are skilled in taking samples in a subtle and considered way, with every effort made to maintain a natural appearance and minimise any visible impact. Your comfort and privacy are always a top priority.

Laboratory Analysis

Samples are sent to our NATA-accredited labs in Australia. Using advanced techniques like GC/MS and LC/MS/MS, we screen for over 60 drugs (e.g., amphetamines, cocaine, cannabis, opiates) and alcohol markers (e.g., EtG for chronic use). Segmented testing (e.g., 0-3 cm, 3-6 cm) is available for detailed timelines.

Results & Reporting

Expect results in 7–14 business days. You’ll receive a confidential Certificate of Analysis detailing the findings. For legal or complex cases, optional toxicologist reports are available for an additional fee to provide expert interpretation. Discretion Guaranteed: Only a small, undetectable sample is needed, and results are shared only with you or the requester (e.g., employer, court). Our strict chain-of-custody ensures reliability every step of the way.

Use Cases – Who Needs a Hair Drug Test?

Hair testing shines where long-term substance history matters. Here’s when it’s the right choice:

Legal Cases
  • Child Custody: Prove sobriety in Family Court—hair tests are commonly ordered to assess parental drug use over ~3 months.
  • Criminal Law: Support parole or probation conditions with periodic checks.
  • Alcohol Monitoring: Use EtG testing to confirm abstinence in alcohol-related cases.

Court Advantage: Our NATA-accredited results are trusted by Australian courts.

 

Workplace Testing
  • Pre-Employment: Confirm an applicant’s drug-free history for safety-sensitive roles (e.g., mining, transport).
  • Post-Incident: Investigate if past drug use contributed to workplace accidents.
  • Monitoring: Verify abstinence for employees returning from rehab.

Benefit for Employers: Identify habitual users and ensure a safe, compliant workforce with legally robust results.

 

Personal Reasons
  • Sobriety Proof: Show family or healthcare providers you’ve stayed clean.
  • Pre-Job Assurance: Test yourself before an employer does.
  • Family Support: Check a loved one’s history (with consent).
For Individuals: Results stay private—shared only with you unless you specify otherwise.

Accuracy, Reliability, and Accreditation

At TruHealth Solutions, accuracy is non-negotiable. Hair testing is tamper-resistant—metabolites are locked inside the hair shaft, unaffected by washing or bleaching (though levels may slightly reduce). External contamination is ruled out by lab washing and metabolite-specific analysis.
  • NATA Accreditation: Our labs meet ISO/IEC 17025 standards, ensuring forensic-quality results recognized nationwide.
  • Court Admissibility: Strict chain-of-custody and expert reporting make our tests legally defensible.
  • Global Standards: We align with Society of Hair Testing (SoHT) guidelines for best practices.

Privacy Assured: We comply with the Australian Privacy Act, protecting your data and results.

Hair Testing vs. Other Methods

 
Method
Detection Window
Invasiveness
Tamper Risk
Ideal Use
Hair Testing
Up to 3-6 months
Non-invasive (haircut)
Nearly impossible
Long-term patterns
Urine Testing
1-3 days (most drugs)
Moderate (urine)
Higher (adulterants)
Recent use, random checks
Saliva Testing
12-48 hours
Non-invasive (swab)
Moderate
Immediate impairment
Why Hair? It’s the gold standard for historical use, offering unmatched reliability.


Frequently Asked Questions

How much hair is needed for a drug test?

Just a small, pencil-width section from a discreet area, our collectors are trained to minimise any visible impact.

Can I avoid a hair test by shaving my head?

No, shaving your head won’t prevent a hair test. If scalp hair isn’t available, body or beard hair can be used instead (with lab approval). However, body hair samples are generally not recommended for drug and alcohol testing, as body hair tends to grow at a significantly slower rate than scalp hair. This slower growth can result in test outcomes that reflect a much older period of substance use, potentially leading to results that are not aligned with the intended detection window.

Does hair colour or bleaching affect results?

Normal treatments won’t erase evidence—metabolites remain detectable inside the hair.

How long do results take?

Typically 7-14 business days.

Can a hair test detect one-time use?

Yes, if within the detection window, though it’s optimised for patterns, not isolated incidents.

What drugs are tested?
Over 60 substances, including amphetamines, cocaine, cannabis, opiates, and alcohol markers (EtG).
Truhealth

Why Choose TruHealth Solutions for Hair Testing?

  • Experience: Years of providing trusted hair testing across Australia.
  • Nationwide Reach: On-site or off-site collection, wherever you are.
  • Fast Turnaround: Results in as little as 10 days.
  • Expert Support: Optional toxicologist reports for legal or complex cases.
  • Discreet Service: Minimal sample, maximum privacy.
TruHealth Solutions combines cutting-edge technology with a client-first approach, ensuring you get reliable answers—fast.

Contact Us for Hair Testing Today

Ready to book a hair drug or alcohol test? Whether it’s for workplace safety, legal proceedings, or personal assurance, TruHealth Solutions is here to help. Contact us for a quote or to schedule your discreet, NATA-accredited test.