Influence of the Cosmetic Treatment of Hair on Drug Testing

April 1997 in “ International journal of legal medicine ”

Carmen Jurado, Pascal Kintz, Manuel Menéndez, M. Repetto

hair bleaching hair dyeing cocaine opiates cannabinoids nicotine hair damage bleaching dyeing

TLDR Cosmetic hair treatments like bleaching and dyeing reduce drug levels in hair samples.

The study investigated the impact of cosmetic hair treatments, such as bleaching and dyeing, on drug concentrations in hair samples. Hair samples from individuals who had undergone these treatments were analyzed for cocaine, opiates, cannabinoids, and nicotine. The results showed that drug content in treated hair decreased compared to untreated hair, with mean differences ranging from 30% to over 60%, depending on the drug and the extent of hair damage. Bleaching caused greater decreases than dyeing, and more damaged hair exhibited larger differences in drug concentration levels.

View this study on link.springer.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

2 / 2 results

research Stability of Opiates in Hair Fibers After Exposure to Cosmetic Treatment

63 citations, August 1996 in “Forensic Science International”

Cosmetic treatments like bleaching and perming can greatly reduce opiate levels in hair, possibly leading to false-negative drug tests.

research Ultrastructural Alterations and Environmental Exposure Influence the Opiate Concentrations in Hair of Drug Addicts

33 citations, June 1995 in “International journal of legal medicine”

Environmental factors can greatly reduce drug levels in hair.

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 1000+ results

community Hair transplant result, hair+confidence back 👍

in Progress Pictures 295 upvotes 2 years ago

A user who got a hair transplant and gave their experience with it, including how the donor area recovered quickly and the potential risks of getting a hair transplant at a young age. Other users discussed bleaching and dyeing transplanted hair, as well as asking about the clinic where the procedure was done.

community 4 months min 2x daily fin 1x feeling reallll good about it

in Progress Pictures 336 upvotes 2 years ago

A user's progress with treating their hair loss by using Minoxidil twice daily and finasteride once daily, as well as suggestions to add microneedling and avoid tying the hair back.

community 2 months back on Fin/Min after stopping treatment for 2 years. First pic is a bit deceptive because I had a 1mm buzzcut and lighting right above me, but it's definitely filling back in.

in Progress Pictures 406 upvotes 6 months ago

A user shared progress pictures showing significant hair regrowth after two months back on finasteride and minoxidil, following a two-year break. The user also mentioned experimenting with hair dye and considering growing their hair for an undercut.

community 22 | ~34 Months Finasteride Update

in Progress Pictures 821 upvotes 4 months ago

A user shared their 34-month update on using finasteride for hair loss, noting they maintained regrowth even after stopping minoxidil a year ago. Other users shared similar experiences and expressed admiration for the results.

community 2 years of oral fin, dut twice a week, one year of oral min, one month of pyripure - what do we think

in Is this regrowth? 30 upvotes 6 months ago

The user has been using oral finasteride and minoxidil nightly, dutasteride twice a week, microneedling weekly, and pyripure nightly since April. They are seeking opinions on their hair regrowth progress, noting no slick bald areas but some miniaturized blonde hairs.

community 3 month update: Fin 1mg 1/day, Minox 5% 1ml 2X/day, 1% keto 2X/wk, Demaroll .50mm 1x/wk

in Progress Pictures 91 upvotes 1 year ago

The user "Matryxv" shared their progress with hair loss, using finasteride, minoxidil, ketoconazole, dermarolling, and other treatments. They achieved significant hair regrowth in a short amount of time, surprising both themselves and other users.

Related Research

1 / 1 results

research Influence of the Cosmetic Treatment of Hair on Drug Testing

157 citations, April 1997 in “International journal of legal medicine”

Cosmetic hair treatments like bleaching and dyeing reduce drug levels in hair samples.