Court-Ordered Hair Testing FAQs

Will I have a bald spot?

1

No — you will not have a bald spot. We trim a small amount of hair from underneath the crown area so it blends naturally with the surrounding hair. (Think Highlights) There is no shaving involved, and most people cannot tell testing was done.


How much hair is cut?

2

We typically cut about 1.5 inches of hair, roughly the width of a pencil. For larger panels (10–20 panel tests), the lab requires a specific weight, so we trim a little extra and weigh it on-site to meet the requirement.


Do they pull it from the root?

3

No. The hair is not pulled out. It is simply cut as close to the scalp as possible using sanitized scissors, which makes the process quick and comfortable.


Can I dye my hair before testing?

4

The laboratory prefers that hair has not been recently dyed, bleached, or heavily chemically treated. If your hair has been processed, just let us know during collection so we can properly document it.


What if my hair is short?

5

If scalp hair is shorter than about 1.5 inches, body hair may be used instead. Body hair is acceptable for many court and employer situations, although the detection window is longer.


How Long does it detect drugs?

6

Hair testing typically looks back up to 90 days. It shows patterns of use over time rather than just very recent drug use. If body hair is used, the window is closer to a 12 months.


What panels are available?

7

Hair follicle testing is available in 5, 10, 15, and 20-panel options depending on what needs to be screened. Expanded panels can include additional substances when required for court or employer testing.


Ready to schedule your court-ordered hair follicle test in Amarillo?

Call Lucky Labs today