How We Collect Hair for Drug, Alcohol & Steroid Testing at Hair Testing Analysis
If you’ve never undergone a hair drug or alcohol test before, it’s natural to wonder what the collection process actually involves. At Hair Testing Analysis, our hair collection procedure is straightforward, dignified, and minimally invasive — while meeting the rigorous chain of custody standards required for court-admissible results in Australia. Here’s exactly what to expect.
What Is Hair Collection for Drug Testing?
Hair collection for drug testing is the process of cutting a small sample of hair — typically from the crown of the head — close to the scalp. The collected hair is then sent to an accredited forensic laboratory, where it is analysed for the presence of drugs, alcohol, or steroids.
The process is non-invasive, requires no needles or blood, and takes approximately 15-20 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step: How Hair Testing Analysis Collects Your Sample
Step 1 — Book Your Appointment
You can book online at hairtestinganalysis.com.au or call us on (03) 9380 5434. Same-day appointments are usually available at our Brunswick West, Melbourne clinic.
Step 2 — Identity Verification
Before any hair is collected, we verify your identity using a government-issued photo ID — either a driver's licence or passport. This step is required by chain of custody protocols and cannot be skipped. Without valid ID, we are unable to proceed.
Step 3 — Paperwork
You'll complete the required documentation at this stage. Bring your reading glasses if you use them. This forms part of the legal chain of custody record.
Step 4 — Hair Collection
A small amount of hair is carefully trimmed close to the scalp, almost always from the crown of the head. A valid sample requires approximately 120 strands, weighing around 100 milligrams — roughly the diameter of a shoelace tip. The amount removed is small, and our team cuts strategically to minimise any visible change to your appearance.
Step 5 — Tamper-Evident Sealing
Immediately after collection, the sample is sealed in tamper-evident packaging with security labels and barcodes. Both you and the collector sign or initial the sealed package. A custody and control form (CCF) is completed, giving your sample a unique identifier that tracks it from our clinic to the forensic laboratory.
Step 6 — Laboratory Analysis
Once sealed, the sample is hand-delivered by our staff directly to HASTA — a NATA-accredited forensic laboratory — where technicians verify the tamper-evident seals, formally log the chain of custody, and commence analysis using high-resolution mass spectrometry.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hair Collection
How much hair is needed for a drug test?
Approximately 120 strands of hair are required, which equates to around 100 milligrams in weight — similar in thickness to a shoelace tip. This is collected as a small, discreet cut from the crown of the head.
How long does hair need to be for a drug test?
For drug and steroid testing, hair needs to be at least 1 to 3 centimetres long. For alcohol (EtG) testing, the Society of Hair Testing (SoHT) recommends a minimum of 3 centimetres, as shorter samples can be difficult to interpret reliably, particularly in legal contexts.
Where is the hair cut from?
Hair is taken from the crown of the head in almost all cases. This location provides the most consistent growth rate and the most accurate retrospective timeline. Our team takes care to cut in a way that minimises visible impact on your appearance.
Can body hair be used if I don't have enough head hair?
Yes. If head hair is unavailable or too short, body hair — such as underarm, beard, chest, arm, leg, or pubic hair — can be used as an alternative. Approximately two full tablespoons of body hair are needed. However, body hair timelines are less precise than head hair, as body hair has a much higher proportion of dormant follicles, meaning each centimetre can represent up to four months of exposure rather than one. Head hair is always preferred, especially for legal matters.
Does hair collection hurt?
No. The process involves trimming hair with scissors close to the scalp. There are no needles, no blood, no pulling on the hair follicle hence no physical discomfort.
How long does the appointment take?
Allow 15 to 20 minutes for your appointment from arrival to departure.
What do I need to bring?
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s licence or passport), your payment (or payment details if someone else is covering the cost), and reading glasses if you use them.
Can I have my hair collected by my GP instead of attending your clinic?
Yes. If you are interstate or unable to attend our Melbourne clinic, we can mail a hair collection kit directly to your General Practitioner (GP), who acts as the official collector. To preserve the integrity of the chain of custody, the GP must not have a personal relationship with you — such as being a family friend or relative. Please note that the kit carries an additional cost. While this option provides flexibility for those who cannot travel, attending our clinic in person is always recommended wherever possible, as it ensures the most accurate collection and the most straightforward chain of custody process.
How soon after taking a drug can it be detected in hair?
Substances generally become detectable in head hair approximately 8 to 14 days after ingestion. This delay reflects the time it takes for newly formed hair — containing the substance — to grow above the scalp surface where it can be collected. It’s important to note that hair growth rates vary from person to person, typically ranging between 0.7 cm and 1.5 cm per month, so this figure is an estimate and should not be relied upon as an absolute measure of time.
How far back does a hair drug test go?
A 3 cm segment of head hair typically reflects approximately three months of substance use history, based on an average head hair growth rate of around 1 cm per month. A 6 cm sample extends this window to approximately six months. Individual growth rates vary between 0.7 cm and 1.5 cm per month, so timelines are estimates rather than exact dates.
Is the hair collection process confidential?
Yes. Your privacy is our highest priority. Every appointment is conducted in a judgement-free, confidential environment. Results are sent directly to you by email and are not shared with any third party without your explicit written consent, or unless required by law.
What Happens to Your Hair After Collection?
Once your hair is sealed and documented, it is transported to HASTA — a NATA-accredited laboratory (ISO/IEC 17025) — where it is analysed using Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). This gold-standard method can detect over 95 drugs and metabolites, 42 steroids, and alcohol markers (EtG) in a single run, with sensitivity down to 1 picogram per milligram.
Results are typically returned within 5 to 7 business days from receipt of the sample at the laboratory. If you require faster turnaround, an expedited testing option is available (additional fees apply; not available after 5 pm on weekdays or on weekends and public holidays).
Remote Hair Collection: Options for Interstate and International Clients
If you are located outside Melbourne, Hair Testing Analysis can facilitate hair collection through a remote kit sent to your GP.
This service is available to clients anywhere in Australia and internationally. The kit includes all necessary documentation, tamper-evident packaging, and step-by-step instructions to ensure the chain of custody is maintained from collection through to laboratory receipt.
To order a remote collection kit, visit our online store or call (03) 9380 5434.
Book Your Hair Collection Appointment Today
Hair Testing Analysis is located at 4/68 Melville Road, Brunswick West VIC 3055. We are open Monday to Friday 9am–7pm and Saturday 9am–12pm. Same-day appointments are available.
Call: (03) 9380 5434 Book online
Results are delivered within 5 to 7 business days. All testing is conducted through our NATA-accredited laboratory using court-admissible chain of custody protocols.
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